Exfoliating and using retinol

[tarobbins8707]

Can you use an exfoliating scrub and retinol? I’ve read mixed reviews on you should or should not be using an exfoliating scrub while using a retinol cream.

[ElizabethJoy09]

I use a gentle physical exfoliating scrub and retinol without issue and I have very sensitive skin prone to burning and redness if I use something too harsh. I find the scrub helps to remove dry flakes to let the retinol penetrate my skin more effectively. I would caution using a scrub with chemical exfoliants along with retinol (or with AHA/BHA serums), as that can increase sensitivity. Like another poster recommended, add the retinol to your routine slowly.

[drrragon]

@tarobbins8707 totally agree with @suzyo , there's no hard and fast rule saying you shouldn't use them at the same time.  It's just that both have the potential to cause skin irritation/inflammation and putting them together might be too much.  However, skin tolerance changes over time (just like alcohol tolerance, haha):  the more you drink, the more you can tolerate over time.

a good way to safely test this out is to phase them in gradually into your normal routine.  Start with the retinol once a week, then twice a week, and so on.  If your skin still feels fine (no redness, peeling, flaking) then continue with the retinol and try the exfoliator once a week, then twice a week, etc.  Make sure you have a default skin routine of gentle products you can fall back to if needed.

[suzyo]

@tarobbins8707  I wish I could give you a straight answer, but it really depends on your skin. People tolerate things differently, that’s why you’re seeing mixed information. The only way to know is to try. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 🙂