The short answer is yes, Retinol products can be as good for African American skin as it is for lighter skin tones. Retinol has a ton of anti-aging advantages, from minimizing dark spots to renewing collagen production.
In theory, retinol makes your skin cell turnover faster. The increased cell turnover temporarily sloughs off more dead skin cells. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. Your new skin is exposed before it's ready, and redness or discoloration, and irritation is the result.
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.
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.
For a bright and glowy complexion, skin enthusiasts are now reaching for the latest holy grail, Vitamin C. Safe to use for most skin types (including melanated skin!), this powerful antioxidant is known to boost cell turnover, increase collagen production, and even out skin tone.
Chemical exfoliants with acidic ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging, and brightening skin, and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck, or chest.
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.
Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a fat-soluble organic compound and vitamin A derivative. Retinol exfoliates the skin, increases skin cell turnover, and stimulates collagen synthesis. It is considered the gold standard for its anti-aging and skin clearing benefits.
Dermabrasion is generally only safe for people with fair skin. For people with darker skin, dermabrasion can result in scarring or discoloration. Microdermabrasionworks on all skin types and colors. It makes subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring.
Currently, the most effective and safest laser for darker skin tones uses Nd: YAG laser technology. The wavelength of this laser goes deep into the skin, so it effectively bypasses the pigmentation in the skin.
Gold Facial
This one is the most recommended for brides-to-be. It helps to promote glowing and healthy skin by removing the dirt and impurities, improving blood circulation, curing sunburn and pigmentation.
Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months.
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots. But experts say it will take more research to confirm how well vitamin C creams work.
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.
Go Strong. Retinol and vitamin C are two of the best ingredients for fading dark spots. Try SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex, a "blend of vitamin C and retinol that's reliably effective," says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City.
In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after 6-8 weeks.
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.
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."
While prescription-strength retinoids may have an effect in a matter of weeks, it can take up to 6 months for OTC retinols to produce the same results. You may notice a difference in conditions like acne after 12 weeks, but sun damage and signs of aging can take much, much longer to improve.