Learning about the Side Effects of Retinol: Pros and Cons 

Brief Overview of Retinol

This month we have been focusing on retinol and its amazing effects on the skin. To review, retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Some say that retinol is the skincare equivalent to the fountain of youth. Retinol has many benefits like treating wrinkles and fine lines. Not only that, but it is also an effective acne treatment. Retinol brightens and smooths the skin. It’s a great addition to your skincare routine. You can read more about the benefits of retinol on our blog post here.

Today, we want to focus on the retinol side effects. We give you the ultimate list of fact and fiction which will help you decide if retinol should be a part of your daily skin routine.

Prescription vs Over-the-Counter Options

Now that you have read our previous blog post about Retinol. Let’s talk about prescription versus over-the-counter options. The easiest way to determine if prescription retinol is for you is to ask your dermatologist. Prescription retinol is very powerful and effective but comes with more side effects.

Retinol that you can purchase over the counter is a milder option. This is important to know when you start using retinol. a great starting point and a better option for those who have sensitive skin or other concerns.

Is Retinol Safe & What are the Side Effects of Retinol Creams and Serums?

Potential Side Effects of Retinol (Fact and Fiction)

The reason retinol is so effective is because it quickens the cell turnover process and increases collagen production. Retinol has a ton of benefits, but there can be unwanted side effects. Some of mild side effects include redness, dryness, and sensitivity to the sun. You might experience the retinol burn, itching, and flaking.

Usually in the first few week's retinol might cause skin peeling and flaking, because it is speeding up the skin cell turnover rate. You also might experience more acne breakouts as your skin adjusts to the new regiment. This is usually temporary! Skin irritation only lasts about a couple of weeks. If symptoms continue, discontinue using retinol and consult a dermatologist.

Is it Safe for Your Skin?

Retinol is safe for most skin types. This product is applied topically usually to the face. The key is to gradually build it into your routine rather than taking a full dose immediately. After weeks of use you will see results.

How to start your Skincare Regiment with Retinol?        

If you’ve never used retinoids or retinol, you will want to start with the lowest concentration possible. We recommend starting once a week at night and working up to daily. Retinol serums and creams are usually applied at nighttime after cleansing and before moisturizing. Overnight retinol will work its magic. Don’t rush the process - It might take a couple of months to work retinol into your skin routine. There might be some side effects like itching, burning, and dry skin. You can prevent some of these symptoms by using a gentle moisturizer.

If you are experiencing severe side effects, stop use and go to your dermatologist. It is possible you might be having an allergic reaction to retinol.

Choosing the Right Retinol Product for Your Skin

Retinol is great for most skin types which means there is a lot to choose from. There are varying degrees of concentration for different types of skin. If your skin is sensitive, there are milder retinol products. Oily skin may need something lightweight like retinol serum. Always read the labels and use a small amount of retinol in the beginning!

Here is a list of our favorite brands for different skin types:

Dry Skin - Image Skincare IMAGE MD Restoring Retinol Creme - 1 oz

This night cream helps moisturize the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It smooths out your skin, so you look refreshed and ready for the morning. This is great for dry or dehydrated skin. The cream contains time released retinol that helps skin to become hydrated and leave your skin feeling fresh.

Sensitive Skin - PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin - 1 oz

If you are looking for a gentle retinol solution, this is perfect. It is suitable for sensitive skin and helps promote even skin tone. This retinol reduces visible signs of aging without causing irritation.

Oily Skin - Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub 

This gentle exfoliates dead skin cells for smoother skin. Apply retinol to lighten age spots and blemishes from acne scars. We recommend using this only a few times per week to promote a clear and healthy skin tone.

Normal skin can generally handle stronger concentrations of topical retinol. Always make sure to use moisturizer!

Caring for Sensitive Skin with Retinol

Here is some extra advice if you do have sensitive skin and are considering implementing retinol. Again, always make sure to begin with a mild retinol cream or serum. Along with starting slow, you can also use other gentle skincare products that will help with irritation and redness. Try to use low chemical or natural products. Most of these side effects are temporary.

Skin Beauty Suggestions for Relief:

• Skin Beauty Calming Serum - 1 oz
• Matis Paris Reponse Delicate SensiFlora Cream- 1.69 oz
• Glo Skin Beauty Phyto-Calm Aloe Drops - 1 oz

The Importance of Using Sunscreen When Using Retinol

If you were to take away one thing from this article, let it be that you need to use sun protection. Retinol makes your skin more vulnerable to the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is vital when you are applying retinol products. There is evidence that retinol will prevent skin cancer, but only if you protect it from sunburn! Start using SPF 30 or higher when you first start using to prevent sun damage.

FAQs About Retinol and Retinoids

Are there Long-Term Side Effects of Retinol Use?

For the most part, no, but overuse of any product in your skin care routine is problematic. Even though retinol helps with anti-aging and acne treatment, some beauty experts say overusing retinol will cause the opposite reaction, including increased fine lines and wrinkles. Some say that overuse can cause:

• Excessive dryness
• Thins the skin
• Irritate the skin
• Discoloration of skin
• Sensitivity to environmental factors can be an issue, especially if you have dry skin.
• Etc.

Can Kids or Teens Use Retinol?

Always refer to a professional dermatologist for medical advice about topical retinol, especially for kids and teens. We do not recommend kids or teenagers to apply retinol, because they’re still developing, and it might increase sun sensitivity. Retinol is very potent and might cause unwanted effects.

You can help your kids by helping them establish a skincare routine. Check out some products that are great for teens and kids:

• BiON Naturally Clean Body Wash - 12 oz
• Jan Marini Teen Clean 5% 3-Step Solution for Acne
• Spongelle Spongeasaurus Assorted Pack

Can I use Retinol While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

No, there is not enough evidence to say that it is safe. Do not use retinol or any retinoid if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Here is a retinol alternative:

Skin Script Beta Carotene Papain Renewal Serum - Beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, improves skin barrier integrity by balancing surface lipids. It helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. This contains natural ingredients that are safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding!

Make sure to take a look at our retinol alternatives on the Skin Beauty website. There are quite a few natural alternatives if you cannot use retinol.

Why is Retinol Banned in the EU?

This is NOT true. The EU has restrictions on the concentration of available over the counter retinol products. This is to ensure that people are not incorporating too much Vitamin A on their skin. This means that there are lower concentrations available which should prevent some side effects.

Who should NOT Use Retinol?

• Pregnant or nursing people should not use retinol or retinoids.
• If you have eczema or rosacea
• Those who experience hormonal acne or have severe acne scarring

Can I Use Retinol Daily?

Yes, it is possible to incorporate retinol into your daily regiment!

The Bottom Line About Retinol…

Retinol is a form of retinoid. It helps with many skin issues like wrinkles, fine lines, and improves skin texture. Retinol can help acne and uneven skin tone. Because of the increased collagen production, you will have youthful-looking skin in no time. Begin incorporating retinol gradually and move to three times per week. Like with most new products, it takes some time for the skin to tolerate retinol. There are some minor side effects when you first start, but these are mostly temporary and manageable with a proper skincare routine.

Always make sure to talk with your dermatologist with any concerns!