Tretinoin cream works by promoting rapid cell turnover, which helps unclog pores, smooth the skin's surface, and fade discolorations.
Tretinoin works by speeding up cell turnover. ² This helps prevent and clear clogged pores.
For peskier cases of blackheads, prescription retinoid creams such as "tretinoin, Retin A micro, or Tazorac can be effective," says Marchbein. NYC-based dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, aggress, saying that "topical retinoids are my first-line recommendation" for clearing up blackheads.
What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
Apply a toner to refine and deep clean your pores. Use an exfoliating scrub twice a week to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new ones, resulting in a more even skin tone and texture. Apply a clay or charcoal mask weekly to help control oil and draw out impurities.
If you have subterranean skin clogs, retinol is going to push all those blockages toward the exits, seemingly all at once. As a result, some first-time retinol users feel their complexions are actually getting worse once they begin applying retinol. However, once pores are flushed out, these flare-ups go away.
When it comes to treating your skin, the biggest difference between these two compounds is their strength. Retinol is weaker than tretinoin, so it requires a longer period for results to be seen. Tretinoin, on the other hand, works quickly but can also cause more side effects such as redness and irritation.
Three inexpensive moisturizers that our physicians love are Vanicream Daily Facial Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum. All three of these are affordable, non-comedogenic,and blend well with tretinoin.
A tretinoin purge, also referred to as “tretinoin uglies” is a common skin reaction that occurs when a patient uses tretinoin (Retin-A or Tretin-X) for the first time.
Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
Again, tretinoin users specifically may experience symptoms of “purging.” As tempting as it is, do not pick at any red spots, squeeze or pop blemishes, scratch rough patches, or excessively touch other inflamed spots which might pop up.
Does tretinoin remove blackheads? Yes, tretinoin is a first-line treatment for blackheads, whiteheads and comedonal acne. It works by increasing skin cell turnover and unclogging pores which helps prevent the formation of new acne breakouts.
You should aim to use tretinoin every night, however, you must start slowly as your skin needs to get used to it. The first 2 weeks apply it 2 to 3 nights per week, after that try applying it every other day, and then if your skin can handle it, apply it every night.
Blackheads: A clog that widens the opening of the pore is a blackhead. Blackheads don't look black because of dirt; it's the chemical reaction of the pore's content mixing with oxygen that makes them appear black. Another name for a blackhead is an open comedo (open pore).
While retinol and tretinoin unclog current problematic pores, they also keep skin cells from building up. If you still have some clogged pores after about a month of treatment, go back to the dermatologist for an extraction. A professional can use a small tool designed to remove clogs.
A tretinoin purge is a phenomenon that affects some people when they start using a retinoid skin product like tretinoin. For some users, acne will flare up within the first few weeks of using tretinoin before it starts to reduce acne. Tretinoin purge is also referred to as “acne flaring.”
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Professional Treatments for Blackheads
3 You may need a prescription-strength retinoid to help remove your blackheads. Professional treatments like comedone extraction, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydrafacials, or laser therapy may also help remove persistent blackheads.
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.
Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
Tretinoin cream or gel used daily will reverse sebaceous hyperplasia slowly overtime and will also help keep the condition from worsening.