Retinol 101: What It Really Does for Your Skin – And How to Use it Right (4 of 5)

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Retinol?

It is completely normal to experience some side effects when you initially begin using retinol. Side effects like mild redness, flaking, or dryness can occur during this time, which is called the “retinization” period. This is just your skin adjusting, and it will typically settle down after the first few weeks.

If the irritation or other side effects begin to get worse or persist, reduce how often you are using the retinol. Or you can give the “sandwich method” a try, which includes applying a layer of moisturizer, then applying your retinol, and following up with another final layer of moisturizer. This will effectively create a buffer for your skin without compromising the product’s effectiveness.