Caution
Sunburn is one of the biggest risks of using retinol. In some cases, the drying and irritating effects can be worsened by sun exposure. Sun exposure can make you susceptible to the skin conditions you’re using retinol for.
You can reduce sunburn, by wearing sunscreen every day and avoiding direct contact with the sun as much as possible. Pregnant women are usually advised to stay away from retinol because it can increase the risk of having birth defects and miscarriage. Pregnant women should talk to a doctor, so they can get a safer alternative. People with eczema should avoid using retinol because it can exacerbate it.
Some doubts have been raised about the long-term carcinogenic effects of retinol. However, more studies have to be done to confirm it.
It is imperative to not use more than one product or more than what the doctor prescribed. It can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risks of having side effects.
You can apply a moisturizer with topical retinol. It can reduce skin drying without disrupting the potency of the products.
Conclusion
Retinols are popular because they have several positive effects on both aging and acne-prone skin. Retinol is the most available form of retinoid; it can be used by anybody and is affordable. It is important to seek advice from a doctor if you experience any persisting side effects.
References
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047#:~:text=Acne%20is%20a%20skin%20condition,but%20acne%20can%20be%20persistent.
[2] https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Epidermis.aspx
[3] https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/collagen-health-benefits-food-sources-supplements-types-more/
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sebum#:~:text=Sebum%20is%20an%20oily%2C%20waxy,moisturizes%2C%20and%20protects%20your%20skin.&text=As%20an%20article%20from%20Harvard,protective%20barrier%20against%20water%20evaporation.%E2%80%9D
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323808
[6] https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-Elastin.aspx#:~:text=Elastin%20is%20an%20extracellular%20matrix,encoded%20by%20the%20ELN%20gene.&text=Elastin%20is%20synthesized%20from%20the%20precursor%20molecule%20tropoelastin.