Can you use retinol on body acne?

Author: Dr. Dion O'Hara  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

For the most part, yes, but, like with any skin care ingredient, it's always best to check with your dermatologists before introducing retinoids into your body acne routine.

Is it OK to put retinol on body?

Although the skin on the body is thicker than the face, retinol functions the same no matter where you apply it. The greatest improvements are seen in areas of the body where the skin is crepey, wrinkled, and less taut, including the thighs, chest, elbows, and backsides of the arms.

Can I use retinol on my chest acne?

Use a topical treatment.

You can use benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid to see significant results (you can pick up Differin, which used to be available by prescription only, or a retinol product).

What is the best treatment for body acne?

Chemical exfoliants — meaning body wash products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) — will remove the plugs from your hair follicles. And avoiding irritants like tight clothing or heavy makeup during a breakout allows your skin to heal.

Is it OK to apply retinol on pimples?

Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment — your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.

I TRIED THE CERAVE RESURFACING RETINOL SERUM FOR MY ACNE | 1 Month Test

Does retinol purge pimples?

Retinol purging is often not understood well. Users mostly think that retinol escalates skin breakout. However, the truth is that retinol only speeds up the process. Since it works by increasing the skin cell turnover, it also pushes oil and skin debris to the surface which are removed through acne.

What happens if you put retinol on a popped pimple?

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.

How I cleared my body acne?

There are many OTC treatments for body acne, including body cleansers, medicated sprays and lotions, and products that contain AHAs. Hydroxy acids, in particular, are effective acne treatments.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

What ingredient gets rid of body acne?

Begin with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene.

If you're not sure which acne product to buy, start with one that contains benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or both. Either one is effective and usually well tolerated. Some studies show that they are more effective when combined. Give it a few days before expecting to see results.

Can I use retinol for body acne?

For the most part, yes, but, like with any skin care ingredient, it's always best to check with your dermatologists before introducing retinoids into your body acne routine.

Why am I getting pimples all over my body all of a sudden?

It can be caused by many things, including skin-care products, picking, hormones, stress, medical issues, smoking, diet, and more. Some areas of your body are prone to certain types of acne, as well. Other types of breakouts may look similar to acne but have different causes and require different treatments.

Can you use retinol on hormonal acne?

Retinol reduces the appearance of acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Look for night creams or serums that contain Retinol. Azelaic Acid: this gentle acid has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. Azelaic acid helps prevent pores from clogging.

Where not to apply retinol?

🔥 Retinol Tips: If you are starting off with a retinol, make sure not to use it around your mouth because this area is the “kiss of death”. Your skin will get irritated and flaky, and although you may feel smooth in the short term —inflammation is the worst thing that you can do to your skin in the long run.

What is the best retinol for the body?

Vogue's Top Retinol Body Lotion Picks:
  • Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Retinol, $55.
  • Best Beginner: Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion, $19.
  • Best Intensive: Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum, $44.
  • Best Drugstore: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, $17.

Can I use retinol on my bum?

Use a retinol-infused body lotion on your butt, and don't be afraid to see your derm to get a prescription for tretinion (the strongest, prescription-only retinoid out there) if you know you're prone to butt pimples.

Which vitamin is best for hormonal acne?

Research shows B6 supplementation regulated hormones and reduced premenstrual acne over two months. Additionally, low levels of B-vitamins generally are linked to skin issues like acne, dermatitis, rashes and sensitivity. Optimal intake can prevent deficiency-associated skin disorders.

What does hormonal body acne look like?

Hormonal acne skin lesions may take the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and, in more severe cases, nodules and cysts. These can appear along the jawline, or on the chest and back. The skin will be bumpy, congested, and present with an overall dull appearance.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for acne?

The most common natural acne treatments include:
  • Aloe vera. The gel from the aloe vera plant has a reputation as a skin soother. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a reputation as a natural cure for many conditions, including acne. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Tea tree oil. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Zinc. ...
  • Sulfur.

What do dermatologists recommend for back acne?

Retinoid (adapalene 0.1% gel): Using this along with benzoyl peroxide can improve your results. This OTC retinoid can help unclog pores, which will help the benzoyl peroxide work better. Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene after you shower or before going to bed. Again, you want to apply it daily.

What is the best body wash for body acne?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Acne Solution, $25.
  • Best for Bacne: Glytone Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray, $44.
  • Best for Butt Acne: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, $10.
  • Best Body Serum: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30.
  • Best Body Wash: Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash, $48.

What is the best body lotion for acne prone skin?

And because you want your body lotion to be hydrating but not exacerbate any body acne, two experts — Jaliman and Waldorf — recommend CeraVe's SA lotion because it contains salicylic acid, an exfoliant that's been clinically proven to help with acne.

Does retinol draw out pimples?

Yes. Retinol enhances the cellular turnover process, which brings up dead-dried cells and impurities to the skin's surface. This may result in breakouts a.k.a. purging. 2.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

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.

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