What Are Topical Retinoids
If youve got moderate to severe acne that cant be managed with normal pharmacy treatments, your GP might prescribe topical retinoids. This is a type of treatment applied directly to the skin its normally only available with a prescription.
Retinoids work by increasing the turnover of skin cells, removing dead cells from the surface of the skin, and reducing inflammation. All of this helps to prevent the formation of spots.
There are a few different retinoids that can be prescribed for acne in the UK, including adapalene and tretinoin. Sometimes these might be combined with other active ingredients like an antibiotic or benzoyl peroxide.
Skin Care Ingredients To Avoid When Using Retinol
Since retinoid is an active ingredient, there are some ingredients that you shouldnt use in conjunction with it to avoid irritation if you have sensitive skin, Torosky said. These ingredients include:
- Anything thats going to stimulate exfoliation think AHAs and BHAs like lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid
- Willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide, which can make retinoids unstable and reduce their efficacy
If you have more sensitive skin and want to combine a retinoid with benzyl peroxide, Honet suggested trying a low percentage benzoyl peroxide cleanser like this highly rated one from CeraAve. added benefit of a peroxide effect without the side effect of dryness, she explained. Honet advised using the benzoyl peroxide cleanser separately from the retinol to further reduce any risk of irritation.
Read Also: How To Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally
Is A Retinoid The Right Choice
People who have skin allergies or dryness are probably not good candidates for a product that contains a retinoid. “If someone has a lot of redness or inflammation in their skin, they should avoid retinoids and ask their dermatologist about other therapies that are more directed to a condition called rosacea,” says Anne Chapas, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Manhattan. “Also, people who have moderate or severe acne scarring, or whose acne is associated with their menstrual periods or other hormonal changes such as hair growth, should really see a board-certified dermatologist before they try a retinoid.” Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy.
While people of all skin colors can benefit from retinoids, people with darker skin need to be especially vigilant about whether a product is causing irritation, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Danville, California. “With skin of color, irritation can trigger dark marks, known as hyperpigmentation,” she cautions. “However, starting slowly and using moisturizer will help mitigate this possibility.”
The trick is figuring out which retinoid product to try, given that there are so many options available. “For over-the counter products, theres no standard requirement that the percentage of retinol be disclosed on the label or packaging,” says Dr. Chapas. Use the lowest formulation you can find, she advises.
Related AAD resources
Recommended Reading: Metabolic Workout Hormone Type 5
Understanding And Treating Different Types Of Acne
Acne is not a one-size-fits-all skin issue. Although it is a common skin concern, everyones acne is differentfrom the type of acne you have, to how, why, and when you break out. Understanding the different types of acne, and the most effective methods for treating each, can help you clear blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
Keep reading to discover the characteristics of each acne type, the top CeraVe products to incorporate into your daily acne routine, and expert advice from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein.
Is There Anything More Effective Than Retinol
A retinoid will be stronger than retinol, but retinoids are usually only available with a prescription. One type of retinoid, adapalene, may be as effective as more potent retinoids but may cause less irritation.
Salicylic acid is another ingredient used in acne treatments, which works differently from retinol. While retinol helps unclog pores by increasing the cell turnover rate deep within the skin, salicylic acid helps the skin to shed dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin.
Read Also: Does United Healthcare Cover Bioidentical Hormones
Best For High Dose Retinol: Paulas Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Paulas Choice claims that this lotion may help fight uneven skin tone and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients include licorice and oat extract to soothe the skin and reduce redness and vitamin C to brighten skin tone.
This lotion contains 1% retinol, making it more potent than many similar retinol products. This may suit people who have experience with using retinol. However, beginners or people with sensitive skin may prefer lower-dose options.
The company recommends a person only use this product up to 3 times a week when first starting. It warns that reactions such as redness, flaking, tenderness, and dry skin as possible signs of an early reaction.
A 1 fl oz bottle costs $60.
Try A Prescription Oral Medication
If OTC treatments or prescription topicals aren’t doing the trick, ask your dermatologist about oral medications. Especially if you have deeper, painful cystic acne, topicals may need to be supplemented by oral medication. One option that Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Garshick recommend is spironolactone, an oral blood pressure medication that helps lower oil productionand secretion. Spironolactone can take up to three months to show effects, but many hormonal acne sufferers swear by it.
There are also several oral contraceptives that are also FDA-approved to treat hormonal acne and are sometimes prescribed in conjunction with spironolactone. They work by regulating your hormones and decreasing testosterone, which can reduce hormone-fueled breakouts. Yaz, Beyaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep are the four pills that are FDA-approved to treat acne, but most of the combination oral contraceptive pills are useful, says Dr. Zeichner. You can talk to your dermatologist or gynecologist about getting a prescription.
