May 30, 2023 · A retinol burn usually happens within 12-24 hours of using retinol, and you might start noticing the following signs: Excessive dryness and peeling of the skin Flaky patches Discomfort or sensitivity Persistent redness or discoloration A slight retinol burn looks like this, and a severe one like this. [2]
Mar 16, 2020 · Despite dermatologists describing retinol as a skin-care star, it can come with an unpleasant side effect: retinol burn