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CHOP pediatrician warns teens against over-the-counter retinol skin care
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CHOP pediatrician warns teens against over-the-counter retinol skin care
ByChristie Ileto
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 9:49PM
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
Dr. Katie Lockwood, a primary care pediatrician, said retinol can damage the skin’s protective layer
“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
Lockwood said over-the-counter retinol products are considered cosmetics and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration
Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinoids found in acne medications are regulated
“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
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
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