Never apply a bag of ice, an ice pack, or an ice cube directly to your skin. You run the risk of causing skin damage or even frostbite. Also, if your skin is already peeling, the ice may stick to it and cause it to tear away when you remove the ice.
Hydrocortisone may help ease your skin’s inflammatory response to the retinol. It turns out that retinol activates the same “irritant receptor” as capsaicin, the key component of pepper spray. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Your doctor may advise using a less potent concentration of retinol and/or cutting back on how often you use it. For some people with sensitive skin, though, retinol simply isn’t a good option.
If you have experience dealing with allergies, follow the treatment plan—such as applying hydrocortisone or taking an antihistamine—that tends to work for you. If you carry an EpiPen due to your risk of serious allergic reactions, use it if needed and contact emergency services. Try taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) immediately if you’re experiencing a mild allergic reaction.
Even if you did start with an OTC product, you may be able to switch to one with a lower concentration. Ask your primary care doctor or dermatologist for product recommendations.
Use retinol twice per week (one application each day) for 2 weeks. Move up to 3 times per week for 2 weeks, and keep adding a day every 2 weeks. Slow down the process further so that you’re adding a day every 4 weeks if necessary.
Wash the treatment area—most commonly your face—about 40-60 minutes before bedtime and rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Gently pat the area dry with a soft towel, then let it air dry for 20 minutes. Work a small amount of the product into your fingers, then gently massage it over your treatment area. Let the product dry for about 20 minutes before going to bed.
While some experts advise against using both retinol and moisturizer, most experts are pro-moisturizer and fall into one of the following categories: Apply retinol, let it dry, then apply moisturizer. Apply retinol immediately before applying moisturizer. Apply moisturizer, let it dry, then apply retinol. Apply moisturizer immediately before applying retinol. [10] X Research source
The gentler you are when cleaning your skin, the less irritated it’s likely to become from using retinol. Your doctor may recommend a prescription skin cleanser in some cases.
It’s possible that, after your skin has adjusted to the retinol—which usually takes around 4-6 weeks—you might be able to start using these types of products again. However, you’ll likely see such positive results from the retinol that you won’t have any reason to use them. Avoid using any harsh soaps, detergents, or cosmetics until the burned area heals.
Even when wearing sunscreen, you may want to limit your exposure to the sun’s rays, especially around mid-day, at least for your first 4-6 weeks on retinol.
The old notion that you should aim to drink 8 glasses—or 64 fl oz (1. 9 L)—of water per day is no longer supported by medical science. If you want a set daily water goal, talk to your doctor so you can determine one based on your particular circumstances. Try drinking a half-glass or full glass of water when you wake up and go to bed, as well as before meals. Take sips of water throughout the day, before you feel thirsty.
