Retinol peel

Yes, retinol commonly causes skin peeling, particularly when you first start using it or increase the concentration. This peeling is a normal part of retinisation, the adjustment period where your skin adapts to the vitamin A derivative. Retinol accelerates cell turnover, causing skin cells to shed faster than normal, which often results in visible flaking and peeling. During the initial adjustment period of 2 to 6 weeks, peeling is very common as skin adapts to increased cell turnover; flaking typically begins a few days after starting retinol; the severity varies from mild dryness to more significant shedding; and this is considered a normal response rather than a problem. Factors affecting how much peeling occurs include the concentration of retinol, with higher percentages (0.5% to 1%+) causing more peeling than lower strengths (0.25% to 0.3%); how frequently you apply it, as daily use causes more peeling than every other day; your skin type, with dry or sensitive skin often peeling more; previous retinoid use, as experienced users typically peel less; and the product formulation, with some being gentler than others. To minimise peeling while using retinol, start with a low concentration and gradually increase; begin with application every 2 to 3 nights rather than nightly; apply to completely dry skin at least 20 minutes after cleansing; use a rich, hydrating moisturiser before or after retinol; and consider the sandwich method of moisturiser, retinol, then moisturiser. Peeling typically subsides after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use as your skin builds tolerance. If severe peeling, pain, or irritation occurs, reduce frequency or concentration. Some peeling is normal and even indicates the product is working, but excessive discomfort suggests you need to adjust your approach.

Prices for a Retinol Peel vary between clinics depending on factors such as treatment area, peel strength, number of sessions and practitioner experience. In the UK the price of Retinol Peel typically ranges from around £95 to £450, reflecting differences in product type and aftercare included. The final cost can be influenced by complexity (sensitive skin or combined treatments), whether a course is recommended, and the reputation of the clinic. If you’re searching for how much Retinol Peel costs or the cost of Retinol Peel overall, ask clinics what is included in their fee. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

Yes, retinol can definitely make your skin peel, and this is one of the most common side effects, particularly during the initial weeks of use. The peeling occurs because retinol dramatically increases the rate at which skin cells turn over, causing the outer layer of dead cells to shed more rapidly than normal. Why retinol causes peeling relates to its mechanism of action: retinol converts to retinoic acid in the skin, which binds to receptors that regulate cell behaviour; this accelerates the skin cell lifecycle from approximately 28 days to as little as 14 days; faster turnover means more dead cells reaching the surface simultaneously; and the increased shedding manifests as visible flaking or peeling. The severity of peeling varies significantly based on retinol concentration, with higher strengths causing more dramatic peeling; application frequency, as more frequent use increases peeling; individual skin sensitivity and type; whether your skin has prior retinoid exposure; and supporting skincare routine and hydration levels. What the peeling looks like ranges from fine, dry flaking similar to mild sunburn; larger flakes or sheets of peeling skin; concentrated peeling around the nose, mouth and chin; to peeling that may be accompanied by redness and sensitivity. While peeling can be inconvenient, it is generally a sign that the retinol is working and your skin is renewing. The dead, dull surface cells are being replaced with fresher, newer cells underneath, which is ultimately what creates the improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and brighter complexion that retinol is known for. With consistent use, peeling typically diminishes as your skin adapts, usually within 4 to 8 weeks.

You should stop using retinol for 5 to 7 days before having a chemical peel, as combining these treatments without adequate spacing can cause excessive irritation, sensitivity and potential complications. Both retinol and chemical peels exfoliate the skin, and using them too close together overwhelms the skin's capacity to heal. Reasons to stop retinol before a chemical peel include that retinol thins the outer skin layer through accelerated cell turnover; chemically exfoliated skin on top of retinol-sensitised skin can cause burns or excessive peeling; the combination increases risk of prolonged redness and irritation; healing may be compromised; and results can be unpredictable with potential for hyperpigmentation or scarring. Recommended timing guidelines are to stop retinol 5 to 7 days before a superficial peel like glycolic, lactic or mandelic; stop retinol 7 to 14 days before a medium-depth peel like TCA or Jessner's; and follow your practitioner's specific instructions, as they may have different protocols. During the pre-peel period without retinol, continue gentle cleansing and hydration; maintain sun protection; avoid other exfoliating products including AHAs, BHAs and scrubs; and keep skin calm and healthy for optimal peel results. After your chemical peel, wait for skin to fully heal before resuming retinol, typically 7 to 14 days for superficial peels and longer for deeper peels; follow your practitioner's guidance on when to restart; reintroduce gradually rather than jumping back to your previous frequency; and monitor for any increased sensitivity. If you have a chemical peel scheduled, inform your practitioner about your retinol use including the strength and frequency so they can advise on appropriate timing and adjust peel protocols if needed.

