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If you’ve fallen down the retinol rabbit hole online (like me), then you might have stumbled across the phrase “retinol uglies.” What does this phrase mean? Are retinol uglies an inevitable part of the retinol process? Should you skip the retinol entirely? If you’ve ever asked one of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk all about the retinol uglies—what they are, how you can prevent them, and whether the final result is even worth all the hassle.
If you’re in the retinol uglies phase as you’re reading this, you’re still in the right place! We’ve researched treatments that can help you get the much-needed relief you’re looking for. No matter the stage of your skincare journey, we’ve got you covered.
UNDERSTANDING RETINOL UGLIES
You may have been warned about (or experienced for yourself) the dreaded retinol uglies. This term refers to the period of time in which your skin is getting acclimated to the new retinol product. This window could start within the first week of application and last as long as a month. During this time, your skin could exhibit a whole host of unfortunate side effects. Common retinol uglies include sun sensitivity, dryness, redness, peeling, flakiness, or tretinoin purge.
For those unfamiliar, sun sensitivity essentially means that you’re more likely to get sunburnt when exposed to the sun. While wearing sunscreen is always recommended, it’s even more important if you’re using a product that could cause sun sensitivity. Apply sunscreen every morning, and while outside, don’t forget to reapply every hour and a half.
While on the topic of sunscreen, try to use biodegradable sunscreen when possible. Common sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic to our oceans and are packaged in containers that aren’t biodegradable. Biodegradable sunscreens are made with both users and the environment in mind. Biodegradable sunscreen will break down naturally and return to the Earth without polluting it or bleaching its coral reefs. If you want to look and feel your best without compromising your green lifestyle, look into zero waste skincare. There is a way to protect your skin and the planet.
How Long Do Retinol Uglies Last?
Typically, anywhere from 7 days to one or two months. Skin purging from retinol is one of the uglies that you might not recognize and it can last pretty long. The retinol works to purge your skin of everything that might be blocking your pores and causing breakouts. However, this sudden turnover brings everything to the surface at once, for better or worse. The skin purge can exacerbate the problem initially by dredging up all those pore-cloggers and inciting worse breakouts.
Therefore, you might notice worsening acne breakouts or skin peeling when you start using retinol. These should stop within a month of retinol use. If the breakouts or peeling are severe, painful, or concerning, please consult a medical professional. No skincare product should be causing you pain or extreme discomfort. The good news is that there are hundreds, if not thousands of retinoids on the market. You should be able to find the right one or find an alternative that works best for you.
EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT RETINOL
If retinol can cause retinol uglies, why do people still use the product? Well, many would argue that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial retinol uglies. Retinol is a great skincare product for treating acne, fine lines or wrinkles, and overall improving skin health and appearance. However, there are many different retinol products (have you heard of encapsulated retinol?).
On the other hand, a natural vegan retinol like Plant Mother’s organic plant-based retinol serum are gentler on the skin. The retinol serum from Plant Mother is made with entirely natural ingredients. Because Plant Mother relies on carefully selected natural and non-toxic ingredients, users don’t experience the same redness, dryness, or irritation that they might with a traditional retinol.
WHAT MAKES PLANT MOTHER’S RETINOL DIFFERENT
If it’s not causing typical retinol uglies, is Plant Mother’s retinol serum still working? Absolutely! It will take a bit of time for the effects to become noticeable, but the serum gets to work right away, encouraging cell turnover and promoting collagen growth. You should start to notice that your skin is getting clearer, brighter, more even in skin tone, and smoother. By deriving vitamins and antioxidants from plants, Plant Mother’s retinol serum produces the same wonderful anti-aging benefits as synthetic retinols without the harsh chemicals.
IF I USE RETINOL, DO I REALLY NEED VITAMIN C CREAM TOO?
Vitamin C and retinol are a worthwhile duo for any skincare routine. We recommend using Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum in the morning and applying retinol serum at night for best results. Just like the retinol, Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum is packed with hydrating and rejuvenating all-natural ingredients. One of its all-star ingredients is the organic Kakadu Plum. This vitamin-rich plant boasts 55 times more Vitamin C than oranges. The Vitamin C serum will help to combat premature signs of aging and give your skin a youthful and refreshed look.
PREVENTING RETINOL UGLIES
Some argue that retinol uglies aren’t an inevitability. If you choose to use a vegan retinol, that’s true. If you decide to use over-the-counter retinol, these steps can help you prevent the dryness, redness, irritation, and purging associated with starting retinol.
