Skin Care Ingredients You're Probably Overusing

Like alpha hydroxy acids, retinol is another potent ingredient that can do wonders to complexions, but it should be used sparingly, especially if you're new to the retinol game. Redness, irritation, itchiness and flakiness are some of the potential side effects, according to Kritzer.

"Overuse of retinol can encourage cell turnover too much and can make under-developed skin cells come to the surface which can weaken your skin's protective barrier function," says Fedotova. "In my formulations, I prefer to use sea buckthorn and rose hips extract because they contain natural forms of precursor of vitamin A (retinol) along with vitamins B and C and other anti-aging skin nutrients which will work harmoniously with the skin and will never lead to over-exfoliation or other undesirable side effects."

If you opt for retinol rather than an alternative, note that it takes time to build up a tolerance to retinol. Do not rush into it and do not be overzealous with your application. And always remember sun protection. Kritzer suggests starting out using retinol two times per week and building up to three to four times per week, as tolerated.

Image via PeopleImages/E+/Getty