No, you should not apply retinol immediately after using an AHA BHA peel like The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or similar products. Both treatments exfoliate the skin, and layering retinol directly after a peel would cause excessive irritation, compromise your skin barrier and potentially cause damage. After using an AHA BHA peel, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying retinol, with many dermatologists recommending waiting 48 to 72 hours or until any sensitivity has completely resolved. The combined exfoliation would be too aggressive, risking barrier damage and sensitisation. Why you should not combine these immediately is because AHA BHA peels already provide intensive exfoliation; adding retinol compounds the exfoliating effect beyond what skin can handle; this can cause severe dryness, peeling, redness and irritation; the compromised barrier increases sensitivity to everything; and potential for prolonged damage and delayed healing exists. The proper approach is to use your AHA BHA peel on its designated day (typically weekly); apply only soothing, hydrating products for 48 to 72 hours after; resume retinol once skin has fully recovered; and consider alternating weeks if both are important to your routine. Scheduling these treatments in your routine can work well by using the peel once weekly; using retinol on non-peel nights, skipping the night before and 2 nights after the peel; or using the peel and retinol on alternating weeks for sensitive skin. If you have already applied retinol after a peel and are experiencing irritation, stop all actives immediately; focus on gentle cleansing and intensive hydration; use barrier-repair products with ceramides; and allow skin to fully heal before slowly reintroducing one product at a time.

You should not use retinol immediately after a chemical peel. Your skin needs time to heal before reintroducing this active ingredient, with the waiting period depending on the type and depth of peel performed. Using retinol too soon after a chemical peel risks irritation, prolonged healing and potential complications. Recommended waiting times vary by peel depth: for superficial peels like light glycolic, lactic or enzyme peels, wait 5 to 7 days before resuming retinol; for medium-depth peels like TCA or Jessner's, wait 10 to 14 days or until skin has fully healed; and for deep peels, wait several weeks and follow your practitioner's specific guidance. Signs your skin is ready to reintroduce retinol include all visible peeling and flaking being complete; redness having resolved to normal skin tone; skin no longer feeling tight, sensitive or tender; normal products no longer causing stinging; and your practitioner clearing you to resume actives. When you do resume retinol after a peel, start with a lower concentration than you were using before; apply every 2 to 3 nights initially rather than nightly; monitor carefully for increased sensitivity; use extra hydration and barrier support; and gradually build back to your previous routine over 1 to 2 weeks. Why this waiting period matters is because chemical peels remove outer skin layers, leaving new skin exposed; this fresh skin is more sensitive and vulnerable; retinol would further stress already-compromised skin; combining exfoliation on healing skin can cause damage; and allowing complete healing ensures optimal results from both treatments. Always follow your practitioner's specific post-peel instructions, as they know the exact peel used and can provide personalised guidance for resuming your retinol routine safely.

Retinol itself does not cause orange peel skin texture, but improper use or overuse of retinol can potentially contribute to textural irregularities that might be described this way. Understanding what causes various skin texture changes helps address concerns appropriately. Orange peel skin texture is typically caused by enlarged pores creating a dimpled, pitted appearance; loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis; sun damage affecting skin structure; and genetics influencing skin texture. Retinol actually helps rather than causes these issues by stimulating collagen production; increasing cell turnover for smoother texture; improving overall skin quality; and being one of the most evidence-based treatments for textural concerns. However, retinol misuse could theoretically worsen texture if severe irritation causes lasting damage; chronic over-exfoliation compromises skin structure; barrier damage leads to increased sensitivity and inflammation; or excessive dryness and dehydration affect skin appearance. If you notice textural changes while using retinol, assess whether you are over-using the product; ensure adequate hydration and moisturisation; check if you might be experiencing irritation or reaction; consider reducing frequency or concentration; and consult a dermatologist if concerns persist. Retinol is generally considered one of the best ingredients for improving skin texture when used correctly, meaning starting low and going slow with concentration and frequency; maintaining proper hydration; using sun protection diligently; and being patient through the adjustment period. If you have orange peel texture that predates retinol use, the retinol should actually help improve it over time with consistent, appropriate use.

