Retinoids : What : Types : Gel vs. Cream : Use Right : Side Effects
Retinoids - Side Effects and Precautions
The most common side effect of retinoids is irritation. Retinoids exfoliate your skin from the inside-out and during the process, your skin can become extra sensitive. It can peel, turn red, flake, randomly flush, and grow dry. Many people also purge, or experience acne flares, during their initial use.
To tell if you are purging or simply breaking out from the product, take a good look at where your breakouts are occurring. Purging is usually the worsening of already-present acne symptoms. So, for example, if you have clogged pores, they may turn into bigger pimples. If you have small whiteheads, they may turn into inflamed whiteheads. If you are experiencing breakouts in areas of your face where you normally don’t break out, or are experiencing breakouts that occur in tiny, red clusters, you may be suffering from an allergic reaction instead. Whatever you do, consult your dermatologist to see if you should stick it through with the acne flares or if you should switch to a new product.
Sometimes though, giving your skin a break from the retinoid and then starting up again a week later can help calm your skin down. Also, it may be a better idea to start retinoids in the summer time instead of winter, as winter cold air can exacerbate the irritation and dryness side effects.
When you are using retinoids, you should try to stay out of the sun. Whenever you do go outside, or even when you are inside (because UV rays can still penetrate through windows), you should always wear a good sunscreen. Not only will sunscreen protect you from getting any more sun damage, it will also prevent your skin from getting worse because retinoids do make you more sensitive to the sun. If you absolutely can't wear sunscreen, try to stay out of the sun whenever possible, wear big floppy hats, giant sunglasses, and get your windows UV tinted for extra protection.
It's also a good idea to avoid using any exfoliants while you are on retinoids. Chemical or manual exfoliation could cause your skin to be even more sensitive and irritated. Retinoids also offer a hefty amount of exfoliation on their own. However, if you feel like your retinoid is not strong enough, you can use AHAs or BHAs for extra exfoliation.
Some people believe that AHAs and BHAs can help increase a retinoid's penetration, however, it will depend on the formulation of the product. For example, if you use a BHA lotion, the emollients in the lotion may decrease penetration more than the acid would increase penetration. But if you use a BHA liquid, it may enhance penetration.
Lastly, do not use retinoids while you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Retinoids, like all other skin care products, are absorbed into the body through your skin. Since there haven't been enough studies done on how retinoids affect developing fetuses, it's best to go the safe route and not use them at all.
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