Retinol side effects, known as the "retinization process," often include initial dryness, redness, peeling, itching, and breakouts as skin adjusts, but these usually subside as your skin builds tolerance; increased sun sensitivity and potential irritation, stinging, or even swelling are also common, requiring diligent sun protection and moisturization, while severe reactions warrant stopping use.
Retinol Can Have Side Effects
Among the most common are dryness, peeling, redness, and discomfort. Usually, these retinol side effects are temporary and resolve once your skin gets used to the retinol product you're using (this phenomenon even has its own name: the retinization period).
💅✨ Retinoids are not just for your skin; they can also work wonders for your nails by regulating cell turnover and minimizing breakage. While nail hardeners often contain various forms of retinoids, such as retinol palmitate--the gentlest type--you can easily use the retinol you already have at home.
Can you use retinol, anti-aging or anti-acne skin care products when you have facial seborrhea? Yes, when your seborrheic dermatitis is in remission, you may be able to tolerate some of the more difficult-to-use skin care products, like anti-aging products.
No, retinol is generally not considered safe during pregnancy because it's a vitamin A derivative, and high levels of vitamin A are linked to birth defects and miscarriage, with even topical use posing a risk as it can absorb into the bloodstream. Healthcare providers recommend avoiding all retinoids, including retinol, while pregnant, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding, advising alternatives like hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, and niacinamide for skincare.
Don't panic if you accidentally used retinol while pregnant. “It's likely just fine,” Sodha says. But it's safest to stop using retinol during pregnancy going forward.
How often can you use retinol? Since retinol can irritate your skin, it's best to start slow. After a patch test, you might use a product once every few days, and then gradually ramp up to once or twice per day.
The Retinol 1-2-3 Method is a gradual skin-adapting technique for beginners: use retinol once a week for the first week, twice a week for the second week, and three times a week for the third week, then work up to every other night or nightly as your skin tolerates it, minimizing irritation and building tolerance to the active ingredient. This "low and slow" approach helps avoid dryness, redness, and peeling (retinization) by letting skin adjust before increasing frequency.
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
🔥 Retinol Tips: If you are starting off with a retinol, make sure not to use it around your mouth because this area is the “kiss of death”. Your skin will get irritated and flaky, and although you may feel smooth in the short term —inflammation is the worst thing that you can do to your skin in the long run.
Brittle, cracked nails
Brittle nails that break or crack easily can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. Low iron, biotin, and calcium levels can weaken nails and make them softer.
Typically, doctors do not prescribe retinoids to people with eczema, as this medication can aggravate eczema symptoms. However, certain prescription retinoids, such as alitretinoin and acitretin, may help treat severe eczema that is unresponsive to other treatments.
Lighter tones help to brighten the hands and create a more youthful appearance. Sheer and Natural Finishes: Consider using sheer or natural finishes, like a sheer pink or a clear coat. These finishes enhance the natural beauty of your nails and hands, giving them a fresh and youthful glow.
Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and irritation, doctors often recommend using them only every other day at first and then gradually working up to nightly applications. Wear a sunscreen during the day because retinoids increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
Topical application of retinoids often causes severe local irritation manifested as burning sensation, pruritus, erythema, peeling, or dryness (5), which is commonly termed “retinoid dermatitis.” Retinoids also cause severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, and inflammatory back pain when used systemically ...
Retinoids, in particularly oral retinoids, can have rare but serious side effects. There is a potential link between anxiety, depression, anger, mood changes and retinoid use.
Koreans view skincare as a disciplined investment rather than a quick fix. This cultural emphasis on regular skincare maintenance is reflected in the diligent use of skincare products and routines over the years, contributing significantly to fewer wrinkles and healthier skin.
The ingredient that works up to 11 times faster than retinol is Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde), a more direct form of Vitamin A that requires fewer conversion steps in the skin to become active retinoic acid, leading to quicker anti-aging and skin-smoothing results, making it ideal for experienced users.
Explore expert-approved lotions and potions that are the next best thing to an in-office treatment.
Retinol: Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your face. If you're new to retinol, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
“It has no fragrance, is dye-free and restores the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss. This moisturizer quenches extra-dry skin, relieves intense dryness and leaves the skin looking smooth, which is excellent for those using retinol,” he says.
Basically, your skin is purging the dead skin and bacteria which can temporarily trigger problems like acne, flaking, peeling, and more. The retinol uglies are the definition of it gets worse before it gets better. People with sensitive and/or dry skin experience worse retinol uglies for longer.
As it is a very powerful ingredient, retinol can be used in the eye contour area, although with care, using only specific products for the eye contour area.
Should you use retinol on your neck and chest? Park says yes -- but with caution. "Retinol, bakuchiol and peptides can help reduce fine lines and improve texture, but because the neck is delicate, it's best to start slowly to avoid irritation," Park said.