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Retinol is a vitamin produced from vitamin A. Retinol is used as a supplement for people with vitamin A deficiency, and it is also used in skin creams to reproduce the beneficial effects of vitamin A on skin.
Retinol is often used in a cream form by dermatologists to improve the health and appearance of skin. Retinol has plumping effects by affecting collagen production, as well as improving skin tone and smoothing out areas of discoloration. It also helps treat acne.
Because retinol causes faster skin cell turnover, retinol creams can dry out the top layer of your skin quite easily, causing it to flake, turn red, and be itchy. For this reason, most dermatologists recommend using retinol ointments at night, along with night cream moisturizers.
There are several different types and causes of acne. Cystic acne occurs when pores in your skin are clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. This creates a perfect opportunity for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an infection. The infection can grow deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and redness, causing raised acne bumps (AKA cysts) with pus that can be tender to the touch.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of cystic acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating cystic acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against cystic acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
retinol may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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