Why is retinol controversial?

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.

What are the issues with retinol?

The most common side effects I see with patients are redness, dry and scaly skin and itching or burning. In more extreme cases, people who already have naturally dry skin can sometimes get nosebleeds and cracking at the sides of the mouth. Retinoids also initially increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Why should you not use retinol everyday?

So if you start using retinol every day out of the gate, you can end up with some painful inflammation and a damaged skin barrier, negating any potential positives. One way to avoid that irritation is to start slow, explains Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.

Is retinol a carcinogen?

Unlike other dietary phytochemicals proposed to be cancer-preventive due to detoxifying and antioxidant properties, retinol derivatives have been suggested as anticancer agents mainly for their effects on cellular differentiation and growth suppression.

Is retinol banned in Europe?

Tretinoin is banned to be used in cosmetics in the EU, though – it's classed as a drug and therefore, there're a whole different set of laws regulating drugs.

6 Myths about retinol, debunked by a dermatologist| Dr Dray

What happens when you stop using retinol?

Many studies show that retinoids improve acne and wrinkles- but what happens to the skin when you stop using retinol? The short answer is- you will get a short-term benefit after stopping retinol but eventually your skin will return back to baseline (how it was before you began retinol).

Is retinol ruining my skin?

Retinol is well known for worsening the condition of the skin before improving it. Most people who introduce retinol to their skin, experience severe breakouts, dryness, itchiness, and redness. The immediate side effects of retinol treatment can take the form of a surge in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rashes.

Does retinol damage skin long-term?

Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks.

What is a good alternative to retinol?

Can retinol make you look older?

“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.

Why do my wrinkles look worse after retinol?

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.

At what age should you not use retinol?

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.

When should you not use retinol?

Use Retinol Only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day

"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Why I quit retinol?

Retinol can be a skin irritant

Dermatitis, erythema (redness), scaling/dryness, peeling, burning or stinging, and irritation of the skin are common adverse reactions reported with retinol use, and, in some cases, the reactions are so bad, that even at low concentrations it cannot be used by certain people.

Why do my eyes look worse after retinol?

Some people do look worse before they look better because you can get an initial dryness and peeling as your skin gets used to the increased cell turnover for up to 6 weeks. If this is tolerable, you can add a hydrating eye cream applied twice a day.

Does skin go back to normal after retinol?

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.

Do celebrities use retinol?

Retinol is also ubiquitous, it's a part of most celebrity skin care regimes and many Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez have spoken about using it.

Which is better for aging skin hyaluronic acid or retinol?

"If you have dry, irritated skin that is lacking in moisture, choosing a product with hyaluronic acid would be my recommendation," Hartman says. "Anyone with acne-prone skin, or someone who is looking to even out tone and fine lines and wrinkles would benefit from using retinol."

Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?

If you used products with potent actives at a high percentage such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, as a precaution, cleanse your face in the morning.

Is retinol a hormone disruptor?

Retinol significantly decreased both hormone levels, however retinoic acid decreased the progesterone level only.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

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.

Does Victoria Beckham use retinol?

In an interview with Vogue France, Victoria revealed that she uses the Elite Serum 24 Rapid Renewal serum from CosMedix ($124, The Beauty Club). This potent anti-ageing serum uses a unique blend of retinol and retinaldehyde to reduce wrinkles and imperfections while the addition of squalane boosts hydration.

Is retinol legal in the US?

Retinoids of the Retinoic acid type including Retinoic acid itself and the Retinoic acid derivatives of the second, third and newer generation are not permitted for use in cosmetics and personal care products. They generally require a prescription as they are formulated and distributed in drug products.