What is retinol? Is retinol safe for treating acne? And how safe is retinol for curing acne? If these questions continuously baffle you, let us tell you that retinol is one of the most common and effective natural vitamin A derivatives found in pro-aging creams. Therefore, retinol is a top-notch substance for minimizing acne scars and curing them, as it contains effective ingredients, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. However, it allows us to elaborate on how retinol treats acne and is a versatile element for impeding acne and blemishes. Let’s get straight to it!
Does retinol work for acne?
Everyone knows that acne breakouts can ensue when oil and dead skin cells hinder the skin pores. After that, bacteria get mixed up with the blockage, which leads to bumps and inflammation. Therefore, a product containing retinol can assist in unclogging pores and letting the skin heal itself. This is how retinol helps minimize swelling and smooths the skin. So, you can treat acne with retinol.
According to a 2017-based study, it has been observed that topical retinoids are advantageous for curing both inflammatory and inflammatory acne.
Why should you use retinol for acne?
● Retinol helps clear acne scars
This product cures acne scars & blemishes and works for wrinkles & fine lines. An acne mark is a dent on your skin, identical to a wrinkle. Therefore, using retinol helps plump the area with sufficient collagen in the same way it plumps wrinkles.
● Retinol helps eliminate blemishes
Declogging pores is one of the most significant characteristics of retinol, which is known for treating and preventing acne. However, it can assist in shunning additional sebum, bacteria & dead skin cells due to its superior exfoliating traits. These are the leading reasons for clogged pores resulting in breakouts.
Which dose is most successful in treating acne?
OTC retinol gels, creams, and serums usually consist of 0.25–1.5% retinol. But you must opt for a retinol-based product according to your skin type. Do you have sensitive skin? Consider using a product with a lower percentage of retinol in it.
But it’s advisable to boost the dose in case you don’t experience side effects. Furthermore, remember that not every pro-aging product containing retinol is made to cure acne. It would be better to neglect ingredients, such as oils and specific fragrances, that might accelerate acne breakouts.
Are there risks to using retinol?
Being a type of retinoid, retinols have some side effects too, which are the following:
Flushing
Dry skin
Itching
Flaky and scaly skin
On the other hand, retinol may also cause:
Eczema flare-ups
Stinging
Skin discoloration
Swelling
Elementary acne breakouts
Blisters
Moreover, retinol could also make your skin hypersensitive to sunlight. Hence, it’s highly recommended to apply retinol-based products at night and sunscreen in the morning. In a nutshell, retinol is the most effective substance found in pro-aging gels, creams, and serums. People often need clarification of its usage and benefits and that it works miraculously for treating acne and blemishes. But before buying a retinol-based product, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist first!