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Writer's pictureDr. Sarah Yovino

Why is my retinol making my skin worse?

Updated: Dec 8, 2023


Retinol is a powerful and effective ingredient in skin care that can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. However, it can also cause irritation, dryness, redness, and peeling when not used correctly. Here are some reasons why your retinol cream may be making your skin worse:

  1. Overuse: Retinol can be harsh on the skin, and using too much or too often can cause irritation. Start by using it once or twice a week and gradually increase to every other day or every day as your skin tolerates it.

  2. Not using enough moisturizer: Retinol can cause dryness and peeling, so it's essential to use a moisturizer to help hydrate and soothe the skin. Apply moisturizer after retinol cream has been fully absorbed into the skin.

  3. Not using sunscreen: Retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so it's crucial to wear sunscreen daily, especially during the day when using retinol at night. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

  4. Mixing with other active ingredients: Using retinol with other active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C can cause irritation and sensitivity. Avoid using them together, or space them out in your routine.

  5. Choosing the wrong formula: Retinol comes in different strengths and formulations, and some may be too harsh for your skin. Start with a lower strength and choose a cream or serum that suits your skin type.

  6. Having underlying skin conditions: Some skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. It's best to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon before using retinol.

If your skin continues to worsen despite these precautions, it's best to stop using retinol and consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice. Here at YovinoMD Beauty, we offer a retinol with bakuchiol serum. The bakuchiol serum has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and helps calm the skin down when used with retinol. Bakuchiol penetrates deeply to increase collagen, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. It can be purchased by clicking this link: https://www.yovinomdbeauty.com/product-page/retinol-5-bakuchiol-serum.

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