In fact, it is recommended by most dermatologists as a handy anti-acne treatment. Acne is a complicated health challenge that develop from a variety of sources, such as hormonal changes and bacterial infections. Retinoids or over the counter retinol, is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A which the prescription version is called Retin-A. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 15 Weird Reasons You Might Be Breaking Out, FYI: Your Zits Might Actually Be ~Fungal~ Acne, These Skincare Sets Will Make Your Face V Happy, What *Really* Happens After You Take Accutane, Finally: The Correct Order to Apply Face Products, 12 Whitehead Treatments That *Actually* Work, 12 Benzoyl Peroxide Products For Treating Acne. Acne is often a result of overproduction of sebum, or oil, in your skin, causing your pores to clog and produce inflamed pimples. Retinol has a slew of benefits and functions, many of which target common skincare concerns. Experts agree that prescription-grade retinoid creams and gels (like tazorac and tretinoin) are the most effective when it comes to treating acne. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. If your face turns hot and bumpy, you may have an allergic reaction. Retinol and Acne Retinol can be a beneficial ingredient to include in your skincare regimen if you are struggling to reduce the appearance of stubborn acne. This content is imported from {embed-name}. If you find that you need a stronger medication, look for 0.05 percent or even a 1.0 percent skincare product. Retinol can make your skin especially sensitive to light, so using a sunscreen may help reduce the risk of sunburn and the formation of red patches on your skin. Does Retinol Help Acne? "Retinoids are essentially a basic umbrella term for both over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids," Dr. Levin explains. Foundations. For people who have ultra-sensitive skin and can’t get past the twice-a-week mark without their face threatening to revolt, don't worry—you’ll still get some benefits even with a lower frequency, says Dr. Love. But, it can vary depending on the skin. How does retinol treat acne? We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Despite having similar origins, all retinols work a little differently in the body. Your dermatologist should be able to advise you on the right combination of products and skincare routines that will clear up your skin, and give you an idea of how long the process should take. Eczema flare-ups, skin discoloration, swelling, and stinging are also rare occurrences. Made from vitamin A, retinol is a medication used to treat acne and generally improve the appearance of your skin. Reinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or Tretinoin) is the strongest, prescription level retinoid that’s often used to treat acne as well as ageing. “During the first 4-6 weeks of use, you can expect flaking, redness, and irritation," says Dr. Love. That includes any cleansers, serums, or moisturizers that contain AHAs, BHAs, and/or... ✔️ Build a lil skincare sandwich. Yes, a million times yes. Short contact therapy (STC) is ideal for anyone with really, truly, extremely sensitive skin, says Dr. Love, since it involves leaving a retinoid on your skin for just a tiny amount of time before rinsing it off. Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Instead, it is a treatment used to combat acne. Because retinol is a milder retinoid, it is considered safe for most individuals. Once your skin starts to adjust, you can add actives back in one at a time, with at least a week in between. Or, you can check out Curology, a skincare company that matches you with a medical provider who can virtually prescribe you prescription-strength tretinoin (along with a full acne routine). Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Especially if you've tried the above tips and none are working for you (read: your face is actually way more blotchy now, not less). How Retinol Can Help Cure Your Acne, According to a Dermatologist Retinoids are powerful wrinkle-reducers—but research shows they can … Retinol is a chemical compound that derived from vitamin A and used in skincare products that treat acne breakouts and help slow aging. Retinol helps unclog pores, exfoliate and smooth skin, reduces the appearance of pigmentation, improves skin hydration, treats acne and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. But in most acne products containing retinol, only 1 percent or less of the medication is actually composed of retinol. Retinol is among the milder retinoids, and is therefore the one commonly found in OTC skincare products. Then use it every two nights for another two weeks, then every other night for a week, and then nightly if needed. Which is why you'll see most drugstore retinoid products advertised as anti-agers instead of acne-fixers—they just aren't potent enough to have a major impact on breakouts. Retinoids for Acne If you have moderate to severe acne that hasn't gotten better with other treatments, a retinoid may help. Buuut, not all formulas do the same thing, so before you randomly buy a bunch of stuff and slather it on, please keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using retinol for acne, how exactly retinoids work, and the best ones to try right TF now. 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