Retinoids are among the most well-studied ingredients in skincare for supporting the appearance of smoother texture and fewer visible fine lines, which makes them a common question during a GLP-1 journey, when many people are paying closer attention to skin quality. But retinoids also call for a little care. They take a gradual approach, they always need daytime sun protection, and some people should avoid them entirely. Here's a plain-English guide to what retinoids are, how they support your skin's appearance, how to start without irritation, and who should skip them.
What are retinoids?
"Retinoid" is an umbrella term for a family of Vitamin A-based ingredients. You'll see several forms on labels, and they sit on a spectrum from gentle to strong. Retinyl esters (like retinyl palmitate) and retinol are cosmetic-strength and widely available, while prescription forms like tretinoin are stronger and provided by a clinician. They work in related ways, but they differ in intensity and in how quickly skin tends to adjust to them.
Why retinoids come up during a GLP-1 journey
During a period of body transformation, some people notice changes in how their skin looks, whether in texture, fine lines, or overall smoothness. Retinoids are one of the ingredients most consistently associated with supporting the appearance of those exact qualities, which is why they come up so often. To be clear, this is about supporting how skin looks, not treating a medical condition, and experiences vary from person to person.
What retinoids can support
Used consistently, retinoids can support the appearance of:
- Smoother, more refined-looking texture
- Fewer visible fine lines
- A more even-looking surface
They work gradually, over weeks of consistent use rather than overnight, so patience matters more than intensity.
How to start retinoids without irritation
The most common mistake is going too hard too fast. A gentle on-ramp helps your skin adjust:
- Ease in. If your skin is sensitive to retinoids, start a few nights a week (or every other night) and build up as tolerated rather than going straight to daily.
- Buffer with moisturizer. Applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer after your retinoid can make it more comfortable. Some tightness can be normal, especially if you skip moisturizer.
- Don't push through irritation. If you notice itching, burning, or significant redness, reduce frequency. Discomfort isn't a sign that it's working; it's a sign to slow down.
- Keep the rest of the routine simple while your skin adjusts: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF.
The non-negotiables
A few rules matter with any retinoid:
- Always wear SPF 30 or higher during the day. Sun protection is especially important when using retinoids. Apply it over your daytime routine.
- Don't combine multiple retinoids. Using more than one topical retinoid at a time, or stacking it with other strong actives, can irritate skin without added benefit, unless a professional advises it.
- Apply to clean, intact skin. Avoid broken or irritated skin, and avoid the delicate area directly around the eyes.
Who should avoid retinoids
Retinoids aren't right for everyone. You should avoid Vitamin A-based topicals if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Consult your physician before using any topical product containing retinoic acid or Vitamin A derivatives. Also avoid them if you have a known allergy to Vitamin A or any product ingredient, and check with a provider first if you have a known Vitamin A sensitivity or are using prescription skincare. If you're getting in-office procedures such as peels, lasers, or microneedling, talk to your provider about timing before, during, and after.
Pairing retinoids with other ingredients
Keeping your routine simple is usually best, but a few pairings are generally compatible from a non-prescription skincare perspective. Retinoids can typically be used alongside vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. That said, combining several strong actives at once isn't automatically better, and it's wise to check with a professional before layering multiple actives or adding anything prescription-grade.
Where DermaReverse fits
DermaReverse is Aforé's cosmetic topical serum, and it includes Vitamin A-based ingredients (retinol and retinyl palmitate), so all of the retinoid guidance above applies: twice-daily use with SPF 30 or higher during the day, a gentler on-ramp if your skin is sensitive, and no use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's designed to support the appearance of firmness, hydration, texture, radiance, and overall skin quality during a GLP-1 journey. In a blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face clinical study of women using GLP-1 or SGLT-2-related therapies, published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the side treated with DermaReverse showed statistically significant visible improvement compared with placebo across the measured Global Ranking Scale domains, with improvement apparent by Day 21 and additional improvement by Day 42. No adverse events were reported. Individual results may vary. For the fundamentals, see our GLP-1 skincare routine guide and the skin-quality glossary.
Explore DermaReverse · Read the clinical study
Frequently asked questions
Can I use retinol while on a GLP-1?
Retinoids are a common part of skincare routines and can support the appearance of texture and fine lines. As with anyone, start gradually if your skin is sensitive, always use SPF during the day, and avoid them if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. For questions about your medication, speak with your prescribing clinician.
Are retinoids safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Topical Vitamin A derivatives, including retinol and retinoic acid, are generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, refrain from using them and consult your physician.
How do I start retinoids without irritation?
Ease in a few nights a week and build up as tolerated, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer afterward, and reduce frequency if you notice itching, burning, or significant redness. Discomfort is a sign to slow down, not push through.
Can I use retinoids with vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid?
These are generally compatible from a non-prescription skincare perspective. Keep your routine simple, avoid stacking too many strong actives at once, and check with a professional before combining multiple actives or anything prescription-grade.
Do I need sunscreen when using retinoids?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is especially important when using retinoids. Apply it over your daytime routine, and reapply as directed on the sunscreen label.
References
- Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392–397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
- VanBuren CA, Everts HB. Vitamin A in Skin and Hair: An Update. Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2952. doi:10.3390/nu14142952
- Semersky A, Pryor S, Barwood-Parent C, Lee M, Copeland K, Few J. A Single-Center, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating Cosmetic Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Topical GLPSGLT in Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analog-Treated Patients. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2025;7:ojaf030. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojaf030
Disclaimer: Aforé and DermaReverse are independent and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or approved by the makers of any GLP-1 medication. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here only to describe the topics discussed. This article discusses cosmetic, appearance-level skincare, and nothing on this page implies that any medication causes a disease or medical condition. Aforé content is for general educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Aforé products are cosmetic topical skincare products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not use products containing Vitamin A derivatives without consulting your physician. Individual results may vary.