Meet the Experts
Keep reading for the most common retinol myths, debunked.
While retinol might not be ideal for everyone with dry skin, it can be tolerated by many.
This period should end after a few weeks, according to Nussbaum.
Byrdie / Cristina Cianci
Be sure to apply moisturizer to help combat the effects of dryness and prevent skin peeling during this time.
“Retinol itself is not sun sensitizing,” he says.
“Just take the proper sun-protective precautions, such as using sunscreen daily, on affected areas.”
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Retinol Thins Skin
Not only is this one untrueit’s actually theoppositeof the truth.
“Retinol does not actually thin the skin,” says Siegel.
Most studies use 12 weeks as a cutoff to seeing any significant changesas do I."
Caroline Tompkins / Refinery29 for Getty Images
In other words,sensitive skinladies, it’s probably best to stick to the instructions.
Retinol Exfoliates the Skin
When we think exfoliation, we think facial scrubs andchemical peels.
Key Ingredients
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that loosens bonds between dead skin cells.
Liubov Ilchuk / Unsplash
It helps stimulate collagen production and acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin.
Hence it is important to moisturize regularly when using a retinol.
Tobia says that’s not the case, however.
So, where does this myth come from?
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.
2011;4(9):22-42.
