Retinol has many skin-clearing and antiaging benefits. Retinol increases the thickness and elasticity of your skin, slows the production of melanin, reduces inflammation and prevents clogged pores.
Using a retinol (or retinoid) increases your skin's susceptibility to sun damage: wrinkles, age spots, broken capillaries, etc. If you start using this type of product, and your sun protection game is not on point, you will only accelerate your skin's ageing.
This is because retinol increases skin cell turnover causing dryness, peeling, and irritation of the skin. These effects may have a layering or texturizing impact that causes the skin to appear fine-lined and wrinkled, creepy, or aged in appearance temporarily. Why Does This Happen?
This varies, but you can expect the purge to last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you're seeing results for longer than 3 months, you might want to consult your GP or dermatologist. But first, be sure your skin concerns are definitely related to retinol…
Retinoids minimize the appearance of wrinkles, bolster skin's thickness and elasticity, slow the breakdown of collagen (which helps keep skin firm), and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure.
Retinoids work at a cellular level to normalize skin turnover, bringing all the impurities clogging your pores to the surface. This combination of increased cell turnover and pore unclogging can lead to temporary breakouts as everything surfaces at once.
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.
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.
For some people, stopping retinol abruptly may not lead to serious changes, but it's always best to consult a dermatology provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances. However, there is a chance your more obvious signs of aging may return after discontinuing retinol.
The Wrinkle Worsening Myth
Here's the tea: Retinol does NOT make your wrinkles worse. But (and it's a big but), it can sometimes make your skin look worse before it gets better. When you first start using retinol, it's literally speeding up the process of cell turnover.
SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
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).
If you stop using retinol, will your wrinkles come back? Yes the wrinkles will come back, but not right away. When you stop using retinol for wrinkles, your skin will eventually go back to the way it was before you began retinol. But- the good news is- you will get a sustained benefit for months after stopping retinol.
Retinol is often hailed as a miracle ingredient for its numerous benefits on the skin, but this popularity has also given rise to many myths. Notably, there is a belief that retinol accelerates skin ageing. But what is the truth? Practically no.
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.
Retinol burns heal on their own over 1 to 2 weeks, typically. But Dr. Robinson cautioned, “For people with sensitive skin or underlying conditions, like eczema, it may take a little longer.” If you develop a retinol burn, stop using retinol products until your skin heals.
It can take time for your skin to get used to a retinoid. Start by applying it once or twice a week, and always at night. As your skin adjusts, you can work your way up to using it nightly. If your skin gets red, dry, or flaky, you may be moving too fast.
In addition to increased acne types like whiteheads and blackheads, Dr. Hartman says that new retinoid users may also experience redness, peeling, and general skin irritation, "especially on the areas of the face where the skin is the thinnest, like around the nose and mouth."
Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!
In light of this, using your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night is a simple and easy way to ensure that these ingredients won't interfere with one another. Applying your products at opposite ends of the day means your skin will be at its regular pH level for each application.
Choosing between peptides and retinol depends on your skincare goals, skin type, and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more gradual approach, peptides might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking faster and more dramatic results, retinol could be your go-to option.