Skin concerns with retinol & chemical peel - skin is feeling sensitive & dry

Question

I've been using Murad Retinol Cream in my morning routine, (it includes the Sunday Riley Good Genes chemical peel and Kiehl's ascorbic acid serum). Skin looks better, it's been feeling a bit sensitive and dry lately, especially around my cheeks. I'm wondering if this is normal when using these products together, or if there might be something else going on. Does anyone have any advice on how to fix this? I want to keep using these products because they seem to be working, but I don't want my skin to get irritated.

Barbara Padilla, MD · Answer

Retinol and chemical peels should not be used simultaneously. Combining these products can make your skin sensitive and dry. We suggest using Retinol every other or third day if you are also applying these other products to avoid irritation.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

It's great to hear that you've seen improvements in your skin with your current routine. However, the sensitivity and dryness you're experiencing could be due to the combined effects of using multiple potent active ingredients, which can sometimes be too harsh when used together.

Here are a few suggestions to help manage the sensitivity and dryness:

Reduce Frequency: Consider using the retinol cream and chemical peel less frequently. For example, you could alternate days or use one in the morning and the other in the evening, rather than both at the same time.

Hydrate and Moisturize: Ensure you are using a good moisturizer to help restore and maintain your skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.

Sunscreen: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, as retinol and chemical peels can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Gentle Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid further stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Patch Testing: If you introduce any new products, do a patch test first to ensure they do not exacerbate the sensitivity.

Consult a Dermatologist: If the sensitivity and dryness persist, it might be a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and possibly recommend alternative products or treatments that are gentler on your skin.

If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to my office.

Viva Eve Dermatology - New York · Answer

Hi!
This is a great question! These ingredients you are using are great for general skin maintenance, as well as treating and preventing any fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and scarring. Incorporating these skincare products all at once, however, may be irritating to your skin's barrier, as the retinol and the sunday riley product are both exfoliants, meaning they help to remove the upper layers of skin. The ascorbic acid can also be irritating at this time, but do not worry! I would suggest to scale back on all three products at once, and add them once every other night. As for the ascorbic acid, I would add this in the morning time, after a few weeks of allowing your skin to acclimate to the other two products. If you are still noticing irritation, it is best to incorporate one product at a time, 2-3x per week, for a few weeks, before adding in another product.
In the meantime, keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with a gentle moisturizer until the irritation subsides. 
As always, an in person, detailed consultation is required for definitive diagnosis. 
Best,Eleni Sgantzos, PA-C

Daphney Gracia Antony, MBBS, DipDerm, MScSurg(Ed) · Answer

If you're using all the three products (retinol, vitamin C and Lactic acid) together at one time, this definitely is super harsh for the skin. Dryness, redness, and sensitivity are inevitable. You can cycle the products or use some in your night routine. Effectively combining with hydrating agents will also help.

Skin concerns with retinol & chemical peel - skin is feeling sensitive & dry

Answers (4)

Answer: That's a harsh combination of skincare products

Answer: That's a harsh combination of skincare products

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Skin concerns with retinol & chemical peel - skin is feeling sensitive & dry

Answers (4)

Answer: That's a harsh combination of skincare products

Answer: That's a harsh combination of skincare products

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.