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Skin Concern

iffahaina user profile picture

iffahaina

Dry/Sensitive

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Is it normal for skin to peel after using retinol?

I started using retinol from Some By Mi, both the Retinol serum and the eye serum. And my cheeks started getting all cracked and very sensitive, red to everything I put after. Is it normal or am I genuinely unable to use retinol and if so, if there anything else that I can replace retinol with?
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77

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20

20 Comments

dichanp user profile picture

dichanp

Oily/Resilient

Retinol is a potent ingredient. If you are new to retinol, then you must use it 1-2x a week and make sure to incorporate hydrating and moisturising properties. After the skin getting used to it, then gradually increase the frequency in a week. Do you use the retinol everyday? Do you add hydrating or moisturising ingredients into your routine when using the retinol? If you're using it everyday, try to stop the usage and lower the frequency in a week. Try to add hydrating and moisturising products as well. Also, make sure your routine doesn't contain any exfoliating agents as retinol aren't meant to be combined with exfoliants, or other potent ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, etc.
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17

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iffahaina user profile picture

iffahaina

Dry/Sensitive

I actually use it once a week and so far my skin isn’t reacting well. And I usually use it the sandwich method. I would apply moisturizer and then retinol and then moisturise again. But every time my skin gets cracked and it will get all sensitive again. So I’m just wondering if maybe retinol isn’t suited for me
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4

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AnaGabiLoves user profile picture

AnaGabiLoves

Oily/Sensitive

It’s very normal. I’ve been using retinol for around 7-8 years, and sometimes changing brands make my skin peel and sensitive. I’ve just started prescription tretinoin again 2 months ago and the peeling lasted for at least 6 weeks, I use it 2-3 times a week. Also applying a plain, but hydrating moisturizer before retinol helps wonders 😊 hope this helps.
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7

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SashaGrace user profile picture

SashaGrace

Oily/Resilient

Absolutely normal. Retinoids aren't for everyone, despite the raved about results. I would recommend trying retinaldhyde. It's a conversion step closer to being retinoic acid, so it can be less harsh for some people.
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tammyt user profile picture

tammyt

Dry/Sensitive

Thank you for your recommendation Sasha!
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1

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FrenchyPeach19 user profile picture

FrenchyPeach19

Oily/Resilient

What's your moisturizer??? Maybe you need a thicker and richer one to compensate from retinol.
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3

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iffahaina user profile picture

iffahaina

Dry/Sensitive

I’m currently using the Pyunkang Yul moisturiser. It’s pretty thick
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tamyunni user profile picture

tamyunni

Oily/Resilient

It is very normal indeed, I would personally suggest to switch to retinAL. it's far more gentle and you can use it daily too but as you are new to it start 3 times per week. You can browse their website as they start from the lowest strength and you build your tolerance to it
Crystal Retinal 6

Medik8
Crystal Retinal 6

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iffahaina user profile picture

iffahaina

Dry/Sensitive

Thank you! I’ll try this out instead 🥰🫶🏻
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