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 is because retinol increases skin cell turnover causing dryness, peeling, and irritation of the skin. These effects may have a layering or texturizing impact that causes the skin to appear fine-lined and wrinkled, creepy, or aged in appearance temporarily. Why Does This Happen?
As retinol stimulates the flaking of old skin cells, you might experience dryness and skin flaking, particularly in areas where you're prone to dryness. This shedding is a natural part of the renewal process, but it's crucial to maintain a proper skincare routine and protect the skin with adequate UV protection.
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%.
This varies, but you can expect the purge to last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you're seeing results for longer than 3 months, you might want to consult your GP or dermatologist. But first, be sure your skin concerns are definitely related to 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.
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.
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 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.
In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:
Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin. Allow this to dry completely. Apply your retinol. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.
However, because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, tretinoin can cause irritation and dryness and these effects can make existing wrinkles appear more pronounced.
Lighting: Harsh, direct lighting can accentuate shadows and lines, making them appear more prominent. Softer, diffused lighting can minimize their visibility. Facial Expressions: Smiling, frowning, or squinting can cause temporary dynamic wrinkles.
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.
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 ...
According to the new guidelines, EU regulators have put a blanket restriction on all skincare products containing more than 0.3 per cent retinol and bodycare products containing 0.05 per cent retinol. Starting from 1 November 2025, new products that do not adhere to those restrictions cannot enter the EU market.
Vogue's Favorite Wrinkle Cream Picks:
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185. Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream, $77. Best for Tech Neck: U Beauty The Sculpt Neck + Décolleté Concentrate, $138.
At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).
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.
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.
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.
Yes, moisturizing after using a retinol cream is generally recommended. Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin.