Can Retinol Be More Irritating in the Winter?

Retinol already has the potential to be irritating, particularly if newbies start using too much and/or applying it too quickly. The results can be dryness, redness, peeling and stinging. Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Naissan O. Wesley says that cold weather can also produce these same symptoms on its own. So, when you combine retinol with baseline skin irritation from frigid winter, it can result in a double whammy of skin irritation.

Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, MD says, "With temperatures dropping along with humidity levels, our skin can lose lots of its natural moisture and oils leading to irritation, which can sometimes be activated by our skincare products, including retinol."

Image via Imaxtree