What Is Retinol? Effects on the Skin and How to Use It

28. 07. 2026

KINGRAY ACADEMY · SKIN AND SKINCARE · ARTICLE 03

What is retinol: effects on skin and how to use it

Retinol is a form of vitamin A also used in cosmetics. Your choice depends on the specific product, its instructions and how well your skin tolerates it.

Author: Ing. František Kokoš · Updated: 13 October 2026

Basic skincare terminology
Term	Meaning
Retinoids	A broader group of substances related to vitamin A.
Retinol	One of the substances in this group, used in cosmetics.
Retinal / retinaldehyde	Another form used in cosmetic products.
Tretinoin and other medicinal retinoids	Substances used in dermatological treatment, with their own indications and instructions.

A retinol cream and a medicinal retinoid are not automatically interchangeable. Research on one substance does not establish the same effect for every cosmetic product.

Source: DermNet – Topical retinoids.

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What is retinol used for?

In cosmetic skincare, it is used for uneven skin tone and texture, pigmentation irregularities and fine lines. However, it is not an essential part of every routine.

Significant acne, scarring or unexplained skin changes warrant a dermatological assessment. Choosing cosmetics does not replace identifying the cause of a skin concern.

Source: AAD – Retinoid or retinol?.

Visible changes are assessed over weeks to months. A single application or a specific number of days does not guarantee results.

Source: Cleveland Clinic – Retinol.

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How do you start using retinol?

Choose one product. Start with a gentler formulation and follow the instructions.
Introduce it gradually. Starting every other evening is one recommended approach; sensitive skin needs an individual approach.
Add moisturising care. Do not increase the frequency until your skin tolerates the product well.
Protect your skin from the sun during the day. Protection includes shade, clothing and sunscreen.

Source: AAD – introducing retinoids gradually.

You can initially test a small amount on a small area of skin. Follow the specific product's instructions for the amount, application area and layering order.

Source: Cleveland Clinic – using retinol.

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What can you combine with retinol?

A practical guide to combinations
Ingredient or product	How to approach the combination
Moisturiser / hyaluronic acid	They can support the moisturising part of your routine.
Vitamin C	Introduce separately; one option is vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Glycolic or salicylic acid	Together, they may cause more irritation. Consider alternating applications according to tolerance.
Another retinol product	Start with one to avoid unnecessary layering.

Source: Cleveland Clinic – combinations and tolerance.

04 · Hyaluronic acid →↑ Back to contents

When should you slow down or avoid retinol?

Retinoids can cause dryness, redness and peeling, and may worsen eczema. Significant irritation is not a skincare goal. If problems persist, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.

Source: DermNet – limitations and adverse effects.

Do not use retinol or other retinoids during pregnancy. If your skin is very red, inflamed or highly sensitive, discuss suitability with a dermatologist first.

Source: AAD – suitability of retinoids.

When planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss use with a healthcare professional.

Source: Cleveland Clinic – pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Retinol in cosmetics and vitamin A in supplements

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient with roles in vision and immune function, among others. Supplements may contain different forms. Excess intake of preformed vitamin A can be harmful, so do not combine multiple supplements without checking their ingredients.

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin A.

The method of use matters: a cream is applied to the skin, while a food supplement is taken orally. The effects of cosmetic retinol cannot be attributed to a drink simply because its name includes “Retinol”.

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How do you make an informed choice?

Before buying, answer three questions: what skin concern do you want to address, what do you already use, and which products do you tolerate well? Then read the ingredients and instructions. A marketing name alone does not explain the whole product.

Start with your skin's needs02 · Ageing and skincare at every age.Explore specific cosmetics08 · Collagen Deluxe day and night creams.

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What did the Swedish Nutra Retinol Cream studies show?

SWEDISH NUTRA · STUDY EVIDENCE

Swedish Nutra Retinol Cream is a cosmetic night cream with retinol, niacinamide and vitamin E. In 2026, the manufacturer summarised the results of two independent UK studies: the instrumental study AN3914 and the consumer study AN2332.

AN3914 · VISIA®Instrumental measurement · 8 weeks16 women were enrolled, 14 had baseline imaging and 12 completed the eight-week measurement. The study was open-label, non-randomised and not placebo-controlled, under dermatological supervision.

AN2332 · consumer studyHome use · 4 weeks80 women were enrolled and 75 completed four weeks. The results represent participants' subjective self-assessments, rather than instrumental clinical measurements.

Strongest instrumentally measured result: pigmented spots

After eight weeks, VISIA® imaging recorded a statistically significant reduction in the number of brown pigmented spots (p < 0.05). The mean fell from 198.0 to 190.9, a reduction of approximately 3.6%, and 9 of the 12 participants had fewer of these spots at the end of the study.

An important limit to the findings: of all eight VISIA® parameters, only brown pigmented spots reached statistical significance. No instrumental improvement in wrinkles was demonstrated. Results for redness, texture, porphyrins and UV spots were not statistically significant; pores remained practically unchanged.

Expand all 8 VISIA® parameters

Parameter	Change in mean	Result
Brown pigmented spots	−3.6%	p < 0.05 · significant
Spots	−4.0%	p = 0.07 · just above the significance threshold
Redness	−10.6%	not significant
Texture	−4.7%	not significant
Porphyrins	−4.6%	not significant
UV spots	−0.8%	not significant
Pores	+0.2%	unchanged
Wrinkles	+12.8%	no instrumentally measured improvement

What did users report after 4 weeks?

In the AN2332 consumer study, after four weeks, 93% of participants reported smoother skin, 92% better-hydrated skin, 87% a brighter appearance and 84% a more even tone. 80% subjectively reported that lines and wrinkles looked smoother or less noticeable.

Consumer percentages ≠ clinically measured effects. These are participants' questionnaire responses during home use. They cannot be described as clinically proven, instrumentally measured or placebo-controlled results.

Expand: safety in both studies

No serious adverse events were reported in the studies. In AN3914, one mild event was considered unlikely to be related to the product. In AN2332, one participant experienced local redness after a patch test and did not continue; the reaction was considered probably related to the tested product. After four weeks, 99% of respondents said they had not experienced irritation during use.

What we do not claim from the study: the study did not demonstrate an instrumentally measured reduction in wrinkles. It was not randomised, blinded or placebo-controlled. The results apply to the tested Swedish Nutra Retinol Cream formulation and cannot automatically be extended to every product containing retinol.

Source document: Swedish Nutra AB, Retinol Cream – Clinical & Consumer Study Summary, ref. SN-RC-2025, Version 2.0, September 2026; studies AN3914 and AN2332.

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Frequently asked questions

Is retinol a form of vitamin A?

Yes. This article focuses on its use in cosmetics.

Do I have to start with daily application?

No. Introduce it gradually, following the instructions and your skin's tolerance.

Is heavy peeling evidence of a better result?

No. Significant or persistent irritation needs attention; it should not be considered a goal.

Does a collagen drink replace a retinol cream?

No. They are different products with different methods of use.

Did the Swedish Nutra Retinol Cream study demonstrate a reduction in wrinkles?

Not through instrumental measurement. Study AN3914 found a statistically significant reduction in brown pigmented spots. In the consumer study, some users subjectively reported smoother-looking lines and wrinkles, but this is not a clinically measured result.

Where can I find a comparison of Collagen Deluxe creams?

In article 08 of the shared menu, about retinol cosmetics with collagen.

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