Is Your Skin Barrier Damaged from Retinol, and How Do You Repair It?
Retinol is a superstar ingredient in skincare, known for its ability to smooth the look of wrinkles, even skin tone and speed up cell turnover. But if you’ve been using this and noticed your skin feeling red, irritated, or overly sensitive, your skin barrier might be struggling.
The good news? You don’t have to give up! With the right knowledge and products, you can support your skin barrier and still enjoy the skin rejuvenation benefits retinol offers.
Watch: Tess Explains How to Use Retinol Without Damaging Your Skin Barrier
Tess, our skin therapist expert, shares simple tips to use this safely, protect your skin barrier, and get the best results possible.
What Is the Skin Barrier, and Why Can Retinol Damage It?
Think of your skin barrier as your skin’s natural shield. It locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. But retinol, while fantastic for cell renewal, can speed up this process too fast if your skin isn’t ready, leading to:
- Redness and irritation
- Dryness or flaking
- Increased sensitivity
- Breakouts or uneven texture
This happens because this ingredient accelerates cell turnover, and if your barrier is weak or overworked, it can’t keep up with repairing itself.
Signs Your Skin Barrier May Be Damaged
Be on the lookout for:
- Persistent redness or tightness
- Stinging when applying skincare
- Rough, uneven skin texture
- Dullness or loss of natural glow
If these sound familiar, it’s time to prioritise skin repair.
How to Support Your Skin Barrier While Continuing Vitamin A Treatments
You don’t have to ditch it. Just take a smarter approach:
-
Try a different form:
Switch to retinal (retinaldehyde), a form of vitamin A that is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. -
Pair with barrier-supporting ingredients:
Look for serums and moisturisers rich in hydrating polymers and calming, soothing extracts to support your skin as it adjusts. -
Use the ‘low and slow’ method:
Start by applying retinol once or twice a week, then gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. -
Always moisturise well:
Lock in hydration and protect your barrier with a nourishing moisturiser every time you use retinol.
Our Top Retinal Pick & Skin Renewal Power Pack for Skin Barrier Care
For a retinal option in your skin rejuvenation routine, we recommend Expert Lab Retinight: Retinal Resurfacing Night Serum.
- Contains 0.04% Retinal (retinaldehyde).
- Uses Focused Cell Dose Technology, designed to help deliver its active ingredients into the skin
- Enriched with HLG Technology (a hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid crosspolymer designed to help active ingredients penetrate the skin) and calming Liquorice Root Extract to help support the skin barrier
- Helps smooth the look of fine lines and even skin tone, for skin that looks firmer
Build Your Routine with Our Skin Renewal Power Pack
For a complete routine, try our Skin Renewal Power Pack, a three-step system designed to help skin look renewed, smoother and more radiant.
Why You’ll Love the Power Pack:
- Combines Retinal, EGF and peptides for a renewed-looking complexion
- Helps skin look firmer and smoother and feel hydrated, in three easy steps
- Suited to ageing, dull or textured skin
See Our Recommended Heroes
Final Takeaway
If your skin barrier feels compromised, don’t worry. Support it with hydrating, soothing ingredients and consider switching to retinal.
