What is topical retinol?

Retinol has a number of effects. It helps to exfoliate the skin, both at the surface

and in the pores. That's how it often helps with acne. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Retinol is an ingredient used in lots of anti-aging creams, as well as some acne creams.

It's a vitamin A derivative, just like Retin-A or tretinoin or tazarotene, also called Tazorac,

are in the prescription area. The vitamin A derivatives that are prescription agents

tend to be a little more irritating than the ones that are over-the-counter.

Retinol has a number of effects. It helps to exfoliate the skin, both at the surface and in the pores.

That's how it often helps with acne. It also has direct effects to improve pigmentation--

some of those dark spots you get from the sun over time-- and on the collagen of the skin to make it healthier and less

sun damaged. Overall, retinol is a great ingredient

to have in your anti-aging regimen unless you are pregnant or breastfeeding, in which case you should avoid it during that time.