Retinol-induced peeling typically subsides within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use as your skin completes the retinisation process and adapts to the increased cell turnover. However, the exact timeline varies based on individual factors and how you are using the product. The typical timeline shows that weeks 1 to 2 often bring the most noticeable peeling as skin begins adjusting; weeks 2 to 4 see peeling continuing but often less intensely; weeks 4 to 6 see significant reduction in peeling for most people; and weeks 6 to 8 see most people experiencing minimal to no peeling with continued use. Factors affecting how long peeling lasts include the concentration of retinol, with higher strengths causing longer adjustment periods; frequency of application, as daily use may prolong initial peeling; your skin type, with dry or sensitive skin sometimes taking longer to adapt; previous retinoid experience, as first-time users typically peel longer; and supporting skincare routine and hydration. If peeling persists beyond 8 weeks, you may be using too strong a concentration; application may be too frequent for your skin; your skin barrier may be compromised and need repair; or you might benefit from a different retinol formulation. Strategies to reduce peeling duration include starting with a low concentration and increasing gradually; applying every 2 to 3 nights rather than nightly initially; using the buffering method of mixing with moisturiser; ensuring thorough hydration before and after application; and avoiding other exfoliating products during the adjustment period. It is important not to stop using retinol entirely due to peeling, as this restarts the adjustment process. Instead, reduce frequency while maintaining consistency. Once your skin adapts, you can gradually increase usage. The peeling phase, while inconvenient, indicates the retinol is actively working and will ultimately lead to the improved skin quality retinol is known for.

Before retinol peel treatment, people typically have skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles from ageing or sun damage; uneven skin tone with hyperpigmentation or dark spots; rough, dull or textured skin; acne breakouts and post-acne marks; enlarged pores and congested skin; loss of radiance and youthful glow; and early signs of ageing they want to address proactively. These concerns often affect confidence and may have been unsuccessfully treated with less active products. A retinol peel refers either to professional treatments using retinoid-based peeling solutions, or the exfoliating effect from consistent retinol product use over time. After retinol peel treatment or consistent retinol use, assessed over 8 to 12 weeks of regular application after the initial adjustment period, most appropriate candidates experience significant improvement. Common results include smoother, more refined skin texture; reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; more even skin tone with faded dark spots; brighter, more radiant complexion; reduced acne breakouts and clearer skin; smaller-appearing pores; and overall more youthful, healthier-looking skin. The degree of improvement depends on the strength and type of retinoid used; consistency of application over time; initial severity of concerns; individual skin response; and supporting skincare including hydration and sun protection. During the treatment process, changes develop in phases: weeks 1 to 4 bring the adjustment period with potential peeling, dryness and temporary worsening before improvement; weeks 4 to 8 show initial improvements in texture and radiance becoming visible; weeks 8 to 12 demonstrate significant improvement in most concerns; and months 3 to 6+ reveal continued enhancement in fine lines, tone and overall skin quality. The initial adjustment period with peeling and potential purging can be discouraging, but persisting through this phase is essential for achieving results. Before and after expectations should be realistic: retinol provides gradual, cumulative improvement rather than instant transformation; results require consistent use over months; the adjustment period with peeling is temporary and worthwhile; and some concerns like deep wrinkles may improve but not disappear entirely. Most satisfied retinol users are those who persist through the initial adjustment period; use the product consistently rather than sporadically; maintain realistic expectations about gradual improvement; and support results with proper hydration and sun protection. Retinol remains one of the most evidence-based, effective anti-ageing and skin-improving ingredients available, with benefits that continue to develop with long-term use.