Should I stop retinol before treatment?
Quick answer: Usually yes for lasers, peels and microneedling: stop topical retinol or other retinoids about 3–7 days before, and restart once your skin has fully settled. For Botox and most injectables, pausing is usually not needed. Oral isotretinoin is different, so tell your doctor if you have taken it in the past 6–12 months. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong doctors confirm timing for your specific treatment.
- Lasers, peels, microneedling: Pause retinoids about 3–7 days before
- Botox and most fillers: Pausing usually not needed
- Also pause: Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) and scrubs
- Restart after gentle lasers: Usually after 3–7 days, once skin is calm
- Restart after resurfacing: Only when fully healed and your doctor agrees
- Oral isotretinoin: Tell your doctor if taken in the past 6–12 months
The detailed answer
Retinoids, including retinol, retinal, adapalene and prescription tretinoin, speed up skin turnover and can make the outer protective layer thinner and more reactive. That is great for long-term skin quality, but it makes skin more sensitive to heat, light and injury. Combined with a laser or microneedling, active retinoid use can increase redness, stinging and peeling, and raise the risk of irritation or pigment changes.
| Treatment | Typical pause before |
|---|---|
| Pico toning, laser toning or IPL | About 3–5 days |
| Pico fractional or Potenza RF microneedling | About 5–7 days |
| CO2 fractional laser | About 7 days, or as your doctor advises |
| Botox, filler and most skin boosters | Usually not needed; avoid applying it on the day |
Protocols vary between doctors and devices, so follow the instructions you are given. Retinol in a body lotion, eye cream or night cream counts too, so check every product you apply to the treatment area. If you forgot to pause and used retinol the night before, tell the doctor; they may adjust settings or suggest a gentler option.
Oral isotretinoin is different
Oral isotretinoin, known by older brand names such as Accutane or Roaccutane, affects how skin heals. Many doctors postpone lasers, RF microneedling and other procedures that wound the skin if you have taken it recently, often for 6–12 months, though guidance varies. Always mention it at consultation.
Restarting retinol
After gentle lasers, most people restart after about 3–7 days, once there is no redness or stinging. After resurfacing lasers or microneedling, wait until the skin has fully healed and your doctor agrees, often 1–2 weeks. Start with every other night, and if stinging returns, stop again for a few days. Our guide to your skincare routine after treatments explains how to rebuild your routine.
What we recommend
Tell us which actives you use when you book, so the doctor can advise in advance. Pause exfoliating acids and scrubs at the same time, keep using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and avoid starting new active products right before your trip. Read how to prepare for your appointment and browse more skin guides, then book a consultation.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Related questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Do I need to stop retinol before Botox?
Usually not. Retinol does not affect how toxin works. Just avoid applying actives to the injection area on the day of treatment.
Should I stop vitamin C or exfoliating acids too?
Pause exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) and scrubs for the same period as retinol before lasers. Gentle vitamin C serums are often fine but may sting on treated skin, so ask your doctor.
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
Most doctors advise stopping retinoids if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, and many suggest avoiding them while breastfeeding. See treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What should I avoid after pico toning?
Heat, scrubs, retinoids and unprotected sun for the first days. See what to avoid after pico toning.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Preparation and aftercare
- How to prepare for your appointment — before you arrive
- Skincare routine after treatments — when to restart actives
- Aftercare after laser treatment — day by day
- Aftercare — general advice
Treatments affected
- Pico toning — gentle pigment laser
- Potenza RF microneedling — texture and scars
- CO2 fractional laser — resurfacing
Related questions
- What to avoid after pico toning — aftercare checklist
- Makeup after laser — timing by treatment
- How long does a consultation take? — planning your visit
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer