Rolling scars Tretinoin may be the most effective for atrophic scars as it works by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover, which can gradually improve the appearance of these scars6.
Conclusion: To prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids and improve scars after surgery, application of a silicone gel or a tretinoin cream to the wounds is needed.
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.
Pretreatment with tretinoin before epidermal injury such as chemical peeling and dermabrasion has shown accelerated wound healing. Enhanced healing of full-thickness skin wounds has also been demonstrated in early wound healing studies. However, tretinoin therapy can be quite irritating.
At the end of 12 weeks, significant improvement in acne scars was noticed in 91.4% of the patients.
Using tretinoin over time may also reduce the appearance of acne scars as it promotes collagen production to give skin a smoother, even texture. ⁴ In other words, tretinoin can act as a collagen-boosting cream for pitted scars—but this process can take a very long time and it's not a guaranteed result.
Skin purging is common, but doesn't necessarily happen to everyone. In fact some people don't experience it at all. 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.
More tretinoin could be absorbed into the person's bloodstream if tretinoin is used on skin that is broken or irritated, or when it is used more than needed, or when used over a large area of the body.
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once. Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers.
Retin-A will only delay the healing process because it can cause a low level of irritation to the skin. The skin then has to respond to this irritation prior to healing. This is why it is important to keep Retin-A off of your skin while it's healing the scabs.
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.
Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance.
They're often thick and raised and are the result of too much collagen being made in response to an injury, as opposed to not enough. Vitamin C has only been shown to be successful at helping reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars because of its ability to regulate collagen production.
Retinol for acne scars
Topical retinol treatments can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that come with breakouts and help prevent further breakouts. But topical retinol treatment doesn't always work on severe acne scars that are sunken or raised.
Applying prescription medications such as tretinoin or steroid creams. This has been known to reduce itching and pain caused by a keloid scar. Applying these medications twice daily has been known to produce better and faster results.
After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. Depending on how often you use Tretinoin, you may begin to see full benefits by this point. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.
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.
Avoid other topical retinoids, and skin care products containing retinol, with tretinoin. You may also want to avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and erythromycin gel (Erthygel), as these ingredients and products can cause dryness.
Tretinoin may help with certain types of scars on the body, such as atrophic scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and to a lesser extent on hypertrophic, keloid or burn scars, if they are relatively new.
Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away.
Do you have to wash tretinoin off in the morning? Yes, it's advisable to cleanse your face in the morning to remove the tretinoin before applying your morning skincare products and sunscreen.
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.
What are the results of tretinoin after 3 months? If you consistently use tretinoin for three months you can expect to have a reduction in acne breakouts, smoother and firmer skin, a more even complexion, enhanced skin elasticity and more refined pores.
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.