Retinol is quickly gaining popularity, and it’s not difficult to see why. For those who don’t know, retinol — a popular anti-aging and acne-fighting ingredient — is part of a larger family of chemicals called retinoids, which are derived from Vitamin A.
These compounds, which include both over-the-counter (OTC) retinol products and prescription-strength retinoids, can help improve skin texture and even slow the signs of skin aging. No wonder so many people have started using it!
As effective as retinol can be, though, it’s important to understand when it might be time to stop using it, as it can sometimes cause skin damage and other unwanted side effects. In this article, we’ll discuss what retinol is, how it works, and when to stop using it. Let’s get started!
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that naturally exists in the body (and also in some foods). It’s commonly added to skincare products because of its benefits for skin health. When you use retinol products, your body converts the retinol into its active form, retinoic acid.
Retinoic acid is powerful (about 20 times stronger than retinol), and it’s only available by prescription. Pure retinoic acid, like tretinoin (Retin-A), is often only used for more severe skin issues, while retinol itself is milder and will typically be available over the counter.
The term “retinoid” is an umbrella term, as it covers a variety of different compounds related to Vitamin A — some of which are stronger and only accessible with a prescription.
Examples of prescription retinoids include Adapalene (Differin), Tazarotene (Tazorac), and Trifarotene (Aklief). You can use these medications to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis.
The Potential Benefits of Retinol
Retinol does have its benefits, or else it wouldn’t be included in so many skincare products. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits of using retinol products below:
Exfoliation
Retinol encourages skin cell turnover and helps to clear clogged pores. It also removes dead skin cells to reveal new skin. If you have dry skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin, you might find retinol especially helpful.
Collagen production
Retinol also promotes collagen production. This helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and the other effects of aging. Since collagen production slows down with age, a lot of middle-aged people decide to start taking retinol in an attempt to slow down the aging process.
Pigmentation reduction
Retinol slows down the production of melanin (the pigment in our skin), which helps to lighten dark spots and improve skin tone. If you have dark spots due to sun damage, for example, retinol could help.
When to Stop Using Retinol
While retinol can be beneficial for some, it isn’t for everyone. There are times when you may want to consider pausing your retinol treatment (or stop using retinol altogether. Here are the main signs to look out for:
Prolonged irritation
When starting retinol, you may experience dry skin, redness, and peeling. This is sometimes referred to as the “retinol uglies.” For most people, these effects lessen after a few weeks as the skin adjusts, but for others, they may persist.
If your skin irritation (like dry skin, flaking, painful redness, or discoloration) doesn’t go away after a few weeks, you may want to consider stopping your retinol treatment. It may be a good idea to consult with a dermatologist as well.
Sensitive or compromised skin
For people with naturally sensitive skin (or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea), retinol may simply be too harsh. Because retinol can cause additional dryness and irritation, using it on already sensitive skin can exacerbate issues. This can lead to flare-ups and skin damage.
Some dermatologists suggest milder options or retinoid alternatives (like bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient that has similar anti-aging benefits without harsh side effects). Again, you should talk with your dermatologist before using any type of retinol product, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Increased sun sensitivity
Retinol and other retinoids will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. While wearing sun protection is always important, it’s particularly crucial when you’re using retinol. This increased sensitivity can mean a higher risk of sunburn, especially in the summer or if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun every day.
Dermatologists often recommend only applying retinol at night and using sunscreen every day. This method tends to work well, but if you’re still frequently getting sunburnt or notice increased pigmentation from sun exposure, it may be a sign that you need to either reduce your retinol use or stop altogether.
What Happens When You Stop Using Retinol?
If you decide to stop using retinol, you’ll probably notice some changes in your skin as it adjusts. Because retinol works on a cellular level, your skin won’t immediately return to its pre-retinol state — it takes time for cell turnover rates to readjust.
Fine lines, dark spots, or clogged pores may gradually return if retinol was your main treatment. However, a lot of people find that their skin becomes less irritated and feels more comfortable after stopping retinol. There are other, gentler treatment options available, too!
Retinol and Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy can be very beneficial for your skin, but if you have sensitive skin due to retinol use, doing red light therapy treatments could potentially cause issues. Red light therapy, which is usually used for anti-aging, emits light that can cause a reaction in retinol-treated skin.
While these LED lights don’t produce dangerous UV rays like the sun, most dermatologists still suggest avoiding retinol immediately before light therapy sessions. Instead, you should use these treatments at separate times. That will be the best way to prevent skin irritation.
Alternatives to Retinol
If you decide to take a break from retinol or stop using it altogether, don’t worry — you can still take great care of your skin. Here are some alternatives that will provide similar benefits:
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that has gained a lot of popularity as of late because it’s a gentler alternative to retinol. It can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone — and you won’t even have to worry about the same risk of irritation.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is another great option if you’re looking to improve your skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce redness. It’s an especially fantastic alternative for people with sensitive skin since it doesn’t usually cause irritation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help brighten your skin, reduce those pesky dark spots, and even protect your skin against environmental damage. Vitamin C would be a great addition to your skincare routine either way, but it does work as a great alternative to retinol if that’s what you’re looking for.
AHAs and BHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are chemical exfoliants that can help clear your pores and reduce pigmentation. While they don’t work exactly like retinol, they can be a pretty good alternative for improving both skin texture and tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use retinol and red light therapy together?
While some people are able to successfully combine these two treatments, it’s usually best to use them at different times. We’d recommend talking to your dermatologist before doing light therapy treatments if you’re currently following a retinol-based skincare routine.
Should you stop using retinol in the summer?
Many dermatologists will tell you not to use retinol during the summer months because it increases sun sensitivity. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider taking a break from retinol (or only using retinol at night).
Will my skin revert if I stop using retinol?
If you stop using retinol, your skin may start to revert to how it was before. That’s okay, though, because you can maintain the results you got from using retinol by using gentler alternatives (like niacinamide or bakuchiol).
What should I do if I get “retinol uglies”?
Mild flaking and redness are common with retinol use, and these problems should go away on their own eventually. However, if you continue to have skin irritation, you might want to reduce how often you’re applying retinol. If your symptoms don’t improve, stop using retinol and consult with your dermatologist.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that retinol products have been gaining so much popularity lately. It can be very effective for treating skin issues like acne and signs of aging. However, if your skin is constantly irritated (because you have sensitive skin or another issue) due to retinol use, you might want to stop using retinol.
Remember, it’s important to prioritize your skin’s health (as well as your comfort). This might mean using an alternative to retinol that’s gentler — or, again, it might mean quitting retinol altogether. If you’d like to learn more about skincare, feel free to check out our blog! We also have plenty of topicals and light therapy devices available.
