

For the eyes, this typically means lower strength retinol. So, it's important to use a product that's specifically formulated to be safe and effective for the eye area, such as a retinol eye cream, says Dr.
RETIN A ON EYES SKIN
"What that means is that the strength that we use on the eyelid is very different from, for example, the strength of a retinol we would use on the back, which is one of the thickest skin of the entire body." The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on the entire body, according to Dr. However, experts recommend using products that help speed up cell turnover to ultimately help get rid of milia, such as chemical exfoliants and yes, retinol. Milia are tiny, hard bumps made of keratin that are notoriously hard to eliminate. The other main reason someone may want to use retinol on the skin around the eyes is to address those tiny white bumps called milia, adds Dr.
RETIN A ON EYES HOW TO
(More: How to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier to Prevent Irritation and Sensitivity) The good news is that there are things you can do to help avoid that irritation whether you're applying retinol to the eyes or anywhere you apply it.

"Retinols are historically very irritating to the epidermis before they get down to the dermis," says Dr. However, in order to act on the existing collagen in the dermis, retinol has to pass through the top layer of the skin, aka the epidermis. Retinol works on thickening the middle layer of the skin where collagen is found, aka the dermis, says Dr. The superstar ingredient helps to build up collagen and soften fine lines, among other benefits for the eye area (and everywhere else you use retinol), according to Dr. Read on to learn how to use retinol eye cream and to shop some of the best retinol eye cream formulas available now. Still, there are some best practices you'll want to follow to ensure the best results with minimal irritation, according to Neda Mehr, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach.

The short answer is yes, it's safe to use retinol under the eyes, and a plethora of retinol eye creams on the market do exist for good reason. I Tried Drunk Elephant's Retinol Oil for Beginners - and It's a Godsend for Sensitive Skin
