Can retinol darken skin?

“If the retinol you’re using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it,” she adds.

Why does retinol darken my skin?

In theory, retinol makes your skin cell turnover faster. The increased cell turnover temporarily sloughs off more dead skin cells. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. Your new skin is exposed before it’s ready, and redness or discoloration, and irritation is the result.

Does retinol whiten skin?

However, retinol does remove dead skin cells revealing a more even complexion. So retinol won’t lighten your skin, but retinol will help even/blend out any hyperpigmentation. If hyperpigmentation is a top concern for you, we recommend trying a product with arbutin, azelaic acid, AHAs (i.e. glycolic acid) or vitamin C.

Does retinol change skin tone?

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color.

Does hyperpigmentation from retinol go away?

Topical retinoids work by increasing the rate of cell turnover and are typically used as an acne treatment. However, because of the high cell turnover, it also works well to help fade dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation.

Who should not use retinol?

Who should skip retinol? “Retinols can be a beneficial addition for most skin types, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” Panzica says. Board certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD, notes that “people with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea cannot tolerate really strong topicals like retinols.”

How long do retinol uglies last?

In general, retinol is one of the more gentle varieties of retinoids, however, “if you’re going to experience shedding it will begin on day three to five of daily night time use, and this usually continues for about five to 10 days depending on your skin type and the percentage of retinol you’ve used,” adds Ejikeme.

Is it OK to use retinol every night?

After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want. Zeichner also suggests only using retinol at night. “The evening is a time of rest and repair, and cell turnover is at its peak,” he says.

Can I use moisturizer over retinol?

The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.

Should you use retinol every night?

FACT: Retinol can be used every day.

“Because retinol is a powerful antioxidant,” says Dr. Emer, “it is important to use it every day.” To encourage everyday use, he recommends starting with a lighter dose of around 0.05 percent and working your way up as your skin becomes adjusted.

How retinol changed my skin?

Retinoids (the umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, like retinol) sink into your skin and trigger faster cell turnover and collagen production, creating newer, smoother, skin. And all of that means pores stay clear, breakouts diminish, fine lines soften, and acne scars fade.

At what age should you start using retinol?

Retinol. Best age to start: 25 (This is when elastin production starts to slow down.) Signs you need it: When you start seeing dynamic wrinkles—the lines you get when your muscles contract—such as frown lines, crow’s feet or laughter lines.

What happens if I stop using retinol?

Do the results last if you stop using retinol? Yes, but most dermatologists say you’ll want to resume using it for optimal results. “Retinols help turn back the clock. If you have to stop them (for example while pregnant), your skin is still better from the time you were using them,” explains Dr.

Which retinol is best for hyperpigmentation?

Can retinol damage your skin?

“If you’re overusing your retinol, or if you’re using a retinol that’s too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol’s association with skin thinning,” she says.

How do you fade hyperpigmentation fast?

Committing to a dark-spot-correcting serum with any and all of the brightening ingredients we mentioned before (vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid)—can significantly speed up the process and help fade dark spots even faster.