Retinoids (the umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, like retinol) sink into your skin and trigger faster cell turnover and collagen production, creating newer, smoother, skin. And all of that means pores stay clear, breakouts diminish, fine lines soften, and acne scars fade.
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.
It might take two or three weeks of using Retin-A (treitinoin) to see any benefits. However, in some cases, it may take six weeks or more. Does Retin-A clear up acne scars? No, Retin-A is not effective in reducing acne scars.
If the acne scar isn't very deep, topical treatments such as tretinoin topical (commonly known as Retin-A), microdermabrasion, or chemical peels may work to minimize the appearance of scars. These treatments remove the outermost layer of the skin and promote collagen production.
But, to help treat current breakouts and prevent future ones, there's a need to keep pores unclogged and encourage skin cell turnover. Instead of using harsh scrubs, opt for a chemical exfoliant. Cleansers and serums containing AHAs (like glycolic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinols can all help.
Fillers: Your dermatologist may recommend fillers to treat deep-pitted scars. These fillers fill the scarred tissues and lift them to the level of the surrounding skin. They contain substances such as hyaluronic acid to add volume to the depressed scars with minimal discomfort.
In vitro studies have demonstrated that retinoids can modulate collagen production and the proliferation of normal and keloidal fibroblasts. In vivo applications of 0.05% topical retinoic acid can lead to a reduction of hypertrophic scars in 50-100% of patients and of keloids in less than 20% of patients.
Retinoids (the umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, like retinol) sink into your skin and trigger faster cell turnover and collagen production, creating newer, smoother, skin. And all of that means pores stay clear, breakouts diminish, fine lines soften, and acne scars fade.
“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.
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.
Remember, that 'retinoid uglies' are likely to be temporary, and it will take time before you see the end result. You have three skin layers—the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Your epidermis is your visible layer, and renews approximately every 28 days.
Methods for improving the appearance of scars include: Topical treatments, such as vitamin E, cocoa butter cream, silicone gel,onion extract products, and several commercial skin care products like Vaseline and Aquaphor that are sold over the counter may be somewhat effective in helping to heal scars.
Using any form of retinol makes your skin more prone to sunburn. Sun damage combined with retinol burn is a recipe for redness or discoloration, inflammation, and more.
Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Whereas in the short term, it can lead to acne breakouts, skin peeling, dryness, and a range of other frustrating temporary outcomes.
Medical treatments
A 2010 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that retinoids, such as tretinoin cream and isotretinoin, may help reduce the size and appearance of keloids.
As a potent anti-oxidant, Niacinamide boost's skin immunity, has a stimulating effect on ceramide synthesis, reduces redness in scars, providing a more even skin tone and promoting healthy skin.
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel and Restylane® can be used to add volume to recessed areas of the skin, such as indented scars. Although results are temporary, treatments can safely be repeated as necessary.
The researchers found that when the subjects used tretinoin cream for acne scars consistently, 79 percent of the participants showed flattened acne scarring. The treatment was most effective on younger acne scars, as well as with narrow, indented icepick scars.
Results – There is not enough clinical evidence to prove that Mederma improves the appearance of scars better than petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, which costs far less. Also, its effectiveness appears to be linked to whether a scar is raised or indented.
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.