Can I Use Rose Hip & Jojoba Oil to Heal Skin Burn from Retinol?

Question

I started using skincueticals 1% retinol at night about a week ago. A few days ago my skin started burning & flaking. I know this is a normal reaction from retinol, but should I continue with the retinol at night, or discontinue until my skin has healed? If I should discontinue, can I use Jojoba and Rosehip oil at night instead? Also, once I have healed, can I use the Jojoba and Rosehip over the retinol at night to add moisture? I am using 25% l ascorbic acid and plenty sunscreen in the day.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I would discontinue for 3-5 days and notify your provider. Cerave moisturizer (lotion or cream) is a common recommended cream to aid in the burning and flaking associated with retin-a; further some patients will even apply a layer of cerave prior to applying the retin-a to prevent these symptoms. Further, you once re-start the retinol, you may want to try starting slowly (3 times a week).

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I am assuming you were applying the SkinCeuticals 1.0 to dry skin. This is key. It is the only product you want to put on to dry skin, NOT wet or damp skin. Also, depending on where you live, I don't recommend any form of retinol be used daily. I start with a maximum recommendation of 3x per week. You can easily apply a nice cream or moisturizer over the Retinol to help keep the peeling at bay too. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can I Use Rose Hip & Jojoba Oil to Heal Skin Burn from Retinol?

Answers (2)