Can retinol lighten scars?

Author: Dr. Judah Brown Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

The bottom line. Retinol is a well-known ingredient in pro-aging creams, gels, and serums. What many people don't know is that it can also be used to treat acne and acne-scarred skin. It works on both the surface and middle layers of the skin to unclog pores, smooth scars, and improve tone and texture.

How can I lighten my scars?

While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.

How long does it take for retinol to fade scars?

Peer reviewed studies suggest you should consult your doctor if you're not seeing any results by week 12. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after 6-8 weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after 3-6 months.

Can I put retinol on a scar?

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are often touted as a solution for people that suffer from acne or hyperpigmentation. But for scar treatment, retinoids can be ideal for helping to remove texture.

Can retinol make dark spots worse?

“If the retinol you're using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it," she adds. Dr. Icecreamwala recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 or 0.5 percent.

CAN RETIN A HELP SCARS / ACNE AND KELOID Scars

Does retinol help with hyperpigmentation?

Retinoids are useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation because they reduce epidermal melanin by blocking the transcription of tyrosinase, induce desquamation, disperse keratinocyte pigment granules and enhance epidermal cell turnover via epidermopoiesis.

How do you lighten dark scars?

How to Get Rid of Dark Scars
  1. Sunscreen and Moisturizers. Although you can't go back in time to prevent your scars, a combination of topical creams, peels and sunscreens can help them fade more quickly. ...
  2. Medicated Creams. ...
  3. Chemical Peels. ...
  4. Laser Therapy.

Does retinol help with surgery scars?

Post-surgical scar treatment can also be helped with retinoids. In a similar vein, retinoids are also useful for treating stretch marks, especially when they are in the early stages.

What ingredients fade scars?

5 Awesome Skincare Ingredients to Fade Acne Scars
  • Vitamin C. If you're looking to diminish acne scars and fade hyperpigmentation fast, you need to make sure you have some Vitamin C in your skincare routine! ...
  • Salicylic Acid (BHA) ...
  • Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs) ...
  • Retinol (Vitamin A) ...
  • Centella Asiatica A.K.A Cica.

Is retinol the same as retinoid?

These two anti-aging ingredients aren't entirely different. In fact, retinol is a type of retinoid. However, retinoid most often describes more powerful prescription products, while retinol generally refers to weaker over-the-counter (OTC) formulas. As board certified dermatologist Dr.

Do scars get darker before they fade?

It can take up to 12-18 months after your injury or operation for a scar to heal. A normal scar will become darker initially and after a period of time this will start to fade. Dark scars can remain for years or indefinitely in people with darker skin.

How do you treat pigmented scars?

There are nine main treatments here that target scars and pigmentation, helping you to achieve that clear and bright complexion you have always longed for.
  1. LASER SKIN REJUVENATION. ...
  2. ADVANCED CORRECTIVE PEEL. ...
  3. EMATRIX SUBLATIVE REJUVENATION. ...
  4. MICROPEEL PLUS 20 SOLUTION. ...
  5. PIGMENT BALANCING PEEL. ...
  6. VITAMIN C SIGNATURE FACIAL.

Why are my scars getting darker?

There are a few reasons why a scar might turn dark. For example, if a scar was exposed to sunlight during the healing process, there's a good chance the scar tissue will become pigmented. Dark scars can also be caused by inflammation, poor healing, or the genetics of your skin and how your skin heals.

Does retinol fade acne scars?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that boosts skin exfoliation and prevents acne. It also promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production treating post-acne hyperpigmentation and minimizing the appearance of current acne scars, according to Deignan.

How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation fast?

Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.

Which retinol is best for dark spots?

Go Strong. Retinol and vitamin C are two of the best ingredients for fading dark spots. Try SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex, a "blend of vitamin C and retinol that's reliably effective," says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City.

Can dark scars be removed?

There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery. In a skin graft, the surgeon uses skin from another area of your body. This is often used with people who've had burns.

How long do scars take to lighten?

In time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother and softer. Although scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to 2 years. It's unlikely they'll fade any more after this time.

How do you lighten dark scars on your face?

Some potential options include:
  1. Laser therapy: This involves a dermatologist using a beam of light to target areas of discoloration. ...
  2. Chemical peels: Professional chemical peels are stronger versions of OTC acid exfoliants. ...
  3. Microdermabrasion: This exfoliating treatment uses minuscule particles to remove dead skin cells.

How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation naturally?

Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime. Rinse using warm water the next morning.

Does scar discoloration fade?

Most of the time red or reddish-purple scars will fade in color as the wound heals, which typically takes around 12 months. In some cases, however, scars can remain discolored. This occurs most frequently with keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Why won't my hyperpigmentation go away?

Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.

What does retinol do to your face?

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.

Which is better retinol or vitamin C?

So, should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles? Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.

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