Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.
How Does Retinol Help With Acne Marks and Scars? Because it increases cell turnover, retinol resurfaces the skin to smooth acne marks and scars and even hyperpigmentation while improving its overall texture.
Some studies show that retinol can not only clear up acne but also improve acne scars. Some retinol products are sold over the counter, but your dermatologist could prescribe a stronger cream.
Chemical peels (e.g., Illuminize Peels, Vitalize Peels, Salicylic Acid Peels, and Glycolic Acid Peels) remove dead cells and encourage collagen production around scars, producing smoother-looking skin. Your dermatologist will determine the concentration of peels depending on the severity of your scarring.
It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.
Vitamin C strengthens the skin barrier function to hold moisture inside. No more dry and flaky patches! Smoother skin texture. Just like retinol, vitamin C can also boost cell turnover to fade acne scars and blemishes.
Q: How long does it take to see results from retinol? A: Results can vary, but many people start to see improvements in their skin's texture and a reduction in acne within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. It may take several months to see significant changes in acne and post-acne marks.
Retinol for acne
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.
For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi.
Acne holes are scars or pick marks from pimples. They usually look like indentations or holes in the skin. Acne holes occur due to damage in the deeper layers of the skin after popping pimples.
Tretinoin is used to treat acne and signs of aging. It's may be up to 20 times stronger than retinol, although more research is needed. ⁵ Using tretinoin for old scars may be effective in reducing their appearance over time.
Differin Gel Adapalene Gel
It helps prevent breakouts, treat acne and improve acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, says Gmyrek. This gel comes recommended by our experts because of its benefits, which include increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen to help mild scarring and pigment go away over time.
Retinol has demonstrated efficacy in treating acne scars, making it a valued component of skincare regimens aimed at scar mitigation. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon proper use, patient skin type, and the severity of scarring.
While Retinol can't physically shrink the size of pores, it can make them appear smaller. By keeping the pores clean and improving the overall texture of the skin, Retinol creates the illusion of smaller, more refined pores.
The immediate side effects of retinol treatment can take the form of a surge in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rashes. This is termed retinol purging. It lasts for about 2-6 weeks depending on the quality of the skin, following which the positive effects ramp up.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.
“I don't advise using retinol and vitamin C in the same AM or PM skincare routine, as they are both powerful ingredients, which when together, can irritate the skin,” explains Dr. Hartman. It's easy to separate them, so doing so will ensure you get the maximum benefit without risking irritation, he adds.
Laser Therapy
This popular procedure stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen, helping fill in pitted scars or even pigmented ones. This therapy can significantly reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars and improve the skin's overall texture and tone.
Chicken pox scars are typically circular indentations of the skin that may also be discoloured. They look very similar to acne scars. Look for specific ingredients like Retinol and Glycolic acid, which are common in creams and ointments for acne scars. These products can help reduce the appearance of scars.