You should always discontinue your use of retinol if your physician instructs you to. Your physician may also recommend that you slow down your use of retinol or use it at a lower concentration depending on your skin type and skin concerns.
If you stop using a retinol, you'll lose the superficial changes. You'll also begin losing collagen/gaining wrinkles again at a ``normal'' speed, but you won't suddenly re-gain all the wrinkles you didn't develop.
Do you have to use retinol forever once you start? If you are using it correctly, where you are balancing getting an effect with minimizing irritation and dryness, then there is really no reason to stop (with the exception of during pregnancy).
Retinol can cause a side effect called a retinol burn. Retinol burns can cause skin redness, irritation, and flaking. But it's not an allergy. You should stop using retinol if you develop a retinol burn.
How often should I use Retinol? Unless a brand specifically says differently – if your skin is tolerating Retinol well after three weeks of use every three days, move up to every other day, then every day. After 12 weeks you should be starting to see resultsand able to move onto something stronger.
“If you get too dry or red or peeling or irritated from retinol, simply take a break for two to three nights, moisturize only, and then resume using it. Our skin will typically get used to the products over time.”
Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks. The health risks related to retinoid use normally come from strong retinoids taken by mouth.
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.
So- stopping and starting retinol will make acne come and go. It is important to remember- retinoids prevent future acne but don't treat acne that you currently have. It is always best to get on a retinoid and stay on it because there are long term benefits of using retinol.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Aim for 6 weeks of daily use without needing to take frequent breaks. Use techniques like buffering to aid in this process. If you haven't solved your issue and you have reached tolerance and are able to use your retinoid daily, this is the right time to think about changing to something stronger.
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.
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.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
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.
Because retinoids can be very irritating to the skin if not used properly. The higher the strength, the more skin irritation (redness and peeling), the lower the strength, the less skin irritation.
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.