When to Pause Retinal: 6 Key Skin Safety Moments

6 Occasions When We Encourage You to Stop Using Retinal

Retinal has surged in popularity among skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. This powerful vitamin A derivative offers numerous benefits, including skin renewal, reduced fine lines, and a radiant glow.

However, its potency means it must be used thoughtfully. Knowing when to pause retinal use can be just as important as knowing how to apply it.

Overusing or applying it under certain conditions can harm your skin barrier and delay progress.

Here, we explore six specific situations where stepping back from retinal temporarily is wise for your skin’s health and long-term results.

This guide will help you listen to your skin, avoid setbacks, and continue your journey to glowing, resilient skin.

1. When You’re Experiencing Irritation

Retinal can cause irritation, especially when first introduced. Mild redness, dryness, and peeling (known as “purging”) often occur as your skin adapts to the active speeding up cell turnover.

This process is usually temporary.

However, intense stinging, burning, or persistent severe irritation indicates your skin barrier is struggling. This isn’t the normal adjustment phase but a warning that you need to slow down.

When irritation spikes, reduce application frequency to once a week or stop entirely until your skin calms. Continuing to push through may cause more harm, including increased sensitivity and barrier damage.

Consistency at a lower frequency still provides benefits, including subtle radiance and gradual improvement without stress. After your skin strengthens, slowly increase usage to find your ideal routine.

For sensitive skin types, try the “sandwich method.” Apply a nourishing moisturizer before and after retinal to cushion your skin.

This technique reduces irritation and supports barrier repair, making it easier to build tolerance over time.

If irritation persists despite these adjustments, it might be worth consulting a dermatologist. They can recommend products tailored to your skin type or suggest alternative ingredients.

Remember: patience pays off. Skipping a day or two to soothe your skin isn’t a setback but a smart move to achieve long-term success.

2. When You’re Sunburnt

We cannot stress enough the importance of daily sun protection. SPF is your retinal’s best friend, shielding delicate new skin from UV damage and preventing pigmentation and premature aging.

Despite precautions, sunburn can happen. If your skin is visibly red, hot, or peeling, it’s critical to stop retinal immediately.

Using retinal on sunburned skin worsens inflammation, increases redness, and prolongs healing by damaging your already fragile barrier. This can set you back weeks.

Focus on soothing, hydrating ingredients that repair your skin. Aloe vera, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are excellent choices.

Avoid exfoliating acids or other potent actives during this recovery phase. Let your skin rest and rebuild naturally.

Only reintroduce retinal once all redness, flaking, and discomfort have completely resolved. This healing period often takes at least a week but varies based on burn severity.

Remember, prevention is the best cure. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply throughout the day, and wear hats or protective clothing when spending time outdoors.

3. When You’ve Booked a Facial

Facials can be deeply relaxing and effective, but they often involve exfoliating treatments that can sensitize your skin.

To avoid discomfort or prolonged inflammation, stop retinal use at least a week before your facial appointment.

If you have been using retinal recently, inform your facialist. This helps them customize your treatment, possibly avoiding harsh peels or waxing that could irritate your skin.

After a facial, expect a focus on hydration and calming products to soothe any sensitivity caused by extractions or exfoliation.

Skipping retinal around facials prevents over-exfoliation and inflammation, making your skin more comfortable and enhancing your results.

This pause also helps protect your skin barrier and maintains a balanced environment for healthy skin renewal.

4. When You Have a Brow or Lip Wax, or Laser Treatment Planned

Retinal accelerates cell turnover, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. While this new skin looks radiant, it is also more delicate and vulnerable.

Using retinal before waxing or laser treatments increases your risk of irritation, redness, and skin tearing during or after treatment.

Similarly, applying retinal too soon post-treatment can cause a burning sensation and prolong recovery because of open follicles or compromised skin.

To avoid these issues, stop retinal use at least a few days before and after your waxing or laser appointments.

Give your skin the time it needs to calm and heal before resuming strong actives.

This practice ensures your treatments are comfortable and safe while protecting your skin’s barrier integrity.

5. When You’ve Just Had Skin Needling

Skin needling (microneedling) stimulates collagen by creating tiny punctures in the skin, triggering a repair process that improves texture and firmness.

Immediately after treatment, expect redness, swelling, warmth, and mild sensitivity for a few days.

Dryness and flaking follow within 3 to 5 days as your skin regenerates, signaling your barrier is temporarily compromised.

Introducing retinal during this vulnerable window will prolong inflammation and irritation, hindering recovery.

Most clinicians recommend pausing all strong actives, including retinal, until your skin is fully healed.

Always follow your dermal clinician’s advice closely. They might suggest waiting 7 to 10 days or longer depending on your skin’s response.

Patience after skin needling results in better outcomes and healthier skin.

6. When You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Retinoids, including retinal, are generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal development.

Vitamin A derivatives influence cell differentiation and organ formation in utero, so high doses may cause developmental issues.

Because of this, experts recommend avoiding retinal and all retinoids during pregnancy and nursing.

Instead, opt for gentle, safe alternatives such as peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients.

Always consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Balancing your skincare routine with your baby’s safety is essential.

And congratulations! Pregnancy is a special time where your skincare priorities shift to protect both you and your little one.

Why Retinal Deserves Respect — And When to Listen to Your Skin

Retinal is a powerhouse ingredient beloved for its ability to transform skin. But with power comes responsibility.

Strong actives require a thoughtful approach. Ignoring your skin’s signals can cause setbacks like irritation, barrier damage, and even long-term sensitivity.

By understanding the six moments to pause retinal, you protect your skin’s health and ensure consistent, glowing results over time.

Good skincare isn’t about pushing hard every day. It’s about listening, adapting, and caring for your skin’s unique needs.

Bonus Tips for Retinal Success

Start Slow: Introduce retinal gradually—one or two nights a week—and build frequency as tolerated.

Use Sunscreen Religiously: UV protection is essential to protect your skin from damage and pigment issues.

Moisturize Generously: A strong barrier is your best defense against irritation.

Avoid Mixing Actives: Don’t combine retinal with exfoliating acids, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide unless your skin can handle it.

Take Breaks: If your skin feels compromised, pause use to prevent longer healing times.

Consult a Professional: For personalized advice, especially if you have sensitive skin or are undergoing treatments.

By following these guidelines and recognizing when to pause, retinal can remain your skin’s best friend.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected