Can retinol help with acne scars?

Author: Mrs. Zoie Miller III  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Stronger concentrations of retinol may help fade the appearance of some acne scars, but in general, retinoids are used to treat active acne to help prevent scarring or reduce its severity. These stronger retinoids include tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapalene.

Does retinol get rid of acne scars?

It can help clear acne scarring

“Retinol treats acne scarring in the same way it treats fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Michelle. “An acne scar is a divot in your skin, the same as a wrinkle, so retinol plumps the area with collagen, the same way it would plump fine lines.”

How long does it take for retinol to heal scars?

However, some people may start to see an initial improvement in their skin even earlier - In fact, 84% of people saw a visible improvement in the texture of their skin after just 4 weeks*. We'd recommend using the product for a minimum of 12 weeks to see a visible improvement in the appearance of your post-acne marks.

Is vitamin C or retinol better for acne scars?

in your case retinol is a better option as vitamin c is more for the hyperpigmentation of acne. retinol is known for anti ageing but was actually designed for breakouts. an alternative to retinol is bakuchiol which i think is better. i recommend use chemical exfoliants (ie.

Can I put retinol on freshly popped pimples?

Retinol can assist in reducing further breakouts, as its formula helps to renew the skin cell cycle and improve skin barrier health. In terms of using retinol on popped pimples, the strength and efficacy of this ingredient can assist with marks.

Tretinoin for acne scars

How to get rid of acne scars on face?

Treating acne scarring
  1. Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin, either using lasers or a specially made wire brush. ...
  2. Laser treatment. Laser treatment can be used to treat mild to moderate acne scarring. ...
  3. Punch techniques. Punch techniques are used to treat ice pick scars and boxcar scars. ...
  4. Subcision.

How long does retinol purge last?

How long does it last? The duration of a retinoid purge generally depends on your skin type, but it typically lasts about four weeks. In some cases, flare-ups can extend up to eight weeks, or approximately two cell cycles. If the purging persists beyond three months, it's likely not just a typical purge.

At what age should I use retinol?

As you enter your mid- to late 20s, your skin's natural cell turnover begins to slow down, which is when early signs of aging may start to appear. This is an ideal time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine, even if you're not yet seeing visible signs of aging.

What does retinol burn look like?

The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

Can retinol flatten scars?

Because it increases cell turnover, retinol resurfaces the skin to smooth acne marks and scars and even hyperpigmentation while improving its overall texture. Retinol essentially clears the dead cells and makes space for new ones while giving you healthy, even-toned skin by kickstarting the cell turnover process.

How long does it take retinol to heal acne scars?

However, it typically takes at least a couple of months for retinol to fade acne scars, and even prescription-strength retinol may not produce the results you want to achieve. Retinol is likely to have very little, if any, noticeable effect on the appearance of severe acne scarring.

What fades acne scars?

What's the best treatment for acne scars?
  • Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. ...
  • Soft tissue fillers. ...
  • Steroid injection. ...
  • Laser resurfacing. ...
  • Other energy-based procedures. ...
  • Dermabrasion. ...
  • Chemical peel. ...
  • Skin needling.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.

Should I use moisturizer after retinol?

Yes, moisturizing after using a retinol cream is generally recommended. Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

Who shouldn't use retinol?

You Shouldn't Use Retinol If You Have Sensitive Skin

If you still find that you're experiencing retinol side effects like excessive dryness or irritation, consult a dermatologist for advice on how to proceed with your routine. Kiehl's Tip: Retinol isn't the only subject of skincare myths.

How to know if retinol is working?

You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.

What does a skin purge look like?

Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots. Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin.

What happens if you stop using retinol?

Many studies show that retinoids improve acne and wrinkles- but what happens to the skin when you stop using retinol? The short answer is- you will get a short-term benefit after stopping retinol but eventually your skin will return back to baseline (how it was before you began retinol).

Can you 100% remove acne scars?

Even with treatment, acne scars are difficult to heal. There's no 100% guarantee that the acne scars will be completely gone. But most treatments reduce the size of the acne scars and make them less visible.

Does retinol heal acne?

Retinol does help clear acne, but it's not a quick fix. It may take weeks or even a few months for your skin to improve. Plus, you may have an initial acne flare-up when you start using retinol. That doesn't mean the retinol serum for acne isn't working.

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