Should teens be using retinol?

Exploring the risks of retinol serum 😬

Let's explore something that your teen may have been asking you to buy them lately: retinol.

There's been quite a lot of buzz around retinol serum and retinol cream on social media recently, and while it might seem like a magic solution for skin struggles, there are some reasons why you might want to think twice before adding it to your teen's skincare routine.

So let's explore the impacts of retinol skincare, with the help of Dr. Simon Tso – NHS Consultant Dermatologist and luna's resident skin expert.

And for more, check out luna's guide to navigating TikTok skincare trends.

Before we dive in – what actually is retinol? 

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, and it works by boosting collagens and elastic fibres in the skin, and speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process (shedding of skin). 

It’s said that retinol serum and retinol cream can help with things like…

• acne
• wrinkles
• hyperpigmentation

That sounds great – so why shouldn’t teens use it?

First off, retinol can be pretty intense, especially for young, delicate skin and those with eczema. 

If used when it’s not needed, it can cause…

• dryness
• redness
• sun sensitivity
• chemical burns

Plus, if your teen is dealing with acne, it can actually make things worse before it gets better so it’s not something to let them try lightly!

Teen skin is much more delicate

Here's the thing – teen skin is still changing and growing, so adding powerful ingredients like retinol into the mix might just disrupt that natural process and cause more harm than good in the long run.

What can parents/carers buy their teens instead?

Instead of going for retinol, focus on buying them gentle, nourishing skincare products that support their skin's natural barrier and help it gradually.

A simple, 3-step routine is best:

• hydrating cleanser twice a day
• lightweight moisturiser twice a day
• SPF 30 or more in the morning and reapplying throughout the day

Explore the best teen skincare routine – a medical guide for detailed advice on how to support their skin effectively.

It's important to remind your teen or tween that there's no rush to achieve perfect skin overnight, so it's best that they keep things simple and give their skin the care it deserves without resorting to harsh ingredients like retinol, unless recommended by a healthcare professional like your GP or a dermatologist. 

Why not support your teen with luna premium?

Our app, luna, has dedicated advice on this topic which can help them feel more empowered through adolescence.

You can think of luna as a modern, digital approach to wellbeing – it’s cost-effective, verified by doctors and safeguarding experts, and has a direct line into the biggest concerns facing teens today – so it’s actually addressing what they need advice on, when they need it.

If you’ve been looking for an antidote to the misinformation and negativity shared on social media or forums, you can get luna for your teen via our luna premium page for the price of a coffee each month or manage their subscription by downloading luna yourself and signing up as a parent (it's "we are luna" in app stores).