Don’t Miss: Foods That Help With Hormone Imbalance
How Long Does Retinol Take To Work For Acne
Most retinoids take about 12 weeks of consistent use to work their magic . It’s worth nothing, though, that aside from flaking and irritation, your skin may “purge,” aka breakouts, during those initial few weeks, which is totally normal. “Those breakouts were going to happen anyway,” says Dr. Marchbein, “using a retinoid just brings them to the surface of your skin faster.” Also very, very important: “Retinoids only work while you’re using them,” she adds. So just because your acne has cleared up doesn’t mean you should stop using them. It’s a treatment, not a cure.
What Dosage Works Best For Treating Acne
OTC retinol creams, gels, and serums typically contain between 0.25 and 1.5 percent retinol. The overall strength that youll need depends largely on your skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, consider starting off with a lower dose first. If you dont experience side effects, you can always increase the dose.
In addition, keep in mind that not all pro-aging products with retinol are formulated to treat acne too. Youll want to avoid ingredients that might aggravate acne, like certain fragrances and oils.
Recommended Reading: Hormone Positive Her2 Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
How Does Tretinoin Reduce Acne
Tretinoin helps reduce acne by increasing skin cell turnover. Often, those with acne have a slower than normal skin cell turnover rate which can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
Tretinoin works to clear out clogged pores, kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and regulates sebum production. It also helps to keep clogged pores from happening in the first place. With consistent use, it can help clear acne and keep it clear.
This topical medication pushes clogged pores up to the surface and then acts as a comedolytic, preventing clogged pores from forming.
Tretinoin can also help reduce the appearance of leftover acne scarring or hyperpigmentation from past breakouts. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Topical solutions like tretinoin are an effective acne treatment option. However, treating symptoms without treating the root cause might make for an uphill battle.
Start A Consistent Skincare Routine
According to Dr. Hartman, the best place to start dealing with and preventing hormonal acne is to wash your face one to two times daily with an acne face wash, refrain from harsh scrubbing and avoid picking or popping pimples. “Also, keep your hair clean and try to avoid touching your face unnecessarily,” he adds.
Any effective acne skincare routine starts with gently washing your face. You can use a cleanser that contains an acne-fighting ingredient, or opt for a gentle foaming cleanser followed by a separate topical treatment. Cleansers containing exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid or lactic acid will help to exfoliate skin and prevent clogged pores, and are best for those experiencing mild whiteheads or blackheads face washes with benzoyl peroxide target surface bacteria and are best for red, inflammatory acne. When it comes to benzoyl peroxide cleansers, Dr. Zeichner recommends products with 10% concentration “because they sit on the skin for only a short period of time, a higher concentration gives a better chance of penetration into the follicles before it is washed off of the skin.”
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Read Also: How Do You Get Rid Of Hormonal Migraines
Tretinoin Side Effects: What You Should Know
Tretinoin is available with a healthcare professional or certified dermatologists prescription. And while its effective in the treatment of acne, it does come with its own list of potential side effects.
One, in particular, is called the tretinoin purge.
Many people experience skin irritation within the first few weeks or months of use, especially if they have sensitive skin.
This irritation may include dryness, itching and peeling, but is classified as mild to moderate and limited to the outermost layer of skin.
Once your skin gets used to the medication, this irritation usually subsides. Tretinoin can also cause UV sensitivity, so its important to avoid direct sunlight for extended amounts of time or wear sunscreen when using it.
Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Bloating
How To Choose The Proper Retinol Dosage
While it has countless attractive benefits, it is essential to remember that retinol is a sensitive chemical that requires precision and attention. You cannot dump it on a towel and rub it on your skin. Additionally, if you want to take retinol in pill form you should start with a low dose and work your way up.
Patience is the key. Your body needs to slowly adjust to the change in the beauty regime, thus introducing the new product steadily. Initiate by utilizing retinol once a week, during nighttime.
Before you begin taking any kind of retinol you should speak with a dermatologist, especially if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing.
Remember to stop using retinol immediately if you experience any of the side effects mentioned below.
Although it is completely optional I prefer to use retinol before sleep as it enhances the skins reaction to the sun and its harmful rays.
There is no need to apply the substance every day as you might be overdoing it and increasing your bodys tolerance. Best dosage limits to twice or thrice a week tested on small patches of your skin before proceeding with the whole face. .
It is recommended to refer to your doctor or a dermatologist before modifying your skincare routine for efficient results.
Also Check: Best Hormone Replacement For Weight Loss
Schedule A Professional Chemical Peel
Your esthetician or skin care professional should suggest a series of peels appropriate for the severity of your indented acne scars.
