Retinol Before and After: Real Results, Effects, and What You Can Expect

Do you want to know how retinol really works? What you can expect before and after? And whether the side effects are worth it?

In this comprehensive guide you will learn everything about the effects of retinol, realistic before-and-after results for wrinkles and acne, the timeline to visible results – and why some women switch to a plant-based alternative that delivers the same results without the side effects.

What is retinol and how does it work?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and one of the best-researched anti-aging agents. The effects of retinol are based on several mechanisms [1] :

This is how retinol works on the skin:

• Accelerated cell renewal: The effect of retinol shortens the skin cycle from 28 to 14-21 days.
• Collagen stimulation: The effect of retinol on the skin promotes collagen production in the dermis.
• Collagen degradation inhibition: Matrix metalloproteinases are blocked.
• Pigment regulation: Vitamin A's effect on the skin normalizes melanin production.
• Sebum regulation: Particularly important for the effectiveness of retinol serum in treating acne.

The effects of vitamin A on the skin are well-documented scientifically. Studies show significant improvements in wrinkles, age spots, and acne [2] .

Retinol Before and After: The Realistic Timeline

When can you expect to see before and after results from retinol? Here's the honest timeline:

Retinol Before and After Pictures: What they show (and what they don't)

When you see retinol before and after pictures online, keep in mind: most show results after 6-12 months. The skin's retinol before and after transformation takes time – and the difficult initial phase is rarely shown.

Retinol's effects on the skin: What exactly happens?

The effects of retinol on the skin are complex. Here are the scientific details:

Retinol Serum Effects at the Cellular Level

When you apply a retinol serum, the retinol is converted in the skin to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid (tretinoin). Only in this form does retinol develop its full effect [3] :

• Epidermis: The retinol skin effect accelerates cell division, old cells are shed more quickly.
• Dermis: Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce more collagen and elastin.
• Basement membrane: The effects of vitamin A on the skin strengthen the connection between the epidermis and dermis.

Retinol Cream Effect vs. Retinol Serum Effect

The effects of retinol cream are often milder than those of a serum. This is due to the formulation:

• Retinol serum: Higher concentration, faster effect, more side effects
• Retinol cream: Lower concentration, gentler effect, more suitable for sensitive skin

Retinol Acne Before and After: Special effect on blemishes

The retinol acne before and after results are often impressive – but the path to get there is not easy.

Vitamin A acid for acne: How it works

Vitamin A acid works on several levels in acne [4] :

• Regulates sebum production
• Prevents pores from becoming clogged
• Promotes the shedding of dead skin cells
• It has a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Retinol Acne Before and After Timeline:

The initial phase of acne is particularly difficult. Retinol acne before and after development:

• Weeks 1-6: Often MORE pimples (purging) – clogged pores come to the surface
• Weeks 6-12: Slow improvement
• Months 3-6: Clear before-and-after differences visible in retinol acne

Retinol Wrinkle Before and After: Anti-Aging Results

The before and after results of retinol wrinkle treatment are the main reason why so many women use retinol.

What the research shows:

A study in the Archives of Dermatology showed after 24 weeks [5] :

• Significant reduction of fine lines
• Improved skin structure and elasticity
• Reduction of pigment spots
• Refinement of the pore structure

Tretinoin Before and After vs. Retinol Before and After

Tretinoin (prescription only) is more potent than retinol. Tretinoin before-and-after results appear faster, but tretinoin side effects are also more intense [6] .

Retinol side effects: The downside of its effects

Retinol side effects are the reason many women give up. Here is the complete list:

Typical side effects of retinol:

• Skin peeling: The most common retinol side effect
• Redness and irritation: Especially in the first few weeks
• Dryness: The skin loses moisture
• Burning and tingling: During application
• Initial worsening: How long does the initial skin worsening typically last? 4-8 weeks.

Retinol side effects eyes

Special caution regarding retinol side effects on the eyes: The eye area is more sensitive. Retinol can cause the following there:

• Severe dryness under the eyes
• Irritations and redness are caused
• It makes the skin age faster there (paradoxical!)

Isotretinoin / Accutane side effects (prescription only)

With oral retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane, Aknenormin), the side effects are significantly stronger:

• Isotretinoin side effects: Dry skin and lips, nosebleeds, joint pain
• Long-term effects of isotretinoin: Possible liver damage and psychological effects are being discussed.
• Accutane side effects / Aknenormin side effects: Identical to Isotretinoin
• Retinoid side effects: Generally dry mucous membranes, photosensitivity
• Retinoid tablet side effects: Systemic effect on the whole body

Vitamin A effects: The overall picture

Retinol is just one form of vitamin A. To understand the effects of vitamin A, it helps to look at the entire vitamin A family:

How vitamin A works in the skin

Vitamin A's mechanism of action is based on binding to specific receptors (RAR and RXR) in skin cells [7] . The effects of vitamin A on the skin include:

• Gene regulation for cell renewal
• Activation of collagen synthesis
• Normalization of keratinization

Retinal effect vs. Retinol effect

Retinal is more potent than retinol because it only requires one conversion step to the active retinoic acid. The effects of retinal creams are felt more quickly, but so are the side effects.

Bakuchiol Effects: The Plant-Based Alternative

More and more women are discovering bakuchiol as an alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol has a similar effect, but without the typical side effects [8] .

Bakuchiol Serum Effects:

• Stimulates collagen production
• Promotes cell renewal
• Antioxidant effect
• No light sensitivity

Bakuchiol Before and After Results

Studies show that bakuchiol before-and-after results are comparable to retinol – with significantly better tolerability. Bakuchiol side effects are minimal.

