Will retinol fade dark spots?

Author: Prof. Felicita Bode III  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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.

Which retinol is best for dark spots?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 to 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.

Is vitamin C or retinol 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.

What is the fastest dark spot remover?

Best Dark Spot Correctors
  • Dr. ...
  • Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector, $15.
  • It Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots 4% Niacinamide Serum, $29.
  • Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $72 to $75.
  • Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment, $88.
  • Skinfix Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector, $60.

How do you know if retinol is working?

Pending potency, OTC retinol can take up to six months to see results." That's not to say you won't see any benefits upon the first few uses. Nussbaum explains that in the short term, the benefits are that your skin will be exfoliated of dead skin cells and your pores will be unclogged.

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.

Which is better retinol or vitamin C?

So, should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles? Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.

What age should you start using retinol?

Generally speaking, I recommend most people start using retinol in their mid to late-20s, anywhere from 25-30. This is when collagen and elastin production starts to slow down, so it's the perfect time to start reaping the preventative-aging benefits retinol has to offer.

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.

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.

Can retinol make you break out?

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. The purge phase usually lasts for two to six weeks.

Can I exfoliate while using retinol?

Use Exfoliants Sparingly After the Adjustment Period

After two to six weeks of using tretinoin, it's usually okay to start using an exfoliant. However, it's best to use exfoliating products as sparingly as possible while using tretinoin to avoid potentially irritating your skin.

What does retinol purge look like?

Purging is slightly different, appearing on the skin mostly as blackheads or small skin-coloured bumps just under the surface of the skin. But it is also possible for purging to cause similar spots to a breakout, too.

Does retinol burn go away?

Retinol burn typically occurs within 24 hours. Even with home remedies, it can take about a week for the visible signs of retinol burn to dissipate.

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.

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.

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.

Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

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