Does excessive dryness from retinol go away?

Question

I recently used a Retinol eye creme with encapsulated retinol nightly for 3 weeks. On the last night I noticed my under eyes were super dry, looked aged and were covered in deep and new fine lines. I have been moisturizing around the clock but the dryness seems to still remain. Slightly better but I feel that’s more my optimism than the truth. Will this ever go away? Are these lines going to remain this deep? Please help! Thanks in advance.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Excessive dryness from retinol use is a common side effect and is usually temporary. Here are a few steps to help alleviate the dryness and improve the appearance of your skin:

Discontinue Use Temporarily: Stop using the retinol product until your skin has fully recovered. This will give your skin time to heal and reduce irritation.

Moisturize Regularly: Continue to apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer frequently throughout the day. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin, which help to repair the skin barrier.

Use a Gentle Cleanser: Avoid harsh cleansers that can further strip your skin. Opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser to maintain moisture balance.

Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin from further damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, especially if you are experiencing increased sensitivity.

Consider a Hydrating Serum: Incorporating a serum with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide can help calm and hydrate the skin.

Consult a Dermatologist: If the dryness and fine lines persist, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and recommend treatments to help restore your skin.

The dryness and appearance of fine lines should improve over time with proper care. If you decide to reintroduce retinol in the future, start with a lower concentration and use it less frequently to allow your skin to adjust.

Does excessive dryness from retinol go away?

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Does excessive dryness from retinol go away?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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