The key is to start small and slow. Use a product with low retinol concentration to start. If you’d like to be extra cautious, you could conduct a patch test first on a small area. Use a tiny amount of retinol to start, and don’t use it every day. Try applying once or twice a week in the beginning. You want to give your skin plenty of time to get used to the product.
Stay hydrated, inside and out. Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water and moisturizing well.
Research the other skincare products you are using. Retinol can have an increased drying or irritating effect when combined with certain ingredients. Some even suggest reducing the amount of skincare products you use while introducing retinol. Just be sure to keep your moisturizer and sunscreen in the mix! Moisturizing your skin and protecting it with sunscreen are some of the top suggestions for preventing the retinol uglies. You can even combine your moisturizer with the retinol. A cleanser with niacinamide can also help hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying out or purging.
Another prevention tip is to gently wash and exfoliate your skin regularly. Consider introducing a cleansing oil formulated with all-natural face oils. You don’t want to excessively irritate your skin at a time of change, but you do want to remove the dead skin cells that emerge during cell turnover. Just be careful when picking an exfoliator to use. Don’t use an exfoliating acid because they simply aren’t gentle enough.
TREATING RETINOL UGLIES
You may have stumbled upon this page having already reached the “retinol uglies” stage. If you didn’t practice any of the prevention tips, don’t despair! There are ways to treat the retinol uglies. Keep in mind that this stage is temporary, even without any intervention. But if you’re impatient or having a hard time getting through this stage, there are still steps you can take to help treat them.
Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area that is giving you discomfort. This can help ease your discomfort. You shouldn’t be experiencing major pain or irritation—if you do, stop use and get medical treatment right away. You might be experiencing an allergic reaction to the product. Minor pain or irritation is typically just a part of the retinol uglies, however.
Skip the chemicals, masks, and makeup. You might be tempted to cover up a retinol purge with a thick layer of foundation or concealer. Don’t! If you can forego makeup, exfoliants and other chemical products, do so for the first week. This will keep your skin from getting unnecessarily overwhelmed with irritating and pore-clogging products.
There are natural remedies that can help treat the retinol uglies. A cooling toner or aloe vera gel can soothe your skin, but they also might counteract the good that the retinol is doing. You might want to save these treatments as a last resort. And remember, if the retinol uglies get severe or painful, it’s time to reach out to a dermatologist.
ARE THE BENEFITS WORTH THE RISK OF RETINOL UGLIES?
Your internal alarm bells might be blaring at this point. Retinol uglies are a major, albeit temporary, downside of retinol use. However, they shouldn’t deter you from using retinol. Retinol uglies are a bump in the road, but using retinol consistently leads to lifelong improvements in your skin. Many have found that retinol, especially natural vegan retinol, is great for skin rejuvenation and overall texture. After the retinol uglies, your body adjusts and that new, smoother skin emerges. Of course, if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, you might want to ask a dermatologist before trying out retinol.
ARE ALL SIDE EFFECTS JUST RETINOL UGLIES?
No. It’s really important not to shove all unpleasant side effects under the umbrella of “retinol uglies.” This erroneously assumes that all negative reactions are normal, temporary, and safe. This isn’t the case. Some people have a harmful reaction to the skincare product and need to stop use and seek out medical attention. Just like any other product, retinol can sometimes cause extreme adverse reactions or allergic reactions. Let’s talk about what can’t be classified as a retinol ugly. Keep an eye out for the following reactions, many of which warrant medical attention right away.
- Extreme pain, tenderness or discomfort
- Swelling
- Skin irritation near the eyes
- Eczema and psoriasis
- Cystic acne breakouts (tender/painful bumps underneath the surface of the skin)
- Allergic reactions (i.e., hives)
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Excessive patchiness, peeling, dryness, flakiness
- Chapped lips
CONCLUSION
The name “retinol uglies” isn’t one I personally would’ve chosen, nor do I agree with it. Please remember to practice kindness, self-love and patience with yourself. No product can make you “ugly.” Not breakouts, or peeling, or anything else. No self-judgment or criticism is allowed here! Beauty radiates from the inside, not the outside. Your skin is a vital part of you, and it deserves your love and care.
Skin health takes many avenues. If retinol is part of your skincare journey, the retinol uglies might tag along. Just remember the prevention and treatment tips, call your dermatologist if needed, and practice self-care. You’re going to get through this!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.
