What Happens If You Stop Using Retinol?
Retinol and retinoids are widely recognized in skincare for their powerful benefits. They treat both acne and aging skin effectively.
Numerous studies confirm that retinoids improve acne severity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But a common question is: what happens to your skin when you stop using retinol?
The Short Answer: Your Skin Returns to Baseline
Once you stop using retinol, your skin will initially retain some benefits, but eventually, it will return to its original state before you began treatment.
The important point is that retinol does not cause lasting damage when discontinued. It simply loses its effect over time.
What Happens When You Stop Using Retinol for Acne?
Although retinol is not officially approved by the FDA specifically for acne treatment, it is commonly used as a mild retinoid to manage and improve acne.
It is often the stepping stone before moving to prescription-strength retinoids prescribed by dermatologists.
If you discontinue retinol and do not start a stronger prescription retinoid, your skin will lose the acne-preventive effects.
Consequently, acne breakouts or pimples may reappear as the retinol is no longer regulating skin cell turnover or unclogging pores.
How Long Does It Take to Lose Retinol’s Benefits for Acne?
Your skin undergoes a natural renewal process called the skin cell cycle.
It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for new skin cells to form at the base of the epidermis and rise to the surface, where they eventually shed.
This means it can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks after stopping retinol before acne returns.
Many patients stop using retinoids after their skin clears up, only to find that pimples come back several weeks later. This stop-and-start cycle is common but not recommended for managing acne long term.
Why Consistency Matters When Using Retinol for Acne
Retinoids prevent future acne by promoting consistent skin cell turnover and unclogging pores. However, they don’t act quickly enough to clear up existing pimples immediately.
If you stop using retinol, acne tends to come and go unpredictably. Keeping a consistent retinol routine helps maintain clearer skin and avoids flare-ups caused by irregular treatment.
What Happens When You Stop Using Retinol for Wrinkles?
Retinol is renowned for its anti-aging properties. It boosts collagen production and accelerates skin turnover, improving fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture.
When you stop using retinol, the wrinkles don’t suddenly worsen. The anti-aging benefits persist for some time.
However, over months, without ongoing retinol use, your skin will gradually revert to its prior condition before starting the treatment.
How Long Do Retinol’s Anti-Aging Benefits Last After Stopping?
Research shows that the improvements in skin texture and wrinkle reduction remain for at least two months after stopping retinol.
A notable study from 1990 examined subjects who used tretinoin, a potent retinoid. When they stopped the product, their skin continued to show fewer wrinkles for two months.
Maintaining Your Results: What Science Tells Us
Another important study in 1997 divided participants who had used tretinoin for nearly a year into three groups post-treatment:
One group stopped using retinoids completely and lost the benefits within six months.
Another group used tretinoin once weekly and maintained some improvement.
The last group applied tretinoin three times a week and preserved the most benefits.
This suggests that retinoids work best with regular use but even occasional applications can prolong positive results.
Why Retinol Only Works if You Use It Regularly
Retinol works by accelerating the natural shedding of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, vital for skin repair and youthfulness.
Stopping retinol slows down these processes. Your skin resumes its natural aging cycle and acne cycle, losing the enhancements gained from retinol use.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Stop Using Retinoids?
Eventually, your skin will revert to its original state. The speed of this reversal depends on:
The potency of the retinoid you used
The duration of your retinoid use
Other products in your skincare routine
Your skin’s genetic type and sensitivity
Do You Have to Use Retinol Forever?
The good news is you don’t have to use retinol forever. However, if your goal is to slow the signs of aging, consistent long-term use is most effective.
Retinol remains one of the top scientifically supported ingredients for anti-aging skincare.
Tips to Get the Best Results with Retinol
Use retinol at night because it can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Apply retinol after cleansing and before moisturizing to allow proper absorption.
Begin slowly by using it 2-3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated.
Always wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Avoid harsh scrubs or irritating products while on retinol to prevent over-drying.
What If You Need to Stop Retinol Temporarily?
If irritation or dryness forces you to pause retinol use, your skin will maintain some benefits for a short time.
Once your skin calms down, you can safely restart retinol without losing your progress.
If the break lasts longer, the benefits will gradually diminish, but retinol can still be reintroduced effectively.
Can Other Products Help When You Stop Retinol?
Absolutely. Ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreen support skin health and appearance.
However, none fully replace retinol’s unique ability to promote cell turnover and collagen synthesis.
Final Thoughts
When you stop using retinol, your skin will eventually return to its previous condition. Acne may reappear about 4-6 weeks later, and wrinkles will slowly come back over several months.
Retinol is safe and highly effective when used correctly. The best results come from consistent, long-term use.
Bonus: How to Find the Best Retinol for Your Skin Type
Retinol products vary widely in strength and formulation. Using the right retinol suited to your skin type is key for optimal results.
Consider taking a skin quiz, like the Baumann Skin Type Quiz, to discover the ideal retinol and skincare routine personalized for your skin.