Bakuchiol side effects:

• Very rare: Mild irritation in very sensitive skin
• No peeling
• No initial worsening of symptoms
• No light sensitivity

Retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

An important topic: Retinol during pregnancy and retinol during breastfeeding.

Why retinol is contraindicated during pregnancy:

Vitamin A derivatives can be teratogenic – meaning they can cause birth defects. Therefore:

• Retinol during pregnancy: Absolutely forbidden
• Retinol during breastfeeding: Not recommended
• Tretinoin, isotretinoin: Strictly contraindicated

Safe alternatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Bakuchiol
• Biden's Pilosa
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid

The alternative: Retinol before and after results without side effects

What if you could have the effects of retinol – without the retinol side effects?

Bidens pilosa makes this possible. The plant-based active ingredient activates similar signaling pathways to retinol, but without overtaxing the skin [9] .

Bidens Pilosa vs. Retinol: A comparison of effects

Our solution: SheCARE Retinol Alternative

We have developed three products with Bidens Pilosa – for retinol before and after results without the side effects:

Retinol Alternative Serum

The highly concentrated anti-aging serum. Retinol serum effect without retinol side effects.
€79.90 | 30 ml

Retinol Alternative Eye Serum

Specifically formulated for the eye area. No retinol side effects for the eyes.
€59.90 | 15 ml

Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

Your daily moisturizer. Retinol cream effect – gentle and effective.
€79.90 | 50 ml

All products are COSMOS natural certified, vegan and also suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Who is the retinol alternative suitable for?

The SheCARE Retinol alternative is perfect for you if you:

• You want before and after results from retinol, but you have sensitive skin.
• you don't want to accept the side effects of retinol
• are pregnant or breastfeeding (retinol is contraindicated during pregnancy)
• Have you experienced retinol side effects in your eyes?
• You don't have time for the long retinol adjustment phase.
• Are you looking for a natural alternative with a similar effect to retinol?

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effect of retinol on the skin?

The effects of retinol on the skin are based on accelerated cell renewal and collagen stimulation. Retinol binds to receptors in the skin and activates genes responsible for skin renewal. The effects of retinol on the skin are evident in finer pores, fewer wrinkles, and a more even complexion.

When will I see before and after results from retinol?

Initial retinol before-and-after results are visible after 4-8 weeks. For significant wrinkle reduction and retinol acne before-and-after results, you should plan for 12-24 weeks. The full retinol wrinkle before-and-after results often only become apparent after 6-12 months.

What are typical retinol side effects?

Typical retinol side effects include peeling, redness, dryness, and increased photosensitivity. Eye side effects such as eye irritation can also occur. These retinol side effects are usually most pronounced in the first 4-8 weeks.

How does the effect of bakuchiol differ from that of retinol?

Bakuchiol's effects are similar to retinol – collagen stimulation and anti-aging – but without the typical side effects. Before and after results with bakuchiol show comparable improvements, but without peeling or redness. Side effects from bakuchiol are rare.

Is retinol allowed during pregnancy?

No, retinol is contraindicated during pregnancy. Vitamin A derivatives can harm the unborn child. Retinol should also be avoided while breastfeeding. Plant-based alternatives such as Bidens pilosa are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What is the difference between tretinoin and retinol?

Tretinoin is the active form of vitamin A and requires a prescription. Retinol must first be converted to tretinoin in the skin. Tretinoin before-and-after results are visible more quickly, but tretinoin side effects are also more pronounced. The effects of tretinoin are more intense than those of retinol.

How does vitamin A affect the skin?

The effects of vitamin A on the skin are evident in improved cell renewal, collagen production, and pigment regulation. These effects include anti-aging, acne treatment, and improved skin texture. The efficacy of vitamin A is well-documented scientifically.

Is there a retinol alternative without side effects?

Yes, Bidens pilosa is a plant-based alternative with similar effects to retinol – but without side effects such as peeling, redness, or photosensitivity. Unlike retinol, there is no initial worsening of symptoms, and it is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Conclusion: Retinol before and after – is it worth it?

The effectiveness of retinol is undeniable. Retinol before-and-after pictures show impressive results in treating wrinkles, acne, and skin texture. But the path to achieving these results is too arduous for many women.

Retinol side effects, initial worsening of symptoms lasting for weeks, restrictions during pregnancy and breastfeeding – these are real hurdles. And not every skin type tolerates the effects of vitamin A.

With Bidens Pilosa, you can achieve comparable retinol before-and-after results – without the downsides. No retinol side effects, no retinol eye side effects, and no need to discontinue use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

This is skincare that fits your life.

→ Discover the Retinol Alternative Serum now

Sources

[1] Mukherjee, S. et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging , 1(4), 327-348. PubMed

[2] Kafi, R. et al. (2007). Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol). Archives of Dermatology , 143(5), 606-612. PubMed

[3] Fisher, GJ et al. (1996). Molecular basis of sun-induced premature skin aging and retinoid antagonism. Nature , 379(6563), 335-339. PubMed

[4] Thielitz, A. & Gollnick, H. (2008). Topical retinoids in acne vulgaris. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology , 9(6), 369-381. PubMed

[5] Kafi, R. et al. (2007). Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol). Archives of Dermatology , 143(5), 606-612. PubMed

[6] Creidi, P. et al. (1998). Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 39(6), 960-965. PubMed

[7] Fisher, GJ & Voorhees, JJ (1996). Molecular mechanisms of retinoid actions in skin. FASEB Journal , 10(9), 1002-1013. PubMed

[8] Dhaliwal, S. et al. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology , 180(2), 289-296. PubMed

[9] Bartolome, AP et al. (2013). Bidens pilosa L.: A review of its traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 149(3), 601-619. PubMed