How Effective is Retinol for Acne? Best Practices for Sensitive Skin to Maximize Results

Retinol for Acne: Effectiveness, Dosage, and Tips for Sensitive Skin

Retinol is a popular and effective ingredient for treating acne and reducing wrinkles ^{(1, 2)}. It is a vitamin A derivative and is popularly used in many anti-aging and pimple creams ^{(1, 2)}. Retinol also helps in decreasing the appearance of acne scars. In this article, we will talk about retinol, its effectiveness against acne and whether it is suitable for sensitive skin.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a popular ingredient present in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription creams for treating acne and anti-aging creams moisturizers. Retinol belongs to a family of compounds known as retinoids. All the retinoids are derivative of vitamin A; however, their effects and properties differ on skin.

How effective is Retinol for Acne?

Retinol is excellent for acne and reducing acne marks and works by removing the dirt, oil and dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin ^{(3, 4)}. By cleaning the gunk from the pores, it helps in preventing formation of pimples.

The specialty of retinol is that it acts by literally getting beneath the skin where its tiny molecules penetrate the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This helps in decreasing the appearance of pores and acne scars with time ^{(3, 4)}.

What Is The Best Dosage Of Retinol For Treating Acne?

The ideal strength of retinol for treating acne is between 0.25% and 1.5% present in OTC retinol gels, creams and serums. The strength of retinol depends on the condition for which it is used and on the skin type.

In case of sensitive skin, retinol should be started at lower dose first. If there are no adverse effects, then the dose can be increased gradually. In addition, keep in mind that not all products with retinol are formulated to treat acne. You’ll want to avoid ingredients that might aggravate acne, like certain fragrances and oils.

What is the Best Way to Use Retinol for Acne?

Before starting on your retinol journey, it is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor and that are written on the product.  Always start retinol slowly and see how your skin behaves to it and then gradually increase it until you know how your skin reacts to it. Some irritation or redness is common with retinol use and will go away as the skin adjusts to the retinol. Depending on the severity of the acne and the type of the skin retinol can be used two to three times per week for treating acne.

If you are a beginner or have a sensitive skin, then add retinol to your skin care routine once a week for two to three weeks and if there are no side effects, then start using it twice a week for a couple of weeks then thrice a week and so on and so forth.

Retinol should be applied at night as it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and sunscreen should be applied then next day without fail.  Consistency is the key when it comes to treating acne with retinol or something else.

What are the Side Effects of Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and comes with its own side effects including: skin irritation, dryness, peeling, itchiness, stinging, redness and sun sensitivity ^{(5, 6)}.

These side effects will appear with the initial use of retinol and will abate as the skin gets used to retinol. In case of persistent side effects, using a lower-strength retinol is recommended. People having eczema can experience aggravation of their rashes with the use of retinol.

Is Retinol Safe To Use In Pregnancy And Breastfeeding?

Retinol is not safe to use neither in pregnancy nor when breastfeeding ^{(7, 8)}.

Other Than Treatment Of Acne What Other Skin Benefits Does Retinol Have?

Along with treating acne, retinol is beneficial in various other skin conditions, such as: improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, melasma, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dull or uneven skin tone, oily skin and large pores ^{(1, 2)}.

How Long Does It Take For Retinol To Cure Acne?

Nothing can be treated instantly. It will take weeks to months to see significant improvement in acne. Consistency and patience is the key.

Retinol and Sensitive Skin: Understanding Sensitive Skin

Understanding your skin type is important to understand what ingredients to be used and how to get the most out of them for a healthy skin. Along with different sensitive skin types, there also are various characteristics that define sensitive skin.

The most important defining characteristic of sensitive skin is its increased vulnerability to external factors, such as fragrances, friction, chemicals etc. When there is something to trigger sensitive skin it becomes, red, irritated, can have a rash or starts to peel ⁽⁹⁾.

Individuals having sensitive skin should follow a gentle and mild skincare routine, which supports the skin moisture barrier and helps in preparing the sensitive skin for retinol use.

Best Practices and Tips for Sensitive Skin

Some of the recommendations for sensitive skin are:

• Always use a gentle and hydrating facial cleanser.
• Use a moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin, such as fragrance free, non comedogenic.
• Always use a sunscreen when stepping out in the sun.
• Keel the skin care regime minimal. Don’t use too many products.
• Always patch test when using any new skin care product.
• Never sleep with makeup on.

 Is Retinol Good For Sensitive Skin?

Potent skincare ingredients and sensitive skin can be a concerning combination; however, it doesn’t mean that one should not use it ever. Retinol can be suitable and good for sensitive skin provided one uses it the right way and with caution.  People with sensitive skin can avail all the benefits of retinol including anti-pigmentation and anti-ageing benefits provided one takes extra care with using it ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Using Retinol on Sensitive Skin

Retinol is one of the potent treatments for acne and as an anti-ageing skincare ingredient. Because of its potent nature, people having sensitive skin may face some problems with it.  There is no reason that people with sensitive skin should avoid retinol; however, they should use retinol with caution to make most of its benefits without harrowing the skin.

What are the Benefits of Retinol for Sensitive Skin?

Retinol is beneficial in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and will give you a smooth and younger looking skin. Retinol also prevents clogging of the pores and helps with the appearance of large pores. This goes a long way in minimizing the blemishes in acne-prone skin. Retinol can be used in serums or cream form.

How to Use Retinol for Sensitive Skin?

When using a potent ingredient like retinol which acts by increasing the skin cell turnover, it is recommended to start slow at the lowest dose so your skin can adjust to it. Using retinol of higher strength and using it frequently can cause irritation, redness and discomfort, which will resolve on its own after stopping retinol.

Always apply retinol on clean skin. A pea-sized amount is sufficient to use on the face. Sensitive skin people should apply a moisturizer before applying retinol, and then apply moisturizer again after retinol application ⁽¹¹⁾. This is called the sandwich method which helps in combating the harsh effects of retinol ^{(11, 12)}. 

Always patch test retinol before using on the face. Always start of by using retinol once a week for sensitive skin and gradually increase the frequency and dosage.  Reduce the frequency of application or discontinue use if redness and irritation persists and seek medical consultation.

 As mentioned before retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to sun and it is strongly advised to wear SPF of minimum 50 during the daytime.

Conclusion

Retinol is a popular and trusted ingredient used for treating acne and for anti-aging purpose and is available in serums, gels and cream form. Retinol not only helps in treating acne but also helps in reducing the appearance of acne scars. Retinol penetrates the skin and works on the middle layers of the skin to regenerate new cells and unclog the pores, improve the skin tone and texture along with reducing the marks left from acne. People with sensitive skin can also use retinol, but should use it with extreme caution and start with the lowest strength possible.  The side effects of retinol are common and will subside after some weeks. If they however persist, then discontinue the use of retinol and consult your dermatologist.

References:

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• Quick Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars
• Types of Acne on Chin & Ways to Get Rid of it
• Causes of Acne in Women After the Teen Years
• Know the Types of Acne Scars & Can it Be Removed Permanently?