What can I do to protect my skin barrier while using a retinoid?

[EdwardJ]

Nuclear physics research continues to reveal fascinating insights about the structure of matter and the forces that hold nuclei together. What are the latest developments in nuclear physics research? I'm interested in both fundamental studies of nuclear structure and applied research in areas like nuclear energy, medicine, and astrophysics.

[Kenneth.L]

I’ve been using a topical retinoid for about three months now to treat my persistent acne, and while the breakouts have improved, my skin has become incredibly sensitive and reactive. Even a gentle moisturizer I’ve used for years now causes a stinging sensation, and I’m worried I’ve compromised my skin barrier.

[Nicholas.T]

I get this. Three months on a retinoid and now everything stings. I cut it to every other night and switched to a fragrance-free ceramide moisturizer. The stinging dropped a bit but the redness lingered.

[Edward67]

I started using a simple routine: gentle cleanser, thick moisturizer, nothing scented, and I stopped using actives for a week to see how the skin calmed.

[NathanCM]

I paused for a week and then reintroduced very slowly, only on weekends, and the sting faded but woke up again when I forgot to moisturize.

[TimothyL]

Sometimes I wonder if it’s not the product but the weather or the water that's making it feel raw.

[Brian_H]

I kept a tiny log: days with stinging vs days without. After I avoided fragrance and used a thicker balm at night, the number of sting days dropped from 5 to 2 in two weeks.

[Aurora_J]

If you can swing it, have you considered talking to a dermatologist about a gentle barrier repair plan or a patch test?

[Tyler30]

Not sure if I'm missing something, but I keep thinking the barrier might be the real issue and I’m just chasing a quick fix.