Does retinol really help with Acne?

Does retinol really help with Acne?

The short answer is, YES! Topical retinoids have been shown to be highly effective in treating patients with mild to moderate acne. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD) and the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) both agree that retinoids have an indispensable role in the treatment of acne and are “the core of topical therapy for acne.” 

So, what makes this molecule such a powerhouse in the battle against breakouts? For starters, it's comedolytic, which means it helps inhibit the formation of comedones which are the first stage of acne breakouts.

As you can see by this simple illustration, blackheads are the precursor to the formation of inflammatory lesions; aka, pimples, papules, and cysts. To understand why Vitamin A is so effective at treating and preventing acne, it's important to understand what's causing breakouts to happen in the first place. 

There are four main contributing factors to the formation of acne lesions: abnormal cell turnover, hormone driven excess sebum (oil) production, proliferation of P.acnes bacteria, and an increased immune/inflammatory response. These processes happen in a cascade, one leading to the next, eventually resulting in painful inflammatory lesions. This is where the magic of Vitamin A comes into play, it inhibits and prevents the first two steps of comedogenesis, the formation of comedones, by inhibiting sebum production and reducing abnormal exfoliation.

It’s widely known that there are multiple pathways involved in acne; however, the production of excess sebum and dead skin cells are the most significant because when combined, they induce the microcomedone, the antecedent to all acne lesions. 

Topical retinoids (Vitamin A) play a pivotal role in the treatment of acne by reducing active breakouts and preventing new lesions from forming. Retinoids normalize the skin's natural exfoliation process, reduce pore-clogging surface cells, and help promote cell differentiation.

Another fun-fact about retinoids is that they have the ability to inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways activated in the formation of acne. Blocking these pathways greatly reduces the release of inflammatory mediators inhibiting cellular inflammation. 

In addition to affecting active acne lesions, retinoids have shown promising results in reducing secondary lesions such as hypertrophic scarring and PIH (post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation). Long-term usage of topical retinoids helps to improve overall skin texture and stimulate collagen production.

The two main goals of any effective acne treatment are to clear visible breakouts and minimize the potential for long-term issues like scarring and post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation. Ideally, an effective acne treatment plan incorporates the use of retinoids, therapeutic skin treatments, and additional active ingredients to optimize patient outcomes.  

Our mission at Skin Medical Spa is to affirm the truth that everyone can enjoy a life of clear, radiant skin. Many of our patients come to us consumed with angst over their long-term battle with acne. We want them to feel empowered by providing customized solutions to treat their individual skin conditions. When it comes to maintaining a healthy, blemish-free complexion, the most important part of an acne skincare routine is identifying topical ingredients (like Vitamin A) that work, and then sticking with them! 

Are you ready to finally say bye-bye to breakouts? Schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained professionals to learn how to achieve your best skin yet!

Learn more about our skincare services here or contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.