What is bad to use with retinol?

Author: Prof. Nina Bahringer  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

AHAs and BHAs are exfoliating, which can dry the skin and cause further irritation if your skin-care routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they're not recommended to use together. "They can literally cancel each other out, rendering them less effective," said Dr.

What should you not use with retinol?

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

What chemical should not be mixed with retinol?

To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, PHA Toner.

What does not match with retinol?

Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.

What is bad with retinol?

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.

2 Month Retinol/Tretinoin Journey✨

What can I layer with retinol?

Do Layer Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are safe and effective when layered and used together. Hyaluronic acid, found naturally in our bodies, is a powerful humectant, which means that it keeps skin hydrated and plump.

Why is retinol banned in Europe?

This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.

What is OK to mix with retinol?

Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is one of those beloved ingredients that work well with all other skincare actives—and retinol is no exception. If your skincare goals include anti-aging and treating acne, then niacinamide is a great ingredient to pair with retinol.

What interferes with retinol?

Zinc deficiency is thought to interfere with vitamin A metabolism in several ways (30): (1) zinc deficiency results in decreased synthesis of retinol-binding protein (RBP), which transports retinol through the circulation to peripheral tissues and protects the organism against potential toxicity of retinol; (2) zinc ...

Which serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.

What not to mix with the ordinary retinol?

Direct Vitamin C: With skin tolerance in mind, we do not recommend combining retinoids with Direct Vitamin C (LAA) as this may increase the chances of developing skin sensitivities.

What is the best moisturizer to use after retinol?

The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol

Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).

Why does my skin look more wrinkled after using retinol?

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.

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 ...

Can I use retinol with niacinamide?

Yes, you can safely combine niacinamide and retinol as a part of your regular skin care regimen. Niacinamide and retinol are skin care soulmates, especially for supporting the appearance of a smoother, more even skin tone and texture.

What stops retinol from working?

Retinoids are inactivated by UV light, so must be applied at night. Additionally, retinoids can be inactivated by other topical skin care ingredients, most commonly salicylic acid. Avoid using products which contain salicylic acid in your night-time skin care routine.

What cancels out retinoids?

Nichols says. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate the retinoid molecule, so if you want to reap all the benefits of the anti-aging ingredient that we mentioned earlier, it's best to avoid using both at the same time.

When should you not use retinol?

Retinol is not safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you have sensitive or reactive skin (and have eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis), use it with caution. The good news is that there are some effective, derm-approved alternatives such as bakuchiol that offer similar benefits without the downsides.

What serum can I use with retinol?

Niacinamide is also widely known to help protect the skin barrier and enhance hydration, and when used together with retinol, it counteracts retinol-induced dryness. In fact, if you like layering retinol with your serums, Dr. Mokaya says it's safe to do so with niacinamide.

Can I use vitamin C with retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Should I use anything else with retinol?

Retinol can have initial drying qualities, so it's important ensure your skin retains moisture. You can address this dryness with the potent combination of a humectant (water-attracting) product like hyaluronic acid and an occlusive (moisture-sealing) moisturiser.

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 is the rule for retinol?

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.

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