Everything You Need To Know About Benefits Of Retinol For Acne

Tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide If you’ve had acne since you were old enough to get your driver’s license, you’ll be able to name the active component in any acne medication in the drugstore aisle. And, while I’m not knocking your favorite spot treatment, if it worked for everyone, we’d all have clear skin and live happily ever after. That, however, is not the case. If you’ve been dealing with acne for years and haven’t seen any progress, it’s time to bring in the major guns—we’re talking retinol for acne. Benefits Of Retinol For Acne. It’s technically not simply retinol, but also retinoids. Although both are vitamin A derivatives, the term retinoid refers to both prescription-strength retinoids and over-the-counter (and softer) retinol. They both act in the same way, but on different levels: retinoids are more powerful and work faster, whilst retinol takes longer to work but is gentler on the skin.

Everything You Need To Know About Benefits Of Retinol For Acne

What role does retinol play in acne treatment?

According to Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, “Vitamin A derivatives help to treat acne because they aid to control skin cell turnover.” Retinoids work from the inside out, unlike salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and dissolves clogs, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria. The retinoic acid seeps into the cell and binds to nuclear receptors, which are in charge of big-picture functions like cellular metabolism, proliferation, inflammation, and cell death—telling these receptors to speed up their turnover process.

According to Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, increased skin-cell turnover not only removes a key factor in acne—dead skin cells—but it also has another benefit. “Keeping dead skin cells moving can help maintain pores free and open, allowing other topical acne medicines to penetrate effectively,” she explains. “Retinols are usually only used as part of a larger acne treatment plan.”

What is the best way to utilize retinol products?

Retinoids should only be used with extreme caution when combined with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. According to Karen Hammerman, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Garden City, New York, “the combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is a mainstay of acne therapy, however the combination can also be dry and irritating.” However, benzoyl peroxide at certain doses can destroy retinoids, while salicylic acid can impair their efficiency. “We recommend applying benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid throughout the day and retinoid at night to avoid this,” she explains.

Also, consult a doctor before using retinol for acne to ensure you know exactly what you’re dealing with. “Papulopustular rosacea is sometimes confused for acne, and while the condition is defined by acne-like lesions, a retinol may increase the flare-up,” Robinson adds.

Are retinoids effective for all types of acne?

Acne comes in a variety of forms, as everyone who has had a breakout knows. The good news is that retinoids help them all. Born with oily skin, large pores, and a tendency to break out? Retinoids have been shown to be effective. “It’s keratolytic, which means it destroys dead skin layers,” Hammerman explains. “You are allowing new skin layers to come through smoother and gentler as a result of this.” Retinoids literally “burst out” the keratin obstructing your pores if you have blackheads and whiteheads. “The retinol exfoliates the dead skin, allowing other acne topicals to penetrate your skin more efficiently,” she explains of inflammatory red bumps and pustules.

What is the best retinol dosage or product for my acne?

Consider your skin type first. “A retinol will benefit sensitive skin, while a retinoid may be tolerated by more resilient skin,” Robinson explains. Also, not all retinol is made equal, and if you buy an over-the-counter version, it may contain substances that are harmful to your skin. “They’re usually geared toward anti-aging effects and may combine Vitamin A with oils to help aging skin—but those oils could clog an acne patient’s pores,” she advises.

Topical retinoids are also available in a variety of strengths, ranging from 0.025 percent to 0.3 percent, depending on the formulation (which is only available as a prescription). The majority of over-the-counter retinols are between 0.05 and 0.1 percent. You’ll want to keep your skin’s sensitivity in mind once more.

Is it possible to obtain prescription-strength retinoids without seeing a doctor?

There are several types of prescription-strength retinoids, including tretinoin, isotretinoin, and adapalene. “Adapalene is a useful alternative for those with mild acne or sensitive skin,” adds Garshick, “but those with cystic, inflammatory acne that leads to scarring may benefit from an oral form of vitamin A called isotretinoin.” (You may be familiar with the brand name Accutane for isotretinoin.) Differin is the only prescription-strength adapalene available over-the-counter right now. “The non-comedogenic, fragrance-free solution contains 0.1 percent adapalene to help cure current acne while avoiding future breakouts,” Robinson explains. Tretinoin can also be obtained without a doctor’s visit through Curology, where providers can virtually prescribe it based on pictures.

Start gently, whether you’re using a retinoid or a retinol. “Start with every three nights and work your way up to using it every night,” Robinson advises. It’s typical to feel some flaking or dryness while your skin adjusts to it. Buffering retinol burn by putting a retinol product between two layers of moisturizer can also assist. “In roughly four to six weeks of constant, nightly use, benefits will be observed,” she says.

When you start using retinoids, you may experience more breakouts. Maintain your composure and persevere. “Retinoids can create a mass ‘purge,'” adds Robinson, “so it’s typical to see acne get worse before it gets better.” New clogs rise to the surface as skin cell turnover rises. Regrettably, your only option is to wait it out. “Once the comedones are ejected and the retinoid has had a chance to restore the turnover of skin cells in the follicle,” Hammerman explains, the condition improves.

After your acne has cleared up, continue to use retinoids.

Even if your skin is clear of breakouts, retinoids can help. “Retinoids also help to boost collagen formation, which can help to improve the appearance of acne scarring,” explains Garshick. And, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, more collagen is usually a good thing, especially if you’re one of the estimated 15% of women who suffer from adult acne.

Retinoids and retinol that work well for acne

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top retinol serums and creams, complete with editor reviews, but if you’re looking for a solid place to start, go no further than these retinol products.

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