Retinol Inflammation Help!
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May 29, 2017
Katia A.
I have super dry, sensitive, pre-maturely aging, and acne prone skin (worst of all worlds). I'm trying really hard to get my skin to adjust to retinol, but it's not having it. My derm says getting my skin to tolerate retinol will solve a lot of my aging + acne woes. I tried retin-a and my skin was burn for weeks after 1-2 uses of just a pea sized amount on dry skin.
I just started using First Aid Beauty's retinol serum (made for sensitive skin), but my skin is still freaking out. I have two questions:
1. Is it ok to apply retinol over irritated skin (from the retinol) until it adjusts? or do I have to wait until my skin heals, and then try again? If I do wait, it's like waiting 10 days in between uses.
2. Any suggestions on how to calm the irritation? Both the next day, and maybe something to layer it with when I use it at night? Thank you!
May 30, 2017
Leuca S.
Wait for your skin to completely heal before going at it again with a regular retinol product like the one from FAB. Even a gentler product like that can still cause inflammation to persist.
If/when you try it again, use no more than once every 3 nights, then slightly increase frequency if you seem to be doing alright for more than two weeks. Research is coming out that is demonstrating that using less, more frequently is better than using something super strong very infrequently, so working yourself up to nightly/almost nightly use with a retinol will give you better results than every 10-14 days with a prescription strength retinoid.
May 30, 2017
Leuca S.
If even that frequency is too much, dial it down more. Some people take a while to acclimate to retinols/retinoids, it is absolutely nothing you're doing wrong if your skin is just sensitive.
As for fighting sensitivity, I would like to know what the rest of your routine looks like.
May 30, 2017
Katia A.
Got it! Thank you. It's really the retinol that makes me sensitive - I have a pretty good anti aging regimen otherwise that actually works with my sensitive skin (basically the drunk elephant line).
My skin and retinol just don't mix well, I've tried going on a prescription strength 3 times in the past but couldn't adjust. I'm trying to tone it down and try with a low does retinol, but after 2 uses spaced every other night my skin is a red, angry mess
May 30, 2017
Leuca S.
Yeah, I would wait for your skin to recover. It may also be a good idea to cut back on any acid products like the framboos serum from DE until your skin is better.
When you decide to reintroduce a retinol, just be super careful. If you experience any irritation at all, cut it until it's subsided.
There are some people who can't tolerate retinol, but I think it's more likely you just need more time than most to adjust.
May 30, 2017
Leuca S.
You can also mix your retinols with things like oils and moisturizers to buffer the effect and let your skin absorb it more slowly.
May 30, 2017
Jackie S.
I'm one of those people that can't tolerate retinol. I spaced out my usage and mixed it with lotion and my face was left with burns and more texture on top of the extreme dryness. When I went to my GP I asked her opinion and she said my skins probably way too sensitive. I stopped using it and my skin is now basically at square 1 again.
Jun 1, 2017
Chahat G.
Hey! Stop using Harsh Chemicals.Use Castor oil Masage for 2 Min It is Best Cure For Any Kind of inflammation ,, I've Experienced it Too ,So It's Most recommended by Me 😊 & It's chemical free too 'without any side effect.