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.
If used incorrectly, skin irritation can occur. Some people do not use Retinol in fear of thinning the skin. Let us put your mind at ease. When Retinol is used properly, as advised by a professional, skin irritation is avoided and optimal results are achieved.
Side effects of using retinol may include:
Itching. Dry skin. Flaking and peeling of the skin. Increased sensitivity to the sun.
Why is Retinol Controversial? Despite its proven skin benefits, Retinol is not without controversy because it comes with a host of side effects. This includes irritation, redness, peeling and making skin more sensitive to the sun.
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol has been around for decades and has been a go-to skin care solution for dermatologists -- some might even say the gold standard. It's used for all sorts of skin remedies, including fighting acne, reducing wrinkles, reversing sun damage, shrinking pores -- all the good stuff.
Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks.
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.
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.
Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s
"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."
“This will make your skin look older and accentuate wrinkles” — which is probably not what you're going for when you start using the stuff. And there's no question that retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
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.
Retinol is better tolerated and produces considerably less transepidermal water loss, erythema, and scaling than retinoic acid (tretinoin.) Cons: Retinol is significantly less potent than tretinoin and it requires further conversion to retinoic acid to demonstrate its action.
How to start using retinol in your 50s – and beyond! As we said, it's never too late to start using retinol. You can even extend using retinol down your neck, too. This area of your body is just as delicate and can often show your age even more than your face because we take care of it far less.
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.
Don't start Retin-A.
Since mature skin is naturally dry anyway, most women over 70 who have never used it before will need to avoid the Retin A.
The telltale signs of retinol burn include skin that is red, irritated, flaky, inflamed, sore to the touch, and/or shedding. "You could also be experiencing breakouts or inflamed acne that is not usual for your skin," adds Idriss.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Dermatologists point to many clinical studies refuting the idea that retinol thins the skin — and that there's no danger in using retinoids themselves if you're adding them to your skincare routine safely. "Retinol will not decrease the skin barrier if used in the correct dosage,'' agrees Dr.
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.
Ironically, the most serious side effect of retinol that was reported on several years ago was actually hair loss. However, it's important to note that this was when the ingredient was used in skin care and was often down to overuse.
In many cases, damage that has already occurred can't be reversed, making early detection important. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment. Treatment of retinal disease may be complex and sometimes urgent.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.