Retinol Called Making Skin Thin? This Is An Expert Explanation

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JAKARTA - Retinol is an active ingredient that is now increasingly popular in skincare. Retinol is known for its ability to overcome various skin problems, ranging from acne to signs of aging.

However, retinol usage is still a debate because it is said to make the skin thin. The assumption that retinol can thinn the skin comes from early side effects during use, when the skin is still in adjustment.

In that phase, the skin will appear peeling, reddening, or feeling more sensitive. However, it turns out to be not a sign of damage or thinning, but shows that retinol is starting to work well on the skin.

The dermatologist, Dr. Maria Rambhabia said that retinol works by increasing cell change and exfoliation. This makes the skin smoother, but not thinning.

Retinol increases cell change and exfoliation, so that the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) looks smoother. But this doesn't mean the skin becomes thinner detrimentally, quite the opposite," Rambhabia said, quoted from the Huffington Post, on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The exfoliation carried out by retinol is also not like exfoliation in general. Exfoliation with retinol not only removes dead skin cells, but also works to penetrate the surface of the skin.

"Exfoliation is like sweeping the terrace, only lifting dead skin cells on the surface for temporary subtle effects. Retinol actually penetrates deeper, accelerating the process of natural updates from within," he explained.

Not only that, the use of retinol also helps stimulate collagen production, namely protein is important to keep the skin strong and elastic. Retinol also inhibits the decline of collagen, which usually occurs with age.

"Retinol also helps hinder the decline of collagen by stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen, maintain skin thickness, fatigue, and overall health," he concluded.