How does retinol treat acne

Topical retinoids also come in various strengths depending on the formulation, the lowest being 0. Most over-the-counter retinols hover in the 0. You might know isotretinoin by the brand name Accutane. Differin is currently the only prescription-strength adapalene you can buy over the counter.

You can also get tretinoin without a doctor visit via Curology , where providers may prescribe it virtually based on photos. Courtesy of brand.

Buffering—or layering a retinol product between two layers of moisturizer—can also help minimize retinol burn. You might also get more breakouts once you start using retinoids. Keep calm and stick with it. Basically, as skin cell turnover increases, new clogs rise to the top. Unfortunately, your only recourse is to wait it out. Retinoids can do good even after your skin is breakout-free. Deanna Pai is a beauty writer in New York City. Follow her on Instagram deannapai. By Caroline Solomon.

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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Skin Acne. By Maya Allen. Maya Allen. Maya was an assistant editor at Byrdie for a year and a half. Currently, she serves as Marie Claire's digital beauty editor. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Medically reviewed by Dr. Dendy Engelman. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the U.

Reviewed by Dr. Shop The Look. Dennis Gross Skincare. First Aid Beauty. Featured Video. So just because your acne has cleared up doesn't mean you should stop using them. It's a treatment, not a cure. Retinol is one of the skincare greats when it comes to treating acne, provided you use the right kind and ease your way into it remember, less is more in the beginning.

And if for some reason you don't get the results you want from your retinol hey, it happens—skincare isn't one-size-fits-all , my best advice is to make an IRL or virtual appointment with a board-certified dermatologist —they'll be able to assess your skin and get you on the right track when it comes to treating and preventing breakouts.

United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. The Truth About "Getting Abs". Katie Buckleitner. Can retinol help acne? Curology Custom Cream. Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Related Stories. Related Story. Lauren Balsamo Deputy Beauty Director Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan covering all things skin, hair, makeup, and nails for both the magazine and website.

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