Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Tretinoin or Retinols Around Your Eyes #shorts

27 Sept 2023 · 1 min

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Short video (YouTube Shorts) by board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss explaining whether tretinoin or retinol should be used around the eyes. The speaker warns against applying tretinoin/retinol directly to eyelids because eyelid skin is thinner and more prone to irritation, and cites studies linking tretinoin use near the eyes to increased risk of dry eye disease. She briefly explains meibomian glands and factors that cause them to shrink (age, contact lens use, medications).

Chapters

Can you use a tretinoin or a retinol around your eye? You're going to want to watch this one. I'm a board certified dermatologist. For years, my patients have told me they've been told they cannot use a retinol around their eyes. Why? Twofold. One, the skin around your eyes is much more sensitive, prone to irritation. You got to be delicate. Number two, studies have come out saying that using tretinoin around your eyes can increase your risk of dry eye disease. Now, I'm not an ophthalmologist, but a quick crash course. Everybody has meibomian glands on their eyelids above and below. Like this picture. These glands give oily substances that allow our eyes to stay hydrated and so that they don't dry out. As we get older, using contact lenses, certain medications, life. Our meibomian glands naturally shrink. But as a practicing dermatologist, I would never tell you to use a tretinoin or a retinol directly on your eyelid because your eyelids will explode and you will hate me and your life for it.