How do I calm my skin after retinol irritation?

Author: Roger Dibbert  |  Last update: Monday, April 28, 2025

How can you soothe a retinol burn?
  1. Use a cold compress. A cool compress can help soothe pain, burning, and itching. ...
  2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Moisturize liberally while you wait for your skin to heal. ...
  3. Slather on the sunscreen. ...
  4. Talk to a dermatologist or primary care provider.

How do you calm down retinol purge?

If you are experiencing skin purging after applying Retinol to your face — these are some tips you can follow to get past purging — more quickly.
  1. Make sure to moisturize well to strengthen the skin barrier. ...
  2. Don't forget to apply sunscreen. ...
  3. Don't quite just quit. ...
  4. Avoid using harsh skincare products.

How do you treat retinol damaged skin?

Focus on hydration and barrier repair

To heal retinol burn fast, reduce skin irritation by avoiding harsh skincare products and applying gentle, soothing moisturisers. Keeping the skin hydrated and protected from the sun's ageing rays. There is urgent need to protect skin from Ultraviolet (UVA) radiation.

What does a bad reaction to retinol look like?

Serious side effects of Retinol

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

How do you soothe retinol uglies?

How to Treat the Retinol Uglies Without Making Things Worse
  1. Simplify Your Skincare (For Now) ...
  2. Apply Cold or Ice to Painful Areas. ...
  3. Use Soothing, Cleansing Remedies. ...
  4. Stay Away from Exfoliants. ...
  5. Seek Advice from a Dermatologist.

How I heal my Skin Barrier in 1 WEEK~! my skincare routine for irritated skin 😮‍💨

How to get rid of allergic reaction on face quickly?

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care approaches:
  1. Avoid the irritant or allergen. ...
  2. Apply an anti-itch cream or ointment. ...
  3. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  4. Apply cool, wet compresses. ...
  5. Protect your skin. ...
  6. Soak in a soothing cool bath. ...
  7. Protect your hands.

What neutralizes retinol?

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients on the market. However, using benzoyl peroxide and retinol (this includes prescription-strength tretinoin) in the same routine is counterproductive as the two ingredients neutralize each other, decreasing their effectiveness.

How do I know if retinol is damaging my skin?

Initial skin irritation, dryness, and sensitivity are common when using retinol products for the first time. If you continue to notice these effects on your skin after the first few weeks of use, it's a good idea to discuss this with your doctor or dermatologist [3].

What to put on face after retinol?

Let the retinol settle for about 20 minutes. Lightly mist your face with water, then immediately apply the hyaluronic acid. (Hyaluronic acid should always be applied to damp skin.)

How long does retinol burn last?

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.

What does a retinol purge look like?

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.

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

How do you soothe retinol purge?

Use creams with lactic acid to moisturise and gently exfoliate along with mild glycolic acid creams to remove dead skin layer. Recommendation: Sanfe spotlite cream. The derma Co 4% urea moisturising cream.

What is the best moisturizer for retinol irritation?

Dermatologist-approved moisturizers to pair with prescription retinoids
  • Neutrogena. ...
  • Neutrogena. ...
  • SkinCeutical. ...
  • Belif. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. ...
  • Belif. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb. ...
  • Aveeno. Aveeno Sheer Hydration Lotion. ...
  • Vanicream. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion. ...
  • Avène. Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream.

Can you put Aquaphor over retinol?

Mic drop 🎤 petroleum jelly (such as vaseline or aquaphor) over retinol can lead to increased side effects from the retinol (irritation!) @dr. tomassian #dermatologist #retinol #skincare.

How to get rid of retinol rash?

Stop using the product until all of the irritation resolves. Moisturize the skin with a thin coat of Vaseline daily until the irritation resolves. You can use a gentle moisturizing cream, but Vaseline is safer and works better. An alternative is Aquaphor Ointment.

Why is retinol banned in Europe?

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.

How long do retinol uglies last?

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.

What ingredient cancels out retinol?

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

What cancels out retinoids?

Nichols says. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate the retinoid molecule, so if you want to reap all the benefits of the anti-aging ingredient that we mentioned earlier, it's best to avoid using both at the same time.

How do you calm down a face reaction?

7 Tips to Calm and Soothe Irritated Skin
  1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine. Start by simplifying your skincare routine. ...
  2. Keep Your Skin Cool. ...
  3. Hydrate Your Skin. ...
  4. Use Gentle Cleansers. ...
  5. Protect Your Skin from the Sun. ...
  6. Incorporate Facial Oils. ...
  7. Seek the Help of a Dermatologist.

What is the most powerful natural antihistamine?

Quercetin is considered one of the most powerful natural antihistamines. It's a plant flavonoid found in foods like apples, onions, and berries, and helps reduce allergy symptoms by stabilizing the cells that release histamine in the body.

How can I get instant relief from skin allergy?

Whether you use a cold compress, cool showers, or a damp cloth, cold water can provide instant relief by reducing swelling, skin allergy itching, and slowing the progression of a rash. The antimicrobial properties of lemon may aid in the control of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which cause inflammatory acne.

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