Does retinol remove dark spots?

Author: Nicola Purdy  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. Not only will dark spots be reduced, but wrinkles and sagging skin will also begin to diminish, and the effects of retinol products will continue to work just as effectively over time.

Does retinol lighten dark spots?

Takeaway. Retinol can be effective in lightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. It does so by promoting skin shedding, which improves cell turnover rate and hinders the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which encourages the production of melanin.

How long does it take for retinol to lighten dark spots?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 6 months of daily use to notice a difference.

Does retinol make dark spots darker?

Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. “Collagen helps promote skin cell turnover, which helps peel and fade away dark spots,” says Dr.

Which retinol serum is best for dark spots?

The 20 Best Dark Spot Correctors for a Brighter Complexion
  • Dark Spot Serum. ...
  • Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector. ...
  • SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ...
  • Dr. ...
  • Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum. ...
  • Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform. ...
  • Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.

Fix Your Dark Spots in 3 Steps! | Hyperpigmentation | Melasma | Skincare Made Simple

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.

Is retinol or vitamin C better for dark spots?

First, vitamin C works to help improve the look of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Then, retinol steps in to help improve skin's elasticity. The result is that retinol and other retinoids may help improve skin's texture while helping to minimize the look of fine lines.

How can I lighten dark spots fast?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following treatments for dark spots in skin of color:
  1. 2% hydroquinone.
  2. azelaic acid.
  3. glycolic acid.
  4. kojic acid.
  5. retinoids, such as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene.
  6. vitamin C.

Should I use retinol everyday?

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.

What does retinol do for 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.

Should I moisturize after retinol?

A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.

How long can you use retinol on your face?

He recommends starting with no more than every other day for the first 2 weeks. If, after the first 2 weeks, you don't see any side effects, he says you may want to move up to “2 nights on, and 1 night off.” After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want.

Does retinol burn your face?

A 2019 research review showed that while retinol's benefits are well established by medical research, using it regularly can cause a painful side effect called retinol burn.

Which serum iS best for dark spots?

Vitamin C Serums To Combat Dark Spots
  1. Plum 15% Vitamin C Face Serum. ...
  2. Pilgrim Vitamin C Serum For Face. ...
  3. Garnier Light Complete Vitamin C Booster Face Serum. ...
  4. Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic And Vitamin C Serum. ...
  5. Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Vitamin C Face Serum. ...
  6. The Derma Co 20% Vitamin C Face Serum. ...
  7. Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum.

How do dermatologists get rid of dark spots?

A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin:
  1. Laser treatment. Different types of lasers are available. ...
  2. Microdermabrasion. ...
  3. Chemical peels. ...
  4. Cryotherapy. ...
  5. Prescription skin-lightening cream.

What is best for dark spots on face?

While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription. “Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer,” Green explains.

What should you not use retinol with?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

Is retinoid and retinol the same?

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.

Should I start with vitamin C or retinol?

It's best to apply Vitamin C before Retinol, as Vitamin C has a lower pH than Retinol. Once your skin absorbs the Vitamin C serum, your skin will return to its regular pH levels after 30 minutes or so. (You want your skin to return to its normal pH levels so vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of retinol.)

Can I put moisturizer over retinol?

The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.

Can you put retinol under eyes?

Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.

What happens if you use too much retinol?

First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.

What age should I use retinol?

Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s

"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."

Does retinol tighten skin?

Engelman agrees: "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."This mixture has the added bonus of hyaluronic acid, which "can smooth, firm, and tighten the appearance of the skin," Dr. Bowe says.

How long do the retinol uglies last?

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.

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