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.
It's unlikely you'll experience retinol side effects long-term. However, retinol can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it's important to apply sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Despite improvements, retinols remain a powerful substance with real side effects. With retinol usage, dryness, itching, burning, flaking, peeling, and redness are a real possibility, especially for those who already suffer from sensitive skin.
You can absolutely use retinol every day if you're not experiencing irritation. People only say to use retinol a few times a week to minimize irritation, but if your skin is very tolerant of it and you're not having any issues, there's no reason as to why you couldn't use it every day.
According to the new guidelines, EU regulators have put a blanket restriction on all skincare products containing more than 0.3 per cent retinol and bodycare products containing 0.05 per cent retinol. Starting from 1 November 2025, new products that do not adhere to those restrictions cannot enter the EU market.
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.
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 ...
Bakuchiol is known as a natural retinol alternative because it's been clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness, brighten skin and improve skin tone and texture. It's so gentle on the skin that you can use it day or night without irritation.
Yes, moisturizing after using a retinol cream is generally recommended. Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin.
As retinol stimulates the flaking of old skin cells, you might experience dryness and skin flaking, particularly in areas where you're prone to dryness. This shedding is a natural part of the renewal process, but it's crucial to maintain a proper skincare routine and protect the skin with adequate UV protection.
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.
Potential for Skin Dryness: Retinol users often experience dryness, flakiness, or peeling as a common side effect. Upon cessation of retinol, your skin may undergo a period of adjustment, leading to temporary dryness or irritation.
Retinol is a powerful tool against aging skin and acne, but it's not for everyone. If you're prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you might want to try skincare products with alternative antiaging or skin-clearing ingredients.
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.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while hydrating and firming the skin. Peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, making them an excellent alternative to retinol.
CeraVe's retinol products are gentle enough to use every day. Whether you're wondering how to use retinol for acne, or looking to add an anti-aging serum to your skincare routine, or minimize the look of hyperpigmentation, we have a retinol formula just for you.
Best anti-aging serum overall
Medik8's Crystal Retinal Serum's hero ingredient is retinaldehyde, which fights wrinkles and fine lines quicker than other commonly used retinols, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.