Can retinol damage your skin? If you use retinol, you'll sunburn more easily, which can damage your skin. Using high doses of retinol may also be associated with the development of skin cancer. Be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight (with clothing and hats) while you use retinol products.
With repeated use, retinol products begin to thin out your skin and will eventually make you more susceptible to UVA rays. If you're not wearing adequate SPF all the time, with passing years you'll have more melasma, more discoloration... Plus, they can be way too harsh on the skin, even if you don't feel the redness.
Skin discoloration, swelling, or acne flare-ups are common side effects of prolonged, high-dosage retinol use. Using too often or a dosage too strong for your skin can cause peeling and excessive dryness, which can eventually lead to skin thinning.
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Watch Out for Harsh Side Effects
Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when you're first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if you're experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, it's best to shy away from retinol altogether.
Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.
This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.
It's a common misconception that retinol can thin or damage your skin. In reality, over time, retinol can help thicken the skin (which is one of the reasons it's such a great anti-aging ingredient). It can also help strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, which is essential for healthy-looking skin.
Many studies show that retinoids improve acne and wrinkles- but what happens to the skin when you stop using retinol? The short answer is- you will get a short-term benefit after stopping retinol but eventually your skin will return back to baseline (how it was before you began retinol).
Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...
You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.
If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.
As you enter your mid- to late 20s, your skin's natural cell turnover begins to slow down, which is when early signs of aging may start to appear. This is an ideal time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine, even if you're not yet seeing visible signs of aging.
Retinol can help improve the skin's firmness, which may help the skin appear “tighter.” However, topical medications (including retinol) can only treat the outer layers of the skin; they cannot address loose or sagging skin due to age-related changes in the underlying support structure of the face.
Do you have to use retinol forever once you start? If you are using it correctly, where you are balancing getting an effect with minimizing irritation and dryness, then there is really no reason to stop (with the exception of during pregnancy).
This rapid cell turnover helps to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and aging, but it can also lead to flaking, since your skin is shedding dead cells faster than it is used to, causing some cells to build up or peel from the surface.
“If you get too dry or red or peeling or irritated from retinol, simply take a break for two to three nights, moisturize only, and then resume using it. Our skin will typically get used to the products over time.”
Retinol Banned in The E.U. Legislation to limit Retinol concentrations in over-the-counter skincare and body care throughout Europe was slated to go into effect at the end of 2023. However, the actual adoption will now be in June 2024, with a grace period of 18-36 months to allow the countries in the E.U.
Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.
Because retinoids can be very irritating to the skin if not used properly. The higher the strength, the more skin irritation (redness and peeling), the lower the strength, the less skin irritation.