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 a dermatologist 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 problems, especially if you suffer from frequent breakouts and acne. Let’s learn more about how to use retinol in acne treatment.
How to Use Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine?
When using retinol in your skincare routine, always remember: 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
Use retinol once a week first to build up skin tolerance
Always use retinol in your evening routine, as UV radiation can cause the ingredient’s effectiveness to evaporate
Avoid your mouth, eyes, and neck when using retinol, 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
Always apply SPF sunscreen to your skin the next morning, even on cloudy and overcast days
If you find that the strength of over-the-counter products isn’t having much of an effect, consult a professional for a prescription concentrate
If you’re unsure or nervous about adding retinol to your skin routine, consult a dermatologist for further advice
If you want 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 high-quality active ingredients. In a dedicated blog post, we share with you some recommendations for 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 bacteria 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, which protect the skin from environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution
These are the main benefits of treating the skin and treating blemishes. Retinol’s powerful position and ability to benefit the skin in a variety of ways make it one of the most effective skin ingredients, allowing you to upgrade your 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 that you have used retinol before and your skin is already accustomed to the percentage of the product. It may not bring the miracle effects you were hoping for overnight, but you will notice that any active pimples become visibly smaller and less red.
Should retinol be used 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 use it before moisturizer as this allows the serum to penetrate into the skin. The easiest way to remember which product to apply first is by the thickness of the formula. Start with a lightweight gel and then work your way up to thicker creams as this will not overload the skin and will allow the product and ingredients to target the correct areas of the skin.
How long does it take for retinol to clear up acne?
Depending on the concentration of retinol you use, you can see initial results after 6 weeks and overall improvement after 10 weeks. This depends on the continued 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, introducing retinol into your daily routine takes time and should be applied to the skin correctly 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 find that your skin is not improving or that you are getting more breakouts than you thought, you may want to take a look at the product’s formula. Over-the-counter products generally have lower levels of vitamin A than medical products. If you want to better clear your skin of breakouts, you should next consult a dermatologist about prescription products if you use retinol in your acne skin care routine.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions about using retinol in your daily life. If you have any additional questions, don’t forget to hit us up on Instagram!
