Though the retinization phase can make retinoids a bit trickier to use if you have dry skin, you don't have to skip this skincare hero altogether. The key is to gradually ease into using it and be mindful of your skin's reaction.
Why Is Retinol Drying at First? Retinol promotes cell turnover, which is part of what makes it so effective but also what may lead to flaky and dry skin, says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Preston Dermatology + Skin Surgery in Cary, North Carolina.
Retinol is safe for sensitive skin. People with sensitive or dry skin should start with a lower retinol dosage, such as 0.25 %, and gradually increase it. Apply retinol 2-3 times a week to build tolerance.
You should apply retinol to dry skin
Dampness can affect the absorption of retinol through the skin and result in irritation, explains dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara to StyleCaster. Moisturizers and serums work best on damp skin to seal in moisture, but not retinol.
Skin Flaking or Peeling (Also Called “Retinol Peeling”)
The most common complaint people share when they start using retinol is that for some people, it causes their facial skin to peel or flake.
Discontinue use if you have negative side effects after a few weeks of use and contact your physician to help reassess your skin type and find a solution that will protect your skin barrier . Consider using moisturizing and soothing topical skin care products with retinol to counteract its negative side effects.
Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
La Roche-Posay's Retinol B3 is a great option for dry skin thanks to its inclusion of vitamin B3—also known as niacinamide—which can help to keep moisture in the skin barrier.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
You lose a layer of protection.
"Many of the most effective skin care ingredients like retinoids, salicyclic acid, and benzoyl peroxide tend to be very drying," says Dr. Bowe. So when you don't follow them up with moisturizer, you risk uncomfortable side effects like red, peeling skin.
For peeling skin related to retinoids, it is important to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. Externally, utilizing a thick emollient over the retinoid will help with peeling skin. Emollients are essentially moisturizers that soothe and soften the skin, treating dry and peeling or flaky skin.
To apply a serum with retinol correctly, smooth it onto clean skin after you cleanse and before your moisturizer. Your serum will have a thinner consistency than your moisturizer, which is what determines the application order.
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.
Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks.
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.
Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.
So if you start using retinol every day out of the gate, you can end up with some painful inflammation and a damaged skin barrier, negating any potential positives. One way to avoid that irritation is to start slow, explains Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.
What should a person use between hyaluronic acid or retinol? Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production.
At night we might be using night creams that contain actives such as retinol which are not recommended to be used in the morning so it is essential to wash your face in the morning to remove those residual creams/serum.
Owing to its potency, retinol products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Hence, always apply it at night. “In the morning, make sure you follow up your skincare routine with a face wash, vitamin C serum, under eye cream, moisturiser and then a sunscreen,” advises Dr.
While there's no right or wrong age to begin using retinol, most dermatologists recommend fitting it into your skin care routine during your 20s. The reason? "The production of collagen fibers starts to decline in our 20s," explains Dr. Allison Arthur, MD, FAAD, at Sand Lake Dermatology Center.
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.