Retinol For Acne

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and is mainly found in animal-based foods like eggs, fish oils and liver. However, the animal-based food sources of vitamin A usually contain the precursor of retinol, retinyl ester, which is converted to retinol by our body. On the other hand, vegetables and fruits like carrots, spinach, oranges, mangoes etc, contain beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A carotenoids, that are converted to vitamin A in human body. Vitamin A or retinol is a vital nutrient that is required for a number of important functions including bone growth, hormone production, and maintenance of healthy vision, skin and hair. Retinol for acne treatment is another most talked about benefit of this vitamin, for which it is included in a range of skin care products.

Retinol for Acne Treatment

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, especially among teenagers and adolescents. Most of the time, acne is caused by the clogging of the skin pores, due to excess sebum or oil production. When the skin pores get clogged, bacteria and dirt can get easily trapped inside the pores, which eventually causes infection. The result is inflammation and redness of the infected area, which we recognize as acne or pimples. To alleviate this skin condition, retinol or vitamin A is widely used.

The outer membrane of our skin has certain retinoic acid receptors, and thus vitamin A or retinol can be easily absorbed by the skin. Retinol can help to prevent the clogging of the skin pores, by stimulating the regeneration of new skin cells. Topical creams containing retinol control excess oil production, promote exfoliation of the dead skin cells, which in turn keeps the skin pores free of blockage and prevents the development of acne. Retinol is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are known to oxidize the skin cells, and promote the development of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in aging.

Apart from treating acne, retinol can be used for acne scar removal. By promoting regeneration of new skin cells, and removal of the dead skin cells, retinol can diminish the appearance of acne scars or marks. Retinol or vitamin A can easily penetrate the outer skin layer to nourish and repair the deeper layers of skin. It can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining skin elasticity. Wrinkles and fine lines develop when the body cannot make enough collagen and elastin. So, the result of using retinol for acne scars results in a healthy, smooth and soft skin, with less noticeable scars, wrinkles and fine lines.

Side Effects of Retinol

It is very important to know that while using retinol to get rid of acne marks, one can experience certain side effects occasionally. Such side effects of retinol include skin dryness, flaking, warming or redness, scaling and itching. Sometimes, acne outbreak can worsen for the first few days after using retinol on skin, but it will gradually diminish after regular use. Additionally, the skin can also become a bit more sensitive to sunlight, which makes it imperative to use a sunscreen before stepping outside. To prevent skin dryness, you can use a good moisturizer. Pregnant women should ideally use retinol after consulting a doctor. Using retinol along with vitamin A supplementation can lead to vitamin A overdose, which can cause serious side effects.

The side effects of retinol however, are not experienced by everyone. But still, it is better to talk to a dermatologist before using retinol-based acne treatment products. In addition to using retinol-based skin creams for acne removal, including vitamin A rich foods like, carrots, oranges, pumpkin, peaches, spinach, mangoes, etc, in your diet can help to derive many other benefits of this essential vitamin, besides getting a healthy and glowing skin. As far as the best retinol product for acne is concerned, your dermatologist can provide better guidance. However, be sure to use retinol products at night, and only after properly cleaning your skin. If you observe any kind of reaction after using retinol, do not forget to inform your dermatologist.