Retinol caused breakouts before: is it OK just around the eyes?
A question on theqoo's beauty board from someone with thin, sensitive skin: a few years ago a retinol serum did not wreck their face but brought out lots of acne-like bumps, so they gave up. Now their under-eye lines have deepened and they are reconsidering. The plan was to use a 0.1% retinol product from IOPE only around the eyes, like an eye cream, and they asked whether it is too strong for a beginner.
The 11 replies were split.
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Against: if a gentle retinol already caused breakouts, this one may be stronger, and the eye area is thin. One person said this exact product had made their skin flare.
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For:products like this have long been used asspot treatmentsfor the eyes and smile lines, and 0.1% is a strength people use on the whole face, sofollow the leaflet and build up slowly.
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A middle path: start with a gentler, low-irritation retinol serum first (IOPE Super Bounce Serum and an Aestura eye serum were named).
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Someone who could not tolerate retinol or bakuchiol said a little around the eyes was fine, though results were modest; oilier areas were a no-go for them.
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The poster decided to try small amounts.
Desk note: DermNet notes that retinoids can irritate when applied close to the eyes or lips, and that redness, peeling and dryness are common side effects. They can increase sun sensitivity, so daytime sunscreen matters, and they are not for use during pregnancy. If you do try the eye area, start with a very small amount a few times a week and stop if stinging persists.
How do you look after fine lines around the eyes: retinol, eye cream, or neither?
Original thread: theqoo beauty board — using retinol only around the eyes · Reference: DermNet — Topical retinoids
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