Should I reduce retinol strength?

Question

I began using retinol about a year and a half ago. I slowly worked my way up in both frequency and strength, and have been using nightly “1.0” for several months. My skin is drastically clearer and smoother. However, recently I’ve been feeling discomfort all over (nothing visible) and it seems like just about all eye creams sting. Should I discontinue nightly use of the 1.0 or move back down to a nightly 0.5? I want to maintain the results I have but not irritate or damage my skin and eyes.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. A common side effect of topical retinoids is skin irritation, dryness, or redness. In my experience, irritation may occur when increasing the strength of retinoids, and if side effects are occurring, then I generally recommend to decrease the strength or decrease the frequency to every other day. I highly recommend you consult with board certified dermatologist to have your skin evaluated and to discuss further questions and concerns. Take care and good luck.

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