What happens if I suddenly stop using retinol?

Author: Josiah Boyle  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

What happens when you stop using retinol? It may take a week or more for your skin to return to normal after discontinuing the use of retinol. Keep in mind that retinol works on a cellular level, and it takes time for your skin cells to adjust to its introduction and its departure.

What happens when you stop taking retinol?

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.

Why is retinol being banned in Europe?

The EU is restricting retinol concentrations in products to 0.3% or below, primarily due to concerns that the combined intake from various sources could exceed recommended limits and pose health risks. This is essentially a ban on concentrations of retinol over 0.3%.

What do Asians use instead of retinol?

Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.

Do I have to use retinol forever?

Retinol is one of the best antiaging ingredients in skin care. You do not have to use it forever, but you should if you want to slow skin aging. To get the best results from retinoids, use them in the correct step of your skin care routine.

Not Seeing Results with Retin-A (TRETINOIN)? Watch This Before You Quit & Avoid My Biggest Mistake

How long are retinol uglies?

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.

Does Kim Kardashian use retinol?

For just $21, you can get RoC's Retinol Correxion Night Cream and give your skin the healthy boost it needs. Back in 2021, Kardashian called this cream one of the “best drugstore skincare products” out there, and for good reason.

What retinol does Jennifer Aniston use?

At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).

How do Koreans not have wrinkles?

Korean ladies use facial massage to promote circulation and bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface. It's an amazing way to boost skin's radiance and combat fine lines and wrinkles. Start with a dab of your favorite facial oil or moisturizer. You can add a bit of your favorite serum for an extra boost.

Why is retinol not recommended?

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.

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe?

This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."

What are the new rules for retinol?

What are the new retinol legislations? The new rules which will be rolled out over 36 months and starting at the end of 2024 state that there will be a 0.3% retinol limit for skincare and face products and a 0.05% limit for bodycare going forward.

How do I know when to stop using retinol?

Indications that you're experiencing retinol burn include: Dry skin. Redness contributing to uneven skin tone. Discoloration.

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

Is retinol damaging long-term?

It's unlikely you'll experience retinol side effects long-term. However, retinol can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it's important to apply sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Does JLO use retinol?

Consistency is key for J. Lo. She incorporates retinol into her routine regularly to maintain her youthful glow.

What does Jennifer Aniston use under eyes?

Tatcha The Serum Eye Brightener Stick

Tatcha is beloved not just by Aniston but by a slew of celebrities with amazing skin, including Meghan Markle, Drew Barrymore and Selena Gomez.

Does Gwyneth Paltrow use retinol?

A proponent herself, nowadays Paltrow often swaps her nightly retinol for a good exfoliating treatment, frequently Goop's Microderm or Goopglow 15% Glycolic Acid Peel, which both work to slough away dead skin for improved skin radiance and tone.

Does Hailey Bieber use retinol?

Basically it's a bit of a wonder ingredient that if you can tolerate is a must-have in your routine. In a new Instagram story post, Hailey shared that she had started her retinol journey with a prescription retinoid (retinoid is the umbrella term for retinols).

Why do the Kardashians have no wrinkles?

However, recent photos of the reality star seem to indicate that she may have gone back on her word. Her wrinkle-free complexion and frozen facial appearance point to BOTOX® Cosmetic being the secret behind her youthful appearance.

Who is the best retinol?

  • Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.
  • Best Tretinoin: Nurx Tretinoin Cream.
  • Best Adapalene: Differin Adapalene 0.1%
  • Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

Does retinol make you look older at first?

The Wrinkle Worsening Myth

Here's the tea: Retinol does NOT make your wrinkles worse. But (and it's a big but), it can sometimes make your skin look worse before it gets better. When you first start using retinol, it's literally speeding up the process of cell turnover.

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