Acne is a very common skin condition and can be very infuriating. By now, we’re quite familiar with acne. Countless remedies and ingredients have been introduced over the years to treat acne. One of the ingredients which stand out is Retinol. It has gained significant attention and fame. Retinol is known for its skin-transforming properties and has become the go-to ingredient for many. Let’s find out what retinol actually is.

Retinols

Retinols belong to a class of compounds called retinoids. These are derived from Vitamin A. Retinols have demonstrated remarkable potential in the treatment of acne. They have multi-faceted actions on the skin. Retinols are quite easy to find. They are available in over-the-counter skin care products. However, if you need a stronger version of them, it is advisable to seek guidance from a dermatologist. Tretinoin and isotretinoin are among them.

What Do They Do?

Promotes Exfoliation

Retinols accelerate the shedding of dead skin cells. This prevents the clogging of pores and further acne. Retinols promote fresher and smoother skin.

Unclogs Pores

Retinols unclog the pores by reducing sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance and is responsible for pore clogging. They target the sebaceous glands which results in less oily skin.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation usually accompanies acne. Retinol has anti-inflammatory properties which calm and soothes the skin. It also reduces the redness of the skin.

Fades Post-Acne Marks

Hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory pigmentation is a very common after-effect of acne. Retinols help in fading the scars and dark spots. This gives an even skin tone and encourages the growth of healthy skin cells.

Boosts Collagen Production

Retinol synthesizes collagen production, which improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin. This also enhances the elasticity and strength of the skin. This is, in particular, beneficial for people dealing with acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Regulation of Cell Turnover

Retinols speed up the skin’s exfoliation process. This sheds the dead skin cells which avoids the clogging of the pores. Retinols keep the pores clean by encouraging cell turnover.

Retinols in Your Skin Care Routine

It is important to start slow when you’re using retinols in your skincare routine. Better not hurry!

Patch Test

While introducing retinol to your skincare routine, start slow. Before applying retinol to your entire face, do a patch test. Apply it to a small area of the skin to see if it suits or causes any sensitivity.

Low Concentration

Start with a low-concentrated retinol product to give time and allow your skin to acclimatize to retinol. This helps to minimize certain side effects like skin redness, flaking, and dryness.

Increase Frequency

Start by applying retinol once or twice a week. Slowly increase the frequency as your skin adapts to it. It’s important to stay patient as it may take several weeks for noticeable results.

Moisturize

Retinol can dry your skin out and cause peeling initially. Hence, to counter these side effects, apply a gentle and hydrating moisturizer. During day time, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays.

Apply at Night

Retinol can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Hence, it’s better to apply it at night. Apply a small amount to clean and dry skin after cleansing and toning.

Incorporate Sunscreen into Your Routine

Sun damage can counteract the benefits of retinol, hindering its ability to improve skin texture, tone, and collagen production. By using sunscreen, you can preserve the positive effects of retinol and maximize its potential benefits for your skin. For best results, use a physical sunscreen with Iron oxide broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 – 50.

Choose the Right Product

Look for over-the-counter products or consult a dermatologist for assistance and other options. Usually opt for products with stabilized forms or retinol for maximum efficiency. Encapsulated retinols offer a targeted and controlled approach to address acne concerns, providing the benefits of retinol while minimizing potential irritation.

Retinol, with its remarkable exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, has proven to be a valuable ingredient against acne. The ability to regulate cell turnover and boost collagen production makes it an indispensable weapon to fight acne. By introducing retinol and following the guidelines, acne can be managed effectively. Stay consistent and patient as you won’t get the results overnight!