Treat Retinol Burn - Faster Natural Healing
Retinol is burning my skin: Why?
Retinol, a synthesised version of Vitamin A, is widely used in the pursuit of younger looking skin. However, for a significant number of users, it's use is linked to adverse effects including a chemical burn. Also referred to as retinol irritation, it occurs when skin reacts negatively, resulting in flakiness, peeling, and redness.
What is Retinol Burn?
Retinol works by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in the skin. When retinol binds to these receptors, it alters the expression of genes involved and accelerates the turnover of skin cells, promoting the shedding of the outer layer of dead skin cells. The rapid turnover can cause the outer layer of the skin to become thinner and more prone to irritation.
The irritation from retinol is an inflammatory response in the form of redness, swelling, and the other symptoms associated with retinol burn.
What does Retinol Burn look like?
Common retinol burn symptoms and retinol side effects include:
retinol burned skin - on the face, neck, eyelids and burned under the eyes
dryness - dry, cracked and rough skin on the face and around the lips
flakiness - flaky and peeling skin
sensitivity - skin develops sore red patches often called retinol rash
pigmentation, spots and premature ageing.
retinol sun damage - where the skin becomes more susceptible to UV rays due to the thinning of the epidermis and melanin destruction
retinol sun damage - skin cancer risk
Does Retinol damage the skin barrier?
Yes. A real concern is the retinol damaged skin barrier, where retinol disrupts the skin's protective layer, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to UV light and pollutants.
The skin barrier is essential for retaining moisture and protecting against irritants and pathogens. Retinol can disrupt this barrier by affecting the lipids and proteins that maintain its integrity, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and sensitivity.
What are the Retinol Side Effects
The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, pigmentation spots, and premature ageing.
How to Heal Retinol Burn
If the Retinol Burn is so inflamed and causing pain then keep the affected skin cool with a cold wet cloth pressed on the skin. Don't apply makeup. Apply a specialist soothing oil, one that provides intense moisturisation and cooling along with the nourishment needed to help the burn heal quickly .
Your way back to healthy skin involves a few key steps.
First, it's crucial to halt retinol use.
It's a misnomer that healthy skin is 'encouraged' by the application of chemicals selected to kill skin.
Retinol use:
- Kills the top layer of your skin abnormally
- Interferes with the molecular biology of those cells
- Disturbs the natural protective surface layer within
Focus on hydration and barrier repair
To heal retinol burn fast, reduce skin irritation by avoiding harsh skincare products and applying gentle, soothing moisturisers. Keeping the skin hydrated and protected from the sun's ageing rays.
There is urgent need to protect skin from Ultraviolet (UVA) radiation.
The skin immediately needs:
- A deep reaching oil to reach the newer (surviving) skin cells which don't yet have the necessary natural protection.
- Protection against free radical damage caused by UVA rays
- Stimulated melanin production
Best Moisturiser for Retinol Burn
Your skin needs moisturising and deep down protection to get your skin on a fast-track to recovery. This is what the Restoration Serum was created for.
Your skin has lost it's top layer. The new layers coming through need specialist oils to help them.
Suitable for all skin types, this is wonderfully soothing to sore skin. It nourishes and moisturises Retinol damaged skin.
It has no allergens, perfumes and no steroids.
It is intensely moisturising and nourishing to damaged skin and reaches deep down for the fastest recovery.
Suitable for all skin types suffering from Retinol Burn
Soothing
Nourishing to skin
Intense moisturiser
Suitable for very sensitive skin
No allergens, no perfumes, No steroids
Best Protection from Retinol Sun Damage
After the top layer of skin was removed, it is now has unprotected skin cells exposed to UVA radiation from sunlight. You need protection ASAP.
Pre-Sun UVA Protection Facial Oil
This Ultra-Sensitive Oil contains neutralising natural oils, which fight against free radical damage caused by UVA rays and stimulate melanin production.
Free Radicals are the biggest cause of skin damage and ageing to skin.
