The Downsides of Retinol Use: Understanding the Risks

Retinol works by speeding up cell turnover, which can leave your skin more vulnerable. This process often causes redness, dryness, peeling, and irritation, particularly in the early weeks of use (Narsa et al., 2024; Mukherjee et al., 2006). For those with sensitive skin, this can lead to persistent discomfort and may outweigh the potential benefits of the product.

One of the most commonly overlooked risks of retinol is its ability to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, especially in the first months of use, which is why people using retinoids are advised to use sunscreen (Mukherjee et al., 2006). This increased photosensitivity can lead to a higher likelihood of sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage if proper sun protection isn’t used daily. Ironically, without adequate SPF, retinol users may accelerate the very aging process they’re trying to slow down.

Retinol, as a derivative of vitamin A, is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Excessive vitamin A can potentially harm fetal development (Rothman et al., 1995; Azaïs-Braesco and Pascal, 2000), making it a no-go for those expecting or nursing. This limitation is often overlooked in mainstream discussions around retinol. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your doctor about your skincare.

Some retinol users describe a "purge phase," during which breakouts and irritation seem to worsen before the skin improves. Research on this with cosmetic retinol is limited, but it can leave users feeling frustrated or even tempted to discontinue the product. While this phase is usually described as temporary, it can be particularly discouraging for those already dealing with acne or uneven skin.

By accelerating cell turnover, retinol can compromise your skin’s natural barrier if overused or improperly applied. A weakened barrier can result in increased sensitivity, dehydration, and susceptibility to environmental aggressors like pollution and bacteria.

While retinol can deliver impressive short-term results, overuse or improper application can keep skin persistently irritated. Chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes called "inflammaging," is thought to contribute to skin aging (Pająk et al., 2023), which could counteract the smoothing effects that retinol is prized for. Balancing frequency and dosage is key to minimizing this risk.

Retinol is often marketed as suitable for everyone, but this isn’t entirely true. People with certain skin types, including highly sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, may find retinol irritating: how well skin tolerates retinoids varies with skin type (Thielitz and Gollnick, 2008), and evidence on topical retinoids for rosacea is limited and mixed (Sticchi et al., 2025). Consulting a dermatologist is essential to determine if retinol is the right fit for your skin.