retinol side effects

Undesirable Retinol Side Effects?

Buzzword Retinol

Retinol, or its umbrella term retinoid, is one of the biggest buzzwords of the year. And for this reason, at the same time, there is a lot of interest in retinol side effects that may exist. However, this ingredient is far from being the new kid on the block. Since the 1970s, dermatologists use retinoids to treat acne, some skin cancers, psoriasis, and more. But, how much is since known to side effects from retinol like retinol burns?

Retinoids are a chemical derivative of Vitamin A. They help replenish lost cells and regulate cell growth. They increase blood flow to the skin and contribute to an even skin tone. Retinoids also minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, retinoids are commonly found in anti-aging products.

retinol side effects

Some skincare experts recommend that men start incorporating these in their skincare regimen as early as in their 20s. They reason that it is at this time that skin begins losing collagen.

But are retinoids safe for everyday use? No, they aren’t. Retinol is a two-edged sword. The undesirable retinol side effects on skin contrast with the benefits of retinol.

Different Types of Retinoids

Retinoids come in many different forms. Each one has a different effect on a man’s skin. Knowing the properties of each type is helpful in understanding how the undesirable side effects of retinoids may occur.

For instance, tazarotene can irritate the skin. Higher concentrations of tretinoin can cause dryness. Adapalene, on the other hand, is less potent. Therefore, adapalene may be more suitable for those with sensitive skin.

A common misconception about retinol is that it exfoliates the skin. That is a myth. In reality, the redness is due to irritation.

What happens when you use retinol daily? Aside from irritation of the skin, some men also experience dryness. At worst, the side effects of retinol can include burns – a burning sensation and peeling.

An Irresponsible Marketing Strategy

In the past, retinoids could only be obtained with a prescription. Today, they are readily available over the counter. Many skincare companies today make unproven claims about ingredients, including retinoids.
Celebrities and influencers on social media praise their short-term effects. As a result, there are more risks associated with the improper use of retinoids.

Health Risks with Retinol Side Effects

Just because an ingredient is healthy doesn’t mean that it’s good for the skin. Neither is having too much of a good ingredient beneficial to health. Let’s look at what this means when it comes to retinoids.

An overuse of retinoids causes skin cells to produce too quickly. As a result, the skin barrier is weakened. Cells are unable to protect the skin. One side effect of retinoid use is photosensitivity. In other words, your skin becomes more sensitive to UV light from the sun.

Another side effect of retinoids is the way they interfere with the division of cells. Cells normally divide themselves about 50 times in one’s lifetime. Using too much retinol causes the number of healthy cell divisions to arrive sooner rather than later.

Says Mervyn Patterson, a cosmetic doctor, “the skincare industry is taking us into a massive experimentation of the population… we don’t know what will happen with prolonged, excessive use.” As for me, I wouldn’t want to be their monkey here.

What if I want to avoid the risk and dangers of retinol cream altogether?

Is there a real alternative to products containing retinol? Well, you can look at active ingredient alternatives. A good example of gentle ingredients with powerful effects can be found in the Ultimate Face Cream for Men (women’s skin also smiles consistently after treatment with it, we are convinced of that). The special combination of active ingredients in this cream gives you the richness and versatility of serum, moisturizer and eye cream. With a dash of anti-aging effect. In one single bottle. A genuine retinol alternative? Quite so, in our opinion.

More on retinol’s special role among skin care ingredients you can find here: Retinol – The Claim Game of a Beauty Ingredient or rather technically elaborated here: Retinoids topical