Learn How to Prevent & Treat Retinol Burn Effectively

Retinol is discussed as one of the most popular over-the-counter skincare products because it removes wrinkles, improves the texture of the skin, and reduces acne. However, it can cause redness, dryness, flakiness, and skin irritation in some patients because retinol's typical side effects are called "retinol burn." The good news is that using the right retinol strategy can prevent the retinol burn phenomenon, and its treatment can be efficient, so you can stay on retinol treatments without compromising your skin. This article will discuss what retinol burn is, what causes it, and the best ways to prevent and treat it.

Overview of Retinol Burn

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover, encouraging skin renewal. It is often hailed as the transformative ingredient in handling a myriad of issues on the skin, ranging from fine lines and an uneven texture to hyperpigmentation and acne. But like all the above benefits, it has a flip side: retinal burn. This irritation is usually caused by either overuse of the product or one too muscular for a first-time user. The effects are the same as a sunburn: redness, sensitivity, and peeling. It is most common among users who have never used retinol or those with sensitive skin.

Causes of Retinol Burn

Retinol burn typically results from factors primarily related to concentration and technique. Here's a deeper look at these common causes:

High Concentrations of Retinol

Retinol has different strengths, from beginner-friendly, low-dose to highly concentrated forms. Before applying it, test the retinol on a small area of your skin, starting with a lower dose. Wipe off after 15 minutes and check for any visible signs of irritation or redness in the applied area. If no symptoms appear, go ahead and use it. Similarly, always test the dose carefully before applying it each time. For beginners, using a high-strength retinol on the skin can be overwhelming as it breaks up the natural protective barrier that might be irritating.

Poor Application and Infrequent Use

Consistency is vital with retinol, but more or less can be problematic. Using retinol haphazardly, such as applying it one day and then not for a few days without any routine, places your skin in an environment that may cause irritation because retinol needs to build up the effect gradually and cannot overwhelm the skin too quickly.

Combination of Other Active Ingredients

Retinol does not work well with all the active ingredients in the skincare. When mixed with other products that contain active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide, the overall result may be too harsh on the skin, thus amplifying its sensitivity and irritation.

Dry Skin

Retinol dehydrates the skin, and unless you have an excellent hydration game plan in place, the skin barrier will get messed up and dry out ridiculously fast. Thus, proper hydration is a must when using retinol.

Preventing Retinol Burn

Being proactive is the best way to avoid a nasty retinol burn. Here are a few ways you can introduce retinol safely into your skincare:

Start Low

Always start with the lower concentration of retinol at 0.25% or 0.5%, and it should be used once or twice a week, but not daily. Gradually increase the frequency and the strength as your skin gets used to it. This is very helpful, especially for those with skin that is easily irritated by-products.

Use the “Sandwich Method.”

It's the application of moisturizer before and after retinol, known as sandwiching. As a result, the product is less intense on the skin, as it gets cushioned between the two. Put a pea-sized amount of retinol on a light moisturizer first, then top off with another layer of moisturizer. This is good for beginners because it does not allow dryness or peeling to occur.

Moisturizing products

Because retinol is a drying agent, a hydrating and nourishing moisturizer must be placed on top afterward. It should include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin since these lock water in and defend the skin's barrier. The less irritation in your skin, the less likely retinol is to fall out of balance easily.

Apply Thorough Sun Protection

Skin sensitizers like retinol can cause your skin to react more strongly to the sun, so skipping sunscreen is a significant error. Try getting broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which aids in not harming the skin. These have helped prevent damage that can lead to more irritation or dryness. Avoid products that enhance irritation with possible hyperpigmentation by not including sunscreens in the lot.

Also read: Why Should We Use Sunscreen? Here Are 5 Reasons

Vitamin C 

If you're using other active ingredients, like vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs, try to alternate them with retinol on different days or at various times. For example, you can use vitamin C in the morning, while retinol is best used at night. This will prevent irritation from combining vital ingredients and give time to work on each product properly.

How to Treat Retinol Burn Effectively

If you are suffering from retinol burn. Here are a few tried and tested ways to soothe and repair your skin: 

Withdrawal from Retinol Use

The first remedy for retinol burning is withdrawing the product's application. If the itching persists, allow the skin to breathe for a week or more. Let your skin heal completely before reactivating retinol therapy; you may also restart retinol at a different concentration.

Using a Good Moisturizer

Gentle, soothing moisturizers and serums should be applied. A rich, fragrance-free moisturizer with relaxing and hydrating ingredients will help treat retinol burn. It usually contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which are known to repair your moisture barrier and soothe dryness. It also contains aloe vera gel, panthenol, and squalane for anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Use Anti-inflammatory Agents

Anti-inflammatory agents, such as chamomile and niacinamide, calm your skin. They're gentle, provide a skin barrier, and elicit a calming redness and irritation. Products loaded with colloidal oatmeal also soothe itch and discomfort.

Avoid Scrubbing

Do not use products that may exfoliate or irritate your skin during recovery. It would help if you avoided all scrubs, either physical or chemical exfoliants, whenever the skin breaks, as they are likely to irritate the compromised skin further and delay recovery. You must be patient, wait for the skin to recover completely, and then introduce all actives, including retinol, back into your system.

Seek a Dermatologist for Severe or Persistent Symptoms

If the skin irritation persists after you stop retinol, see a dermatologist who can provide more personalized advice and recommend soothing topical treatments to cure your skin. If retinol does not work for you, a dermatologist can recommend other, less potent anti-aging agents, such as bakuchiol, that don't risk irritation.

Suggested read: The Secret to Effortless Radiance: Your Daily Skincare Routine Demystified

Conclusion

While retinol burn is frustrating with the otherwise good ingredient, knowing what causes its side effects and how to prevent and treat it makes all the difference in your skincare journey. Getting the most out of retinol without compromising the health of your skin requires a slow approach, the right concentration, and a structured way of doing things. Follow these steps, and you can include retinol without any anxiety, maximizing the potential benefits and retaining a healthy, radiant glow to the skin. Remember that the payoffs with retinol are well worth the effort, and the possible pitfalls are easily avoided with patience and caution. Consistency and caution are on the pathway to a smooth, rosy-cheeked, positive retinol experience.