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.
Cannot Tolerate Due to Irritation & Dryness
As a class of medications, retinoids are known to cause dryness, irritation, and peeling with initial use. Don't worry, this is common and transient, and will resolve once your skin adapts to the retinoid.
Try a gentler version of retinol first
In layman's terms, retinyl ester is a less concentrated form of vitamin A, which isn't as aggressive on sensitive complexions. "Look for [something] like retinyl propionate, as it's much milder on the skin as compared to pure retinol," he says.
Retinol is an active ingredient, and it works extremely well for most skin types, however for some extra sensitive skin types it can be difficult to tolerate. It's also not advisable to use retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Not well-tolerated by some: Even in lower concentrations, retinol may not be tolerated well by individuals with sensitive skin, leading to persistent irritation and discomfort.
With retinol usage, dryness, itching, burning, flaking, peeling, and redness are a real possibility, especially for those who already suffer from sensitive skin.
Often called nature's retinol, bakuchiol is the most well-known of the natural retinol alternatives. Extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant, bakuchiol (pronounced 'back-oo-chiol' after the Sanskrit name for the babchi plant) is one of the hottest ingredients in the natural beauty industry today.
Retinol is a powerful tool against aging skin and acne, but it's not for everyone. If you're prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you might want to try skincare products with alternative antiaging or skin-clearing ingredients.
Retinaldehyde is considered the closest over-the-counter alternative to tretinoin and is suitable for all skin types. It provides comparable skin renewing benefits while being less irritating, making it a suitable choice for those looking for effective yet gentle retinoid options.
If you have subterranean skin clogs, retinol is going to push all those blockages toward the exits, seemingly all at once. As a result, some first-time retinol users feel their complexions are actually getting worse once they begin applying retinol. However, once pores are flushed out, these flare-ups go away.
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 ...
This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated 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.
Rosehip oil is another natural alternative to retinol that can help achieve glowing skin. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which can help improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone and scars.
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.
Retinol burns heal on their own over 1 to 2 weeks, typically. But Dr. Robinson cautioned, “For people with sensitive skin or underlying conditions, like eczema, it may take a little longer.” If you develop a retinol burn, stop using retinol products until your skin heals.
Read labels and avoid products containing retinyl palmitate and all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin). Also avoid products with high doses of retinol (when in daily dosages in excess of 10,000 IU, or 3,000 retinol equivalents).
The strongest retinol you'll find over the counter is adapalene, which is the main ingredient in the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. “Differin was originally formulated for acne patients, but if your skin is thick and or oily, you can achieve the same benefits,” says Elmasry.
Choosing between peptides and retinol depends on your skincare goals, skin type, and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more gradual approach, peptides might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking faster and more dramatic results, retinol could be your go-to option.