Why Pause Matters
Retinol increases cell turnover and can thin the stratum corneum temporarily. Combining retinol with aggressive peels or laser raises irritation and PIH risk — especially on melanin-rich skin.
We do not ask you to abandon retinol forever — only strategically around procedure dates.
General Rules
Stop retinol five to seven days before medium peel or ablative laser. Resume when flaking resolves and provider approves — often seven to ten days post.
Continue gentle retinol through neurotoxin and filler appointments unless skin is actively irritated. HA filler aftercare has no retinol restriction beyond injection site tenderness.
Building Tolerance
New to retinol? Start two nights weekly, moisturizer sandwich, SPF daily. Increase slowly over eight weeks. Prescription tretinoin follows stricter pause rules — disclose all topicals at consultation.
Our aestheticians align home retinol strength with in-clinic peel schedule for maximum benefit, minimum conflict.