Contrary to some beliefs, retinol is perfectly safe to use on your skin.
First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.
Using any form of retinol makes your skin more prone to sunburn. Sun damage combined with retinol burn is a recipe for redness or discoloration, inflammation, and more.
Again, there is no definitive evidence that topical retinoids lead to cancer or reproductive toxicity, but the evidence we do have is pretty much on par with that of parabens.
A report in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology concluded that retinoids are “suitable as long-term medications, with no risk of inducing bacterial resistance.” Another study tested the safety of tretinoin cream over 52 weeks and found no problems.
Who should skip retinol? “Retinols can be a beneficial addition for most skin types, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all approach,” Panzica says. Board certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD, notes that “people with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea cannot tolerate really strong topicals like retinols.”
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Known as “nature's retinol,” bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from bakuchi plant seeds and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This antioxidant-rich ingredient shares the same collagen-growth and cell-turnover benefits as synthetic retinol without any skin irritation.
Retinol significantly decreased both hormone levels, however retinoic acid decreased the progesterone level only. In the second part of the experiments adolescent rats (in the 6th and 7th week after birth) were treated and measured similar to the newborns.
Do the results last if you stop using retinol? Yes, but most dermatologists say you'll want to resume using it for optimal results. "Retinols help turn back the clock. If you have to stop them (for example while pregnant), your skin is still better from the time you were using them," explains Dr.
Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface.
Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s
"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."
The application process of both products is fairly similar, but the main difference in how to use retinol vs vitamin C is the best time of day to apply them. “While vitamin C is best in the morning, retinol can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so it's best at night,” says Dr.
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
Retinol is a gentler derivative of vitamin A and can be found in lots of over-the-counter skin care products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, eye creams). Because retinol is milder, the enzymes in our skin must first convert it into retinoic acid. Once it's been converted, then it will be become effective.
The same goes for rosehip oil, another ingredient that claims to rival retinol. “The amount of vitamin A found in most rosehip oils won't be enough to have the same effect on your skin as retinol,” says Dr. Gohara.
“Retinol is a phenomenal and effective ingredient, but it's not for everyone, as it has been known to cause some skin sensitivity and dryness, and isn't recommended for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding,” she explains.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
Just keep in mind that your age affects what treatments are most effective for you. While people in their 20s and 30s might benefit from sun protection and light serums, those in their 40s may reach for a retinol. However, more mature women might benefit from in-office cosmetic dermatology treatments.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.