Should you avoid eye area with retinol?

Author: Mr. Gregg Brown MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 7, 2023

That's fine too: "You can use a retinol-containing cream around the eye area," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Try layering your moisturizer on before you put retinol on the area or mix it with your moisturizer. This will help to shield you from the intensity.

Can you put retinol on your eye area?

If you're wondering whether you can put retinol under your eyes, the answer is yes! While the skin under your eyes is delicate and requires extra attention, using the correct retinol-infused eye care products under your eyes is a great way to tackle eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.

Is it OK to put retinol on eyelids?

Yes, you can, retinol is able to work on the upper and lower eyelids and areas of skin. This is because it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin and boost collagen production. This will result in the skin around the eye will become tightened with signs of sagginess, fine lines, and wrinkles visibly reduced.

Can retinol damage your eyes?

Retinoids and retinol in anti-aging facial lotions and under-eye creams can cause meibomian gland damage. Dr. Periman said she recommends that her dry eye patients stop using retinyl derivatives on the face altogether. “When patients stop using Retin-A around the eyes, their dry eye gets better,” she said.

Can I use the ordinary retinol around my eyes?

Can I use The Ordinary Retinol and Buffet around my eyes together? Our retinoid products should be avoided around the eyes. You are welcome to apply “Buffet” around the eyes.

IS RETINOL SAFE AROUND THE EYES? 👀 DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday

Does retinol thicken skin under eyes?

Retinol, a popular derivative of vitamin A, is loved by many for its exceptional anti-aging properties that eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and renew the skin to make it plump and younger-looking. It also boosts collagen production, which will work wonders for thickening up your undereye skin.

Does retinol tighten skin under eyes?

Tighten Skin Under Eye With Retinol

It's highly effective as it works at both the surface and middle layers of the skin. On the skin's outermost layer, retinol exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and improve tone and texture.

Why do my wrinkles look worse after retinol?

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.

Can I use retinol under my eyes everyday?

King. If you have sensitive skin, start with once a week. If you're not experiencing any irritation, you can work your way up to using retinol eye cream nightly. And remember, retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so any product that contains retinol should be part of your nighttime skincare routine only.

Is there a downside to retinol?

Side effects of using retinol may include:

Itching. Dry skin. Flaking and peeling of the skin. Increased sensitivity to the sun.

Where should you not use retinol?

To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.

Should you put retinol all over your face?

Retinol cream and serum work best all over the face. So, yes, put it on a dark spot you want to disappear or wrinkle you want to smooth, but also put it everywhere else because it can prevent future signs of aging.

What happens if I use retinol every night?

Use Retinol Only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day

"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.

How do you know if retinol is working?

Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.

Is retinol ruining my skin?

While retinol is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this doesn't mean it's free from side effects. People who use retinols commonly experience dry and irritated skin, especially after using a new product. Other side effects may include: redness.

Why does retinol make my skin look older?

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 ...

Can retinol make under eye bags worse?

Retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid—all effective ingredients that can improve the look and feel of your complexion. But they can lead to irritation, and when used too close to your delicate eye area, that irritation can lead to bags.

What should you not mix with retinol?

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.

What happens when you stop retinol?

If you stop retinol and do not begin a prescription retinoid, the benefit of preventing acne will go away. The skin cycle of cells being “born” at the base of the skin and moving to the top, dying and desquamating into the surrounding environment takes about 4-6 weeks.

Should you refrigerate retinol?

Make sure to leave some space in your fridge for your retinol and vitamin C skincare, as these antioxidants can degrade much quicker and become unstable when exposed to heat and sunlight. Storing these products in the fridge keeps the formulas stable and helps with preservation.

Do I need to wash retinol off in the morning?

If you used products with potent actives such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, we recommend that you cleanse your face in the morning as a precaution.

Should I put moisturizer over retinol?

Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.

How long should I leave retinol on my face before moisturizer?

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.

Why you should stop using retinol?

“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.

At what age should you not use retinol?

There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.

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