Can Retinol Be More Irritating in the Winter?

Those with naturally dry skin are probably wondering whether this puts them in a more precarious position. Geneva-based dermatologist and founder of Forever Institut and Alchimie Forever Dr. Luigi L. Polla concurs that retinol is harsher on dry skin versus normal or oilier skin types. There is a silver lining because the side effects of retinol have nothing to do with the efficacy of the ingredient. Polla says, "In other words, it can be as effective on dry skin types (with more irritation) as it is on thicker, oilier skin types (with minimal irritation)."

Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Susan Van Dyke points out that dry skin can signal a break in the skin barrier, which would make retinol harsher on very dry, cracked skin.

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