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.<\/p>\n
Dr. Katie Lockwood, a primary care pediatrician, said retinol can damage the skin’s protective layer.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Lockwood said over-the-counter retinol products are considered cosmetics and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n
Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinoids found in acne medications are regulated.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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