What happens if you suddenly stop using retinol?

Author: Dr. Lilly Keebler Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Reversal of Benefits: One of the primary outcomes of ceasing retinol use is the potential reversal of its positive effects on the skin. Over time, without retinol's influence, you may notice a gradual return of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.

What happens if I 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.

Do you have to use retinol forever once you start?

If your skin is now used to your retinoid product and you can apply it daily (or several times a week) feeling no irritation, it's better to keep using it for at least 6 months to get optimal results!

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.

What happens if you stop using retinol suddenly?

Why is retinol not good for you?

Can retinol damage your skin? If you use retinol, you'll sunburn more easily, which can damage your skin. Using high doses of retinol may also be associated with the development of skin cancer. Be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight (with clothing and hats) while you use retinol products.

What happens if you use retinol for a long 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.

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.

What is the best age to start using retinol?

Generally, starting retinol in the 20s is recommended for purposes of preventing signs of aging. However, it can be used earlier, especially for those with acne.

How do you know if you should stop using retinol?

Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when you're first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if you're experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, it's best to shy away from retinol altogether.

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe?

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

Does retinol damage skin over time?

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.

Should you stop retinol in summer?

Wearing Retinol During the Summer Months

However, according to Rita Nandi of The Bloom Clinic, it's OK to use retinol year-round—with a couple of precautions, including the time of day it's applied, the concentration, and the amount of sun exposure.

What is the retinol purge?

Retinol purging is a temporary reaction where increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms include flaking, redness, and rough texture. Although unsettling, this phase indicates that retinol is working to renew your skin.

What is better than retinol for aging skin?

Bakuchiol

With the rise and popularity of clean skincare, Bakuchiol has become a go to for many of my patients looking for a retinol alternative. It functions similarly to retinol by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover but without the associated irritation.

What household items can replace retinol?

What is the best natural alternative to retinol?
  • Bakuchiol. Probably the most well known retinol alternative is bakuchiol, often referred to as the natural alternative to retinol. ...
  • Rosehip oil. ...
  • Carrot seed oil. ...
  • Rosemary extract. ...
  • Sea buckthorn oil.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

They both provide similar benefits which is why dermatologists have even given a go-ahead to use the two together. If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine.

Why does my skin look older after 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 ...

What happens to your face when you stop using retinol?

If you stop using retinol, will your wrinkles come back? Yes the wrinkles will come back, but not right away. When you stop using retinol for wrinkles, your skin will eventually go back to the way it was before you began retinol. But- the good news is- you will get a sustained benefit for months after stopping retinol.

Should I take a break from retinol?

“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.”

Is retinol banned in Europe?

Retinol Banned in The E.U. Legislation to limit Retinol concentrations in over-the-counter skincare and body care throughout Europe was slated to go into effect at the end of 2023. However, the actual adoption will now be in June 2024, with a grace period of 18-36 months to allow the countries in the E.U.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

What are the long term side effects of retinol?

The most commonly reported symptoms were headaches, dry skin, and fatigue. There were no significant differences between groups in the frequency of symptoms categorized as ≥2.

Previous article
Is 135 a bad deadlift?
Next article
What is the highest SPF sunscreen?