How to Reduce the Side Effects of Retinol

Published: August 8, 2024

Despite the skincare ingredient’s popular and powerful anti-aging effects, retinol can have potentially damaging side effects including dryness, irritation, and redness. If applied cautiously upon reviewing the following tips, retinol can be used to its fullest potential, with minimal negative side effects.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a member of the retinoid family that comes from vitamin A. When applied to the skin in serums, lotions, and creams, it enhances collagen production while exfoliating dead skin cells which in turn grows new, healthy skin cells.

Retinol is mostly used to prevent aging and treat acne. If used consistently, retinol firms and plumps users’ skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a clear and smooth complexion.

How Often to Use Retinol

Because retinol is known to have numerous side effects, it’s widely recommended for users to begin the application process slowly. You should start by applying it about two to three times per week and eventually your skin will build up a tolerance to the product. It’s encouraged to place a small test amount on an area of the skin before actively using retinol to see if you have any bad reactions. If a few days go by and the skin has little to no redness or irritation, you can incorporate retinol into your everyday routine.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Retinol?

It may take time for improvements to the skin to show up when you first start using retinol. Your skin texture may even appear worse at first, with common temporary side effects such including:

Dryness
Redness
Skin discoloration
Peeling
Swelling
Irritation
Stinging
Sun Damage
Acne

Managing Retinol Side Effects

Although retinol is highly effective, its temporary side effects could turn serious if used improperly. To avoid this, here are the ways to manage these side effects and reap all of retinol’s benefits:

Retinol and Skin Peeling

Retinol speeds up the skin cell aging process, forcing older skin cells to shed faster. Although this retinol-induced process can cause smooth, bright skin, it also can lead to peeling. However, this side effect can be combated with the use of a gentle moisturizer while steering clear of harsh exfoliants.

Potential Acne Breakouts with Retinol

Even though retinol is known for clearing acne, at first, it’s common for retinol to create breakouts, this is called the retinol purge. The retinol purge may include redness, dryness, itching, mild burning, and acne. As time progresses, however, these side effects typically falter as individuals continue using retinol. It’s helpful to start with a lower concentration of retinol, use a hydrating moisturizer regularly, and avoid harsh products that can enhance skin irritation.

Hyperpigmentation and Retinol Use

Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, topical retinoids are well-established for their ability to decrease hyperpigmentation in the skin. But, it’s important to be careful with this application, as improper use can even worsen hyperpigmentation on sensitive skin or skin with high levels of melanin. It’s important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day while using retinol to prevent this UV damage.

Retinol and Sun Exposure

Due to retinol increasing skin’s sunlight sensitivity, individuals using retinol are more inclined to contract sunburns and sun damage. Applying retinol at night helps alleviate these concerns as it minimizes sun exposure. During the day, apply sun protection by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and minimizing sun exposure while incorporating retinol into your skincare routine.

woman with uneven skin looking at the sun

Misconceptions About Retinol Side Effects

Although retinol is widely used, there are misconceptions about its side effects that should be clarified:

Gentle Exfoliation

One effective way to address tiny bumps is through gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, allowing for better penetration of skincare products and encouraging cell turnover. Opt for moderate exfoliating agents, such as chemical or mechanical exfoliants, to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.

Myth: Retinol is safe for everyone.
Fact: Retinol is generally safe for many people, but it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks from excessive vitamin A, which could harm the baby.
Myth: Retinol thins the skin.
Fact: Retinol actually thickens the deeper layers of skin through increased collagen production over time. Initial mild peeling or flaky skin is a temporary effect and not typically a sign of skin thinning.
Myth: Retinol causes persistent severe skin irritation.
Fact: While some initial irritation is common when starting a retinol regimen, persistent severe irritation usually indicates overuse or improper application rather than a fundamental problem with the ingredient itself.

Products to Use with Retinol

Use of Salicylic Acid

Minimize the side effects and maximize the benefits of retinol by incorporating certain products and ingredients into your skincare routine. Consider combining retinol with the following:

Niacinamide: Applying a niacinamide serum in the morning and before retinol in the evening helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid: Following retinol application at night with a hyaluronic acid serum provides intense hydration. This is important for maintaining a healthy moisture balance and soothing the dryness and peeling often associated with retinol.
Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid addresses hyperpigmentation and acne while offering anti-inflammatory benefits that complement retinol. If using retinol at night, incorporate this ingredient in the morning to enhance its effects.
Peptides: Adding a peptide moisturizer or serum either in the morning or evening can boost collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ceramides: Ceramides strengthen the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture, reducing dryness and flakiness from retinol. Finish your routine with a ceramide-rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss.
Vitamin C at Low Dosage: Incorporating a low-dose vitamin C product can brighten the skin and improve tone, complementing the effects of retinol without causing irritation.

Products to Avoid with Retinol

Because retinol is a powerful ingredient, it is important to be cautious about combining it with other products that may cause irritated skin or reduce its effectiveness. Here are some products and ingredients to avoid using with retinol:

Moisturizing Regularly

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are potent exfoliants that can increase skin sensitivity. When used alongside retinol, they may lead to excessive irritation, redness, and peeling.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): BHAs like salicylic acid also have exfoliating properties and can exacerbate the side effects of retinol, causing irritation and potentially damaging the skin barrier.
PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids): PHAs are gentler exfoliants compared to AHAs and BHAs, but using them in combination with retinol may still lead to increased sensitivity and redness.
Major Exfoliants: Any other strong exfoliants, such as physical scrubs or chemical peels, should be avoided when using retinol to prevent over-exfoliation and skin damage.
Vitamin C at High Dosage: While low doses of vitamin C can complement retinol and provide antioxidant benefits, high doses may increase skin sensitivity and lead to irritation or inflammation. It's best to use vitamin C and retinol separately or consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

It’s important to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine very slowly and wait for your skin to adapt to increase the frequency. If you experience the following side effects, you should consult your healthcare provider for advice:

Ongoing or severe irritation.
New concerns such as increased and severe acne or dryness.
Pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Our Top Tips for Using Retinol

Maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin will reduce the risk of irritation and dryness often connected to retinol. Look for protective creams that combine hydration, moisture, and desensitizing ingredients to protect the skin during intensive treatment cycles.

- Elisabeth Nehme, Board Certified Esthetician,

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