Ahh, the multi-hyphenate ingredient.
The do-it-all active that derms can’t get enough of.
We are, of course, talking about vitamin A. One would hope you’re across all that it can do for your skin in terms of plumping, smoothing, evening skin tone. (No? Weird. We’ve been harping on about it for months now. Catch up here.) But retinal/ol is the go-to when it comes to treating and controlling breakouts as well.
It may not be the first ingredient that textured faces turn to, given the hype, and known benefits of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to quite quickly clear congestion. (Careful with that last one.) But a retinal or retinol is a very smart all-rounder for treating and preventing acne.
Here’s what it can do for you and your misbehaving skin.
It can help prevent blemishes.
Retinal increases skin cell turnover which results in a natural exfoliation of dead cells. This renewal process helps to clear out clogged pores, any dirt or grime lurking beneath the surface of your skin, and shorten the lifespan of any whiteheads or pustules. Consistently incorporating a retinal into your skincare routine will then help to prevent future flare-ups.
It can help soften post-pimple scarring.
On top of the increased cell turnover we mentioned, retinal is known to stimulate collagen production in the skin. And this is key to improving post-pimple redness or inflammation; restoring a smooth texture and even tone to your skin, overall, with consistent long-term use.
Bonus points if your chosen formula contains a brightening agent like niacinamide.
It’s antibacterial.
Retinal is the only retinoid with direct antibacterial properties which makes it the perfect ingredient for treating acne-prone skin. It’s going to help fight off the bacteria that causes breakouts to appear in the first place, and leave you with a clearer and cleaner complexion.
But! It could get worse before it gets better.
A fair warning. Retinal is one of those skincare ingredients that comes with a couple of side effects. But this very much varies from face to face, depending on your skin type, the formula, and your tolerance for high-strength actives.
In the first 2-4 weeks of retinal use you may experience some purging. Frustrating, I know. But please don’t be discouraged. This phase is temporary and it is entirely worthwhile pushing through. As your skin adjusts to the ingredient with more frequent use these breakouts - which are not the same as hormonal spots, or acne flare-ups - will subside and you’ll start to see that promised glow creeping in. Retinal use really is a long game.
Finding products that get rid of your acne once and for all can be really tough. Adding a retinal to your routine is one (ridiculously effective) way to tell stubborn breakouts and scarring to get lost.
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