What is a chemical peel? During a chemical peel, a professional will apply a chemical solution to the face. This removes and exfoliates the outer layers of skin. As a result, a clearer, more evenly pigmented, glowing layer of skin appears. The new, regenerated skin is smoother than the old skin, helping to diminish dents in the skin, whether they are from acne or other causes. Peels also work beneath the surface to encourage the stimulation of fibroblasts. These aid in the creation of new collagen.
As youre going through the peel process, the new skin will temporarily be more vulnerable to the sun. So daily use of sunscreen is especially imperative during this time. Depending on the type of peel, you may need to repeat treatments every 2-6 weeks to achieve desired results. You can also maintain results by using Triple Berry Smoothing Peel. This peel helps both resurface the skin as well as lift away discoloration left over from blemishes.
Also Check: Does Birth Control Give You Acne
Does Tretinoin Help With Acne Scars
Yes, it does!
You may use Tretinoin to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The speeding up of skin cell turnover can encourage new cell growth in the affected areas.
Dermatologists also often recommend applying Tretinoin cream to prep the skin for chemical peel treatments aimed at removing acne scars.
Read Also: Hormone Therapy After Hysterectomy For Endometriosis
What Other Treatments You May Need Alongside Tretinoin To Treat Hormonal Acne
Drum roll, please. Introducing your next three acne-fighters:
-
Oral Contraceptives
Each of these treatments can be used with or without tretinoin. Spironolactone and oral contraceptives, in particular, are a great pairing for tretinoin if you suffer from hormonal breakouts because they specifically address the hormonal causes of acne.
Next, well take a closer look at each.
Where Can I Get Topical Retinoids For My Acne
The first step in getting treatment for your acne is visiting your GP. This is only necessary if you have tried pharmacy treatments and they havent worked, or if your acne is considered moderate to severe. There are lots of different things your GP can prescribe to help with your acne, including antibiotic tablets and topical retinoids like adapalene and tretinoin.
An alternative to seeing your GP is to use Online Doctors acne clinic. To use our service, select the retinoid of your choice then fill out our short, confidential questionnaire and securely upload two photos of your acne. Our in-house clinicians will use this information to decide whether your chosen treatment is suitable, or whether you could benefit from something different.
Once treatment has been approved, we can deliver your medication directly to your home, or make it available for collection in your nearest LloydsPharmacy.
Recommended Reading: Can Hormones Cause Cold Sores
You May Like: How To Rid Of Hormonal Acne
Who Should Use Tretinoin
Clinical studies have demonstrated tretinoins efficacy in treating acne in people with mild, moderate, and severe acne.
Since tretinoin is also effective for other skin conditions including hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, it is also a great choice for people with multiple skin concerns . In fact, tretinoin can be used for a wide range of common skin conditions, including rosacea. You can even use tretinoin on sensitive skin, but remember to start slowly and be generous with moisturizer when starting out.
The real question is, who shouldnt use tretinoin? Pregnant women should avoid using tretinoin because of the chance of birth defects associated with the oral form of Vitamin A, isotretinoin. Studies havent shown tretinoin has the same adverse outcomes in pregnancy as isotretinoin however, many doctors still advise you to avoid it.
Tretinoin can also be associated with increased sensitivity to the sun and an increased risk for skin irritation, such as:
However, these side effects can be mitigated by:
-
Introducing tretinoin slowly
-
Being generous with moisturizer
-
Keeping your routine simple
-
Trying different application methods
Luckily, since tretinoin is a prescription medication, a doctor, whether online or in-person, will thoroughly review your medical history before prescribing it and help you to understand how to avoid any possible side effects.
Retinol For Acne: How To Use It Products Side Effects And More
- Retinol is a type of retinoid and is derived from vitamin A
- It has anti-aging benefits and is also effective for treating acne and scarring
- Retinol for acne is available over the counter as well as in prescription strength
- When used as directed, it is well tolerated and safe for all skin types
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is found in a wide range of skin care products and is valued for its many skin-enhancing benefits. Topical and oral retinol for acne clears pores through several mechanisms of action, and is considered a first-line treatment for both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne.
Contents
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Testosterone Gel
Best Gentle Retinol Formula: Peach & Lily Vitamin A Retinol Serum
Peach & Lily specifically designs this retinol serum for people with sensitive skin. It uses a very small amount of retinol, at 0.2% strength.
Ingredients including apricot kernel, argan, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and macadamia oils are used alongside vitamin E to improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and breakouts.
This product may suit people who have very sensitive or dry skin.
The company recommends this product for people with dry and combination skin.
A 20 milliliter bottle costs $69.
How To Choose Retinol For Hormonal Acne: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the retinol for hormonal acne? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right retinol for hormonal acne? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying retinol for hormonal acne
When shopping for a retinol for hormonal acne, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
Recommended Reading: How Do You Lose Hormonal Weight