How to recover from retinol burn?

Author: Lavonne Huel  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

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.

How long does it take for retinol burns to heal?

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.

How do you repair skin after retinol damage?

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.

Does irritation from retinol go away?

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. At first, you might experience redness, itching or burning, but these symptoms go away as your skin gets used to the treatment.

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.

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

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.

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 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.

How to treat vitamin C burn on face?

If Vitamin C burned your face, you need to take special care of your skin to prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Here are steps to take if your skin is irritated from Vitamin C serum: Cleanse with a soothing cleanser. Apply a moisturizer with soothing ingredients.

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 do you reverse 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.

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.

What to put on a chemical burn on the face?

Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it. You may cover the burn with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a non-stick bandage.

Can I put vaseline over tretinoin?

Generally speaking, let tretinoin absorb and fully dry before applying moisturizer.

Does hydrocortisone help with retinol burn?

You can use a gentle moisturizing cream, but Vaseline is safer and works better. An alternative is Aquaphor Ointment. You can use 1% hydrocortisone OINTMENT (no prescription needed) twice a day for one week then once a day for one week if needed. Do not use near the eyes.

Will my face go back to normal after allergic reaction?

Allergic reaction symptoms will begin to lessen once a person ceases contact with the allergen. In most cases, symptoms will occur within minutes of exposure and will typically resolve within a few hours, if not quicker.

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 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.

How does retinol burn look like?

"Retinol burn looks like red, scaly, itchy skin in lighter skin tones or brown/purple scaly patches in melanin-rich skin tones," says Dr. Naana Boakye, a board-certified dermatologist. Skin that is inflamed, sore to the touch, and/or shedding are other indicators of this condition.

How to fix peeling skin from retinol?

To manage peeling from retinol:
  1. Moisturize Regularly: Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to alleviate dryness and support the skin barrier. ​
  2. Adjust Application Frequency: Reduce the frequency of retinol application to allow your skin to adapt gradually. ​

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.

How do you survive retinol purge?

  1. Know that it's common. It's hardly glamorous, but “purging” is a natural part of the retinol process. ...
  2. Start low and slow. AND WEAR SPF. ...
  3. Be gentle on the skincare. Being gentle might mean you have to step down in other areas of your skincare. ...
  4. Leave the spots alone.

Does retinol irritation go away?

Retinol newbies often experience redness, peeling, or irritation in the beginning, regardless of whether or not their skin breaks out. That's due to the cellular stimulation. Once skin acclimates to the new ingredient, those side effects will also disappear.

What does the tretinoin purge look like?

Many tretinoin users experience a “purge” during the first several weeks of treatment. During this period, acne — the very problem tretinoin is supposed to treat — often gets worse, resulting in everything from the occasional whitehead to severe breakouts.

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