Retinol is a retinoid, which is a general term for a number of compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinol promotes skin renewal, reduces breakouts and blemishes, improves skin tone and texture, and fights signs of aging. It’s no wonder that the popularity of this skin ingredient has skyrocketed in recent years. However, retinol was first patented by dermatologists in 1967 for the treatment of acne, which means that retinol has played a major role in the development of skincare products for over 50 years. For more information on the benefits of retinol in skincare, visit our website.
Adding retinol to your skincare routine can help solve many skin issues, especially if you suffer from frequent breakouts and acne. Let’s learn more about how to incorporate retinol into your acne treatment routine.
How to Use Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine?
When using retinol in your skincare routine, always remember that slow and steady wins the race! Your skin must build up a tolerance to the active ingredient to avoid reactions like rashes, flaking, and other irritations. Here are the key points to remember when using retinol in your daily routine:
Start with the lowest percentage to avoid skin irritation.
Initially use retinol once a week to build up skin tolerance.
Always use retinol in your skincare routine at night, as the effectiveness of this ingredient wears off due to UV exposure.
When using retinol, avoid your mouth, eyes, and neck, as the skin in these areas is thinner and more susceptible to sensitivity.
If you have a very sensitive skin type, you’ll want to consult your doctor to make sure you can safely use retinol.
The next morning, always apply SPF sunscreen to your skin, even on cloudy and overcast days.
If you find that the strength of over-the-counter products isn’t doing much good, consult a professional for a prescription concentrate.
If you’re unsure or nervous about adding retinol to your skincare routine, consult a dermatologist for further advice.
If you’d like to learn more about the different percentages of retinol available, you can learn more about which retinol strength is best for you.
How to Use Retinol for Acne?
Retinol and other retinoids are important active ingredients in the fight against acne. Unlike other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which kill acne-causing bacteria and remove dead skin cells, retinol works from the inside out. Retinol penetrates deep into the lower layers of the skin and binds to nuclear receptors responsible for all skin functions, from cell turnover to collagen production. This means that retinol can help treat all forms of blemishes and acne, especially when you combine it with a skincare routine rich in quality active ingredients. In a dedicated blog post, we share with you some recommendations on the best active ingredients for treating acne.
The main benefits of using retinol for acne are:
Retinol works deeper into the skin than other acne-fighting ingredients.
Retinol removes the buildup of dead skin cells, making the skin look brighter and more radiant.
Retinol clears pores that are clogged with bacterial buildup, excess sebum, and dirt that can develop into active breakouts.
Retinol tightens pores, evens out skin tone, and prevents future breakouts.
Retinol boosts collagen production, evens out skin texture, and visibly reduces acne scars.
Retinol is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution.
These are the main benefits of treating the skin and eliminating blemishes. The powerful position of retinol and its ability to benefit the skin in so many ways makes it one of the most effective skin ingredients that you can use to enhance your daily routine and improve the health and appearance of your skin.
Can retinol be used to treat open acne?
Although it may sting a little, applying retinol to open acne will not have any negative effects on the skin. This takes into account the percentage that you have used retinol before and your skin is already accustomed to the product. It may not bring the miracle effect you were hoping for overnight, but you will notice that any active pimples become noticeably smaller and less red.
Should retinol be applied before or after moisturizer?
This really depends on the product and formula that contains retinol. For example, if it is a treatment serum, it is best to apply it before moisturizer because the serum will then be able to penetrate the skin. The easiest way to remember which product to apply first is by the thickness of the formula. Start with a light gel and work your way up to a thicker, heavier cream as this will not overload the skin and will allow the product and ingredients to reach the correct areas of the skin. Skin.
How long does it take for retinol to clear acne?
Depending on the concentration of retinol you use, you can expect to see results after 6 weeks and overall improvement after 10 weeks. This will depend on the consistent use of the retinol. For example, if you use retinol 2-3 times a week, you will notice a difference sooner than if you use it once a week. As mentioned before, it takes time to introduce retinol into your daily routine and it should be applied to the skin properly to avoid irritation and other skin reactions.
Does retinol make acne worse before it gets better?
Retinol is a highly effective and potent skin care ingredient that was originally developed to treat acne. This means that it will not cause acne or blemishes to get worse. If you notice that your skin is not improving or that your breakouts are increasing, you may want to look into the product’s formula. Over-the-counter products generally have lower levels of vitamin A than medical products. The next step to using retinol in your acne skin care routine is to consult a dermatologist about prescription products if you want to clear your skin of pimples more effectively.