The oil's molecular characteristics enable it to reach deeper than a cream to protect the skin where it is so urgently needed.
Suitable for all skin types suffering from Retinol Burn
Stimulates melanin production
Intense moisturiser
Protects from UVA
Soothing
Nourishing to skin
Deep reaching repair
None of the harsh spf50 chemicals
How Long Does Retinol Burn Last?
Depending upon the severity of the damage and your skin's healing process, it can last anywhere from a few days to upto 3 weeks.
Is retinol bad for young skin?
The website of a major chain says...
"Retinol products are safe to use in your teens - it's just that you may not need to. Some young people use retinol for its blemish-busting properties....."
It would appear that great discernment is need regarding the Big-money skincare providers.
Dr Niamh has her own thoughts on this
Toxicity from long term high use can affect the Liver at any age.
Dr Niamh - Retinol and Vit A Toxicity
A Better Way - After the Retinol Burn has healed
Natural Elements offers a facial oil as natural retinol alternative for use after the Burn from Retinol use has fully healed.
This blend of vital oils, combined with a triple-action brightening complex, protects the skin from the primary causes of ageing.
The formulation, enriched with peach and jojoba extracts, offers superior protection against free radical damage.
Contains none of the Retinoid ingredients...
So ... No more Burn
The infusion of orange, grapefruit, and patchouli ensures dead cells are removed harmoniously, promoting cell regeneration and revealing a radiant complexion.
Is there a natural retinol?
Natural Alternative to Retinol - No more Burn
Holistic Oil Skincare Kit
Our Clarifying Face Wash is an invigorating blend of Aloe Vera and Cellulose Gel actively repairing and soothing to the skin, whilst combating irritation and sensitivity. The Cellulose Gel delivers rich antioxidants to help protect your skin against environmental damage and provide anti-ageing protection.
A Blending Moisturiser sinks into the skin instantly without leaving a greasy film. It’s packed with antioxidants, a blend of botanicals and a moisturising base. It makes a great skin primer for application of make-up and locks in beneficial facial oils.
Keeps your skin smooth and plump whilst helping to block the enzymes which cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
Holistic Facial Oil offers immense Anti-Ageing properties to replenish precious moisture, accelerate repair and create an impenetrable barrier between your complexion and environmental stresses.
Silky and Lightweight, the blend of Peach and Avocado protects your skin against Free Radical damage. While the uplifting blend of Lavender, Orange and Rose infuse the formulation into a refreshing tonic, aiding the protective film on the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production and enhancing suppleness leaving your skin looking smooth, lifted and luminous.
Works in harmony with the skin's own natural sun protection (Melanin) to protect against UVA damage.Unlike cream, this oil penetrates to the lower layers of the skin and subsequently prevents premature ageing.
Konjac Sponge
Konjac is a perennial herb (from the aroid family) and since ancient times, it has been widely used as a medical and edible natural plant. Unbelievably soft and gentle, the Konjac sponge exfoliates dead skin cells whilst cleansing the face, and leaves behind a “Colloid Film” to nourish, protect and hydrate your skin. It is perfect for cleansing even the most sensitive skin.
100% Natural retinol alternative
Soothing to the skin, combats irritation and sensitivity
Gently removes dirt, oil, environmental pollutants
Gently removes harmful bacteria
Gently removes heavy make-up
Retains beneficial lipids, proteins
Intensely hydrating. Improves elasticity and tone.
Anti-ageing
Great skin primer for make-up
Locks in beneficial facial oils
Not for use for current Retinol Burn
It's time
to move away from skincare products that contain synthetic or petroleum-based chemicals which can:
Damage skin
Strip away protection
Scar and cause sudden or premature ageing
Explore...
our Natural Anti Ageing Oils and Serums plant compounds which
Soothe, repair and nourish your skin
Reach deep down to surround new-forming cells to protect them
It's time to feel good again
Here is our range of Natural alternatives to Retinol:
Alternatively, if your skin is worrying you and want to talk about it first, please get in touch.
You are welcome to fill in the form
and we will be in touch.