“Retinoids clear acne and reduce wrinkles.”
Topical retinoids are a first-line acne treatment and can reduce fine wrinkles over several months, though they do not erase deep wrinkles.
A retinoid is one of the best-supported skin products for acne and fine wrinkles. Expect slow gains over months, with some dryness and peeling at first; using more does not work faster.
Start with a small amount on the whole face a few nights a week, use a moisturizer and daily sunscreen, and use it more often only as your skin tolerates it.
Safety note: Retinoids can irritate skin and worsen eczema or rosacea, so avoid stacking several harsh products at once. People who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should get product-specific medical advice and generally avoid topical retinoids during pregnancy.
Talk to a healthcare professional if: your acne is painful, scarring or not improving, irritation is severe, you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, or you are unsure about combining a retinoid with prescriptions or procedures.
The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology acne guideline strongly recommends topical retinoids based on many randomized trials, and a network analysis of 23 trials found retinoids and retinol improved signs of sun-related skin aging. It is Mostly true rather than True because results build slowly, deep wrinkles are not erased, and over-the-counter retinol is weaker than prescription retinoids.
Topical retinoids are a first-line acne treatment and can reduce fine wrinkles over several months, though they do not erase deep wrinkles. Over-the-counter retinol is weaker and less standardized than adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene or trifarotene.
Retinoids work by helping prevent clogged pores and by improving skin texture and uneven color over time. Irritation is the most common reason people stop, so the most useful product is one that matches the goal and can be used consistently. Retinoids do not replace sun protection.
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017. PMID:38300170
- Lin L, Chen X, Liu C, et al. Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2025;15:26889. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-12597-0