Article Overview
- Retinol (or retinoic acid), a vitamin A derivative, is an active ingredient used to target anti-ageing skin concerns, blemishes and hyperpigmentation, by speeding up skin cell turnover and promoting collagen production to revealing fresher skin. But with its skin benefits comes the risk of irritation, dryness and redness. Because of these retinol side effects, sensitive skin types may steer clear of retinol, but when approached carefully, this skin type can still benefit from retinol. Read on to learn tips for sensitive skin types using retinol serum or cream, as well as retinol alternatives that can offer similar skin benefits.
Can sensitive skin types use retinol in their skincare routine?
Yes. Sensitive skin types can incorporate a retinol product to their routine, but should do so with caution. This skin type is easily triggered by strong ingredients, allergens and common irritants, and because of this, it’s common to avoid adding new skincare products, especially those with a reputation for causing dryness and irritation. But that doesn’t mean don’t rule retinol out completely. Instead, sensitive skin types need to be more attentive when adding retinol to their routine, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Tips for using retinol for sensitive skin
If you’re looking to use retinol to target fine lines, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, or persistent breakouts, but worry about your sensitive skin, here’s what we recommend:
1. Choose a lower concentration
2. Slowly introduce retinol cream
Start by using a small quantity of retinol cream, using once a week. Gradually, you can increase the frequency of use, increase two twice a week, after one or two weeks, then three times a week after another one or two weeks, monitoring the skin with every increase. For very sensitive skin, it’s likely that using retinol 2-3 times a week is all your skin will tolerate.
3. Keep the skin hydrated
Some retinol creams containing hydrating ingredients will help with dryness, but it’s still important to include a hydrating serum or rich moisturiser following retinol to counterbalance the drying effects. A hyaluronic acid serum is very beneficial for sensitive skin, as it can replenish the skin while also complementing retinol’s anti-ageing benefits.
4. Employ the sandwich method
The sandwich method helps to balance out the drying effects of retinol for sensitive skin by "sandwiching" the product between two layers of moisturiser or hydrating serum. Start with an initial layer of moisturiser, follow with your retinol product, then follow with another layer of moisturiser or serum.
5. Avoid conflicting serums and active ingredients
To prevent irritation of sensitive skin, refrain from combining retinol with other potent any other active ingredients, like vitamin C, glycolic acid or salicylic acid. You may be able to alternate between stronger ingredients every other day, but you should always err on the side of caution.
6. Monitor the skin for reactions
Monitor your skin carefully, noting any changes to your skin. The retinisation process does cause some dryness and increased sensitivity when you first start, but if you experience stronger discomfort, cut back on the frequency. Reactions should subside over time (usually after 4-6 weeks), but if these sensations persist or worsen with time, stop using the product and consult with a dermatologist.
7. Always use sunscreen
Retinol increases the skin's sun sensitivity, which is why a daily, broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen is essential no matter the skin type. It’s also why we recommend only applying a retinol serum or cream in the evening and follow with a nourishing night cream.
Are there alternatives to retinol for sensitive skin?
For very sensitive skin you might have to skip retinol completely, but you there are other ingredients that can offer similar benefits to retinol creams. Ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, and chemical exfoliants can be suitable alternatives to retinol for sensitive skin.
When to speak to a dermatologist
Everybody's skin is unique and may respond differently to different SkinCeuitcals products. If you're unsure about your skin type or whether retinol serum is right for you, it might be beneficial to speak to a board-certified dermatologist for tailored recommendations.
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