Retinoids are natural and synthetic analogues of vitamin A, an essential nutrient of the human body. Retinoids are divided into four generations due to their structural features, but the biological activity within the generations is the same. Retinoids spend most of their effect binding to steroid / thyroid superfamily nuclear receptors. There are two types of receptors they act on - RAR and RXR. Upon entering the cell and nucleus, retinoids promote biological effects upon binding to a particular receptor isoform which induces conformational changes in the genome and leads to enhanced expression or inhibition of gene transcription. They can also exert their non-genomic effect by activating the kinase cascade, which leads to posttransnal changes in intracellular proteins. The genomic effect on transcription leads to various effects on the organism, and in particular affects keratinocytes and hyperpigmentation. Due to this effect, they are indicated for the treatment of hyperkeratotic dermatological changes in the skin and hyperpigmentation disorders. They are used to treat acne, psoriasis, ichthyosis, changes associated with photoaging (wrinkles, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), Darier's disease and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The physiological effect of retinoids leads to the normalization of the differentiation of keratinization and epithelialization of the epidermis, normalize the increased proliferation of keratinocytes and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, in certain conditions, they may have antitumor activity by stimulating the apoptosis of procarcinogenic keratinocytes. The most common systemic side effects of orally administered retinoids include teratogenicity, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and mucosal dryness. Women of childbearing potential should be informed of the teratogenic effects of systemically administered retinoids. It is necessary to apply an appropriate contraceptive regimen during therapy. Topical application may cause pruritus, redness, erythema and flaking of the skin at the site of application. Patients are recommended to use SPF factor creams correctly during the use of therapy in order to reduce side effects.