Which retinol for acne

Retinol is a common ingredient in many skin care products, including anti-aging and anti-acne products. Some people may also refer to retinol as a cosmeceutical. It is typically a topical product, meaning that it is available as a cream, gel, or serum that a person can apply directly to their skin.

Retinol is not the same as prescription-strength retinoids such as tretinoin. It is less potent than prescription products, though it is stronger than other over-the-counter OTC retinoids, such as retinyl palmitate. Since , specialist skin doctors, or dermatologists, have recommended topical retinoids, such as retinol, to treat skin conditions.

In particular, a dermatologist may recommend retinol for acne , fine wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. Acne can occur when oil and dead skin cells block pores on the skin. Bacteria can then mix with the blockage, leading to inflammation and bumps. Retinol and other retinoids can help unclog the pores and enable the skin to repair itself, which can reduce swelling and smooth the skin.

They can also help improve the appearance of acne marks and scars. One study notes that topical retinoids are beneficial for treating both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne. Another study indicates that retinoids can also reduce sebum production and bring about other effects that can help control acne.

Many expert groups and guidelines suggest that people should consider topical retinoids as the foundation of acne treatments.

As retinol is a weaker form of retinoid than the more potent types, it may be most suitable for mild-to-moderate acne. People experiencing more severe acne may want to discuss other treatment options, such as stronger retinoids, with a doctor. People tend to apply retinoid medications to the skin once per day, about 20 or 30 minutes after cleaning their face.

Doctors sometimes recommend only using them every other day at first. This is because they can cause skin irritation. However, this is not the same for all retinol products on the market. Different creams contain different concentrations of retinol and different combinations of ingredients. According to Zeichner, this affordable offering contains a stabilized form of retinol in a specialized delivery system, along with niacinamide and a peptide. With the above expert guidance in mind and an eye towards top-rated products from reader-favorite retailers, we rounded up a couple of our editor picks for your consideration, too.

Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, launched his clean skin care line last year. In addition to retinol found in this treatment, there are peptides to help firm up your skin and chamomile extract for a calming effect.

The brand claims it uses a patent-pending delivery system that slowly penetrates your skin so you get the benefits for a longer time, minus pesky irritation. It also has a Clean at Sephora seal of approval and a 4. Paula's Choice is a popular skin care brand among beauty enthusiasts and this combination retinol-and-bakuchiol treatment is highly-rated, earning a 4.

The lightweight lotion targets signs of aging — fine lines and wrinkles — along with minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Are you looking for a more gentle retinol product? Opt for the Barrier Repair Moisturizer with. At levels available over the counter, salicylic acid will give better anti-acne benefits than retinol. Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist. After cleansing and drying your skin at night, you can apply retinol, but only if it is tolerated this way, advised King.

If it's too irritating, then a thin layer of moisturizer can be applied first. You might have previously seen the term retinoid tossed around while consuming skin care content.

According to King and Frieling, retinoid is an umbrella term for vitamin A-derived skin care products. Here we briefly explore the main differences between the three ingredients, based on the guidance from MDs we consulted.

Robinson advised starting retinol in your mids or at the first sign of skin dullness. For anti-aging, you can consider incorporating a retinol into your beauty routine once you hit your late-twenties or early thirties. That age group is when your collagen production starts to slow down, said King. At the end of the day, the decision to use retinol is up to you and potentially based on a consultation or several with your board-certified dermatologist or several to determine whether retinol is the right fit for your skin care goals and lifestyle.

What does your lifestyle have to do with using retinol? According to the pros, there are a few reasons why you might need to make some adjustments and level up your commitment to your current skin care routine if and when you start using retinol.

Why do you need to wear sunscreen while using retinol? However, certain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide could deactivate retinoids, while salicylic acid can reduce their efficacy. Anyone who experiences breakouts knows there are many different types of acne. The good news is that retinoids work on all of them. Born with oily skin, big pores, and a predisposition for breakouts? Retinoids can work.

First, factor in your skin type. Also: Not all retinol is created equal, and if you buy an over-the-counter version, it may be formulated with counteractive ingredients. Topical retinoids also come in various strengths depending on the formulation, the lowest being 0.

Most over-the-counter retinols hover in the 0. You might know isotretinoin by the brand name Accutane. Differin is currently the only prescription-strength adapalene you can buy over the counter. She is a faculty member at New York University Langone, teaching dermatology to resident physicians and medical students. If you want a skin glow-up just as good as this Reddit user's, start with the below retinol-based serums that have been backed by dermatologists as some of the best on the market at every price point.

Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne. Dermatol Ther Heidelb. Katta R, Desai SP. Diet and dermatology: the role of dietary intervention in skin disease. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie.

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