Retinol: Acne's Worst Enemy & The Skin's Savior

Retinol creams and serums are widely advertised as a miracle worker for the skin that can greatly improve a person’s complexion. But, is it really that amazing? Does it genuinely work? Find out how retinol works and how it can improve a person’s unhealthy and dull skin into a glowing and radiant complexion.

How Does Retinol Work?

Let’s take a look at how retinol works first. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and works by accelerating the growth of healthy skin cells while discarding the dead skin cells. This makes the cells less susceptible to fall into pores as well, which results in less blocked pores. This process of accelerating the death of skin cells on the surface speeds up the growth of healthy skin cells underneath the surface. This also makes it extremely effective in preventing and removing wrinkles. The very first retinoid to hit the market was tretinoin, which was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration(FDA) over forty years ago, and was branded as a prescription acne treatment. Today, there are three prescription-strength retinoids available to consumers: tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene, with different brands associated with each of the three.

Continue reading to discover the variety of skin benefits that retinoid creams can offer patients.

Healthy, Beautiful Skin

There are numerous benefits associated with retinol creams and serums. For one, retinol has been proven to unclog pores, boost collagen, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, speed cell turnover to even out skin discoloration, and give the skin a smoother, softer, and brighter appearance. Retinol also prevents the breakdown of collagen, which provides the skin with elasticity and makes the skin appear more youthful. The presence of a healthy amount of collagen in the skin essentially gives the skin its suppleness and glow.

Patients who are using a prescription strength cream or serum can see results in as a little as four weeks, while those who opt for a store brand can see results in approximately twelve weeks. The store brands take longer than the prescription strength creams and serums because retinol found in the formulas take longer to convert into retinoic acid and is less potent.

Keep reading to learn more about how retinol creates beautiful, healthy skin and is used to combat acne.

The Acne Fighter

According to the book “Retinoids: Advances in Basic Research and Therapy,” retinol proved extremely effective in treating acne. An experiment recorded within this book reports marvelous results of using vitamin A and retinol with eighty-five percent of the recipients displaying significant improvements to their complexion. The recipients all had a long-standing history of suffering from inflammatory acne and other skin problems. Notably, as well, the same experiment showed better results for women, with a large majority showing more than a seventy-five percent increase in their skin’s appearance. The results prove that retinol is a potent fighter against acne and can help heal traumatized and inflamed skin conditions.

Next, reveal the different misconceptions and myths associated with retinol and why they are wrong.

Retinol Myths

Considering how retinol is viewed as a skin savior and overall skin healer, there are many misconceptions associated with this mighty cream and the side effects it can have for some individuals. One common myth about retinol is that it will make the skin sun-sensitive and that patients cannot be exposed to UV rays once they have applied it. Dr. Doris Day from the New York University Medical Center has confirmed that retinol does not make a patient’s skin sensitive to the sun, as the ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, hence why the cream is typically applied at nighttime. She does confirm that a retinoid cream or serum should not make the skin more vulnerable to UV rays than any other beauty product someone may apply to their face.

Another common myth is that a retinoid can cause dryness, redness, and flaking to the skin. However, if a consumer slowly eases into using it, they can avoid these side effects. Rather than just slathering it on every night, for the first two weeks apply the cream every third night, then every other night, then eventually to every night as long as the skin does not appear irritated. Also, apply a basic moisturizer to prevent dryness. With these easy guidelines, anyone can have beautiful skin in no time!

Before starting treatment, find out some of the risks associated with retinol creams now.

When Not To Use A Retinoid

For decades, retinol creams and serums have been backed by science as an effective treatment for acne and to reveal a radiant complexion. However, there are certain cases where a patient should not be using a retinoid as it may affect their skin or health in a negative way. For instance, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use a retinoid, products with benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids should be avoided as both of these ingredients can deactivate retinoids, and patients should not use a retinoid if they are going to get waxed, as waxing causes excessive redness to retinoid-treated skin. Also, a small percentage of individuals with ultrasensitive skin have immense difficulties tolerating a retinoid, and patients who have this type of skin should use a gentle exfoliator twice a week to soften the skin and be extra-conscientious about sunscreen to prevent losing any collagen in the skin.

The facts and experiences supporting retinol are indeed very strong! Retinol is endorsed by nearly all dermatologists and is definitely very beneficial overall especially in terms of curing acne and other skin concerns.