PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Retinol products have become a fixture in skin care videos on social media, but a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrician says the popular products may do more harm than good for young skin.
Dr. Katie Lockwood, a primary care pediatrician, said retinol can damage the skin’s protective layer.
“What it can do is thin that outer protective layer of skin. And that can increase things like redness, burning, itching, and sun sensitivity-which makes them more likely to get a sunburn and also have photoaging,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood said over-the-counter retinol products are considered cosmetics and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinoids found in acne medications are regulated.
“We do use retinoids in kids, which can be confusing because some people think, ‘Well, if my doctor or dermatologist or pediatrician is prescribing a topical retinoid for acne, then why not just use the over-the-counter version?’ But those aren’t necessarily doing the same thing, and they’re not used for the same reason,” Lockwood said.
She added that there is limited research on the long-term effects of retinol use in young people because the products were not intended for young skin.
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