Retinol has become a popular ingredient in skincare products, mainly because of its anti-ageing properties and exfoliating abilities. But can you use it for acne? Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about using retinol to treat acne and blemishes.
While spots were once considered a teenage ‘rite of passage’, a growing number of adult women suffer from them, too. You’ve probably tried every acne-clearing lotion or cream available. This includes spot stickers, benzoyl, salicylic, and other acids. It can be frustrating when nothing seems to work. Dr. Sam Bunting, cosmetic dermatologist says that breakouts and blemishes make you feel out-of-control and self conscious. The good news is, with the right products and knowledge, you can transform your complexion and change your life. Here are the best retinol serums and creams.
We asked experts to explain how retinol treats acne.
It’s important to understand how each ingredient works with your skin type. For example, those with dry skin could benefit from a hyaluronic serum, while those with congested pore might prefer a salicylic product.
Retinol has been a favorite for many years, especially for those with fine lines and texture issues. But if you want to know what retinol is, how it works, and what to do with it, we asked the experts. Let’s start at the beginning.
Dr. Bunting explains that acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are blocked by dead skin cells or oil from the sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by swelling and redness. It can also appear as pustules, papules or cysts.
Acne is most commonly caused by hormones in adult women. This includes pregnancy, stopping birth control pills and perimenopause or menopause. Stress and genetics can also trigger acne.
Retinol, a form vitamin A that belongs to the retinoids family and is used in skincare products, is a form vitamin A. Retinol, also known as the anti-ageing super hero, is a form of vitamin A that belongs to the retinoids family. It promotes cell turnover, fights fine lines, creates a youthful glow, and improves skin texture.
But retinol is so much more. This powerful ingredient can make your skin clearer and smoother with regular use. Retinol is different from salicylic acid which exfoliates dead cells and benzoylperoxide which reduces acne-causing bacteria. It works from the inside. It helps to clear pores by promoting cell turnover, keeping dead skin cells in motion and boosting cell turnover.
Jennifer Lozano explains the process of developing a new product.
Unclogs pores: Retinol promotes cell turnover which helps to prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads (clogged pore). Retinol works by encouraging the removal of dead skin cells. This prevents pores becoming blocked and reduces acne breakouts.
Retinol Regulates Oil production: Retinol can help regulate sebum (oil), which is a factor that contributes to acne. By controlling oil production retinol helps prevent the development excess oil which can lead to clogged pore and acne lesions.
Retinol is anti-inflammatory and can reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne. It can also help to calm active breakouts and reduce the severity of acne lesions.
Retinol promotes healing: Retinol helps to repair and regenerate skin cells. This helps heal existing acne lesions, and prevents the formation of new ones. It can also fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or dark spots left by acne.
Retinol prevents the formation of microcomedones. These are the precursors of acne lesions. By preventing microcomedone formation, retinol can stop acne before it begins, leading to healthier, clearer skin over time.
It’s not all rainbows for acne treatment with retinol. Teresa Tarmey, a super facialist and expert in retinol, warns that “your skin will need time to adjust.” This adaptation period is known as retinization.
Your skin may react to the strength of retinol during this period, so it is important to consider the percentage. You may experience side-effects such as redness and irritation, burning, itchiness, and excessive skin exfoliation when you first start using retinol. These side effects are temporary, and can be minimized by following some simple rules.
The strength of retinol in over-the-counter products is usually between 0.25% to 1.5%. The strength you need depends on how much your skin can tolerate. If you do not experience irritation, you may increase the dosage. Choose a concentration between 0.1% and 0.3 % to treat mild acne. Start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin.
Start by using a pea sized amount once per week for two consecutive weeks. Slowly increase the amount to twice a day until irritation is no longer present. Once you have built up a tolerable level, it is safe to increase the frequency of use to every other or every night.
Active vitamin A exfoliates your skin so you won’t have a thick layer protecting you from the sun. Use a high factor of sunscreen.
It’s not realistic to expect results immediately. Retinol is a slow-acting substance. But if you are consistent, it will be well worth the wait. After you find a retinol that works for your skin and stick to a regular routine, you’ll notice subtle improvements within a few weeks. Your skin cells will take six weeks to turn over, so you won’t see the results for two to three months.
Dr. Derrick Phillips explains that acne scars are caused due to inflammation and damage of the hair follicle, and its associated gland producing oil. “As inflammation subsides, the skin begins to produce collagen to repair the tissue damage.” If not enough collagen production occurs, scars can be depressed or the skin can become pitted. If too much collagen is produced, raised scars may form.
Acne can also cause uneven skin tones. “Dark marks may develop on skin of color as the inflammation resolves,” says Dr Phillips. Retinol promotes cell turnover and can improve skin texture, tone, and texture. With continued use, it can also smooth uneven texture, and fade dark spots.
Here are six products from brands such as Perricone MD, No7, and more that you can add to your skincare arsenal.
