You’ve likely heard about retinol in the context of anti-aging. After all, this ingredient is often touted as the first vitamin proven to have anti-aging effects.
If you’re still in your twenties though, chances are, you don’t think this ingredient has anything to offer you. But today, we’re going to convince you otherwise. Let’s take a deep dive into what retinol is and how it can help with one particular skincare concern most of us share: acne marks!
What is retinol?
Before we answer that, we’ll first have to discuss what retinoids are. Retinoids are a group of Vitamin A derivatives often used to fight the signs of skin aging. Retinol is a gentle type of retinoid that’s usually available over the counter and infused in anti-aging products. This is because retinol, unlike other types of retinoids, contains a lower concentration of active ingredients, making it safe for use without a prescription.
Retinol helps fade fine lines and other signs of skin aging by strengthening the skin barrier and by boosting collagen production. Moreover, it’s also used to unclog pores and treat acne.
It's been proven to fade dark spots and even out pigmentation. It does this by speeding the turnover of skin cells, revealing a new and healthier layer.
Ready to add it to your routine? A word of caution before you proceed to try it though: While retinol is generally safe for everyone to use, skip it if you have skin conditions like rosacea. Retinol can trigger negative reactions so it’s always best to do a patch test before applying it to your face.
For newbies, expect your skin to get worse before it gets better. When you first use retinol, you might notice dryness, redness, and irritation in the first two to four weeks of use. But don’t worry, it should get better once your skin has adjusted to the ingredient.
That said, here are some of the retinol products you might want to check out to help fade pimple marks.
The Best Retinol Products To Try For Clearer Skin
-
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The Ordinary is known for high-quality yet affordable skincare products, and this one is no exception. The formula mixes a low 0.5% concentration of retinol and moisturizing squalane, making it ideal for those trying out retinol for the first time. Apply it daily before going to bed to improve your complexion’s texture and radiance.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, P520, Sephora
-
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
This night cream features a blend of Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and retinol complex to keep the complexion moisturized for hours. After 28 days of use, the product claims to produce significant results in terms of smoothening fine lines, brightening dark spots, and firming up the skin.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer, P1,999, Shopee
-
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This lightweight serum is specifically formulated to help erase the remnants of breakouts. It uses retinol and licorice root extract to brighten and even the skin tone, ceramides to lock in moisture, and niacinamide to soothe the complexion. It’s gentle on the skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, P1,650, BeautyMNL
-
Céleteque DermoScience Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum
While advertised as an anti-aging product, you can rely on this serum from Céleteque to fade dark spots left by acne. In addition to retinol, it uses Artemisia capillaris extract and rosehip seed oil to brighten and even out dark marks.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Céleteque DermoScience Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum, P899, Lazada
-
Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
This ampoule from K-beauty brand Innisfree is specially designed for dry skin. It helps buff off dead skin cells and remove bumps, revealing a smoother layer. We particularly love how it uses cica, a soothing ingredient that can tame flare-ups and counter the harsher effects of retinol.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule, P2,250, BeautyMNL
-
The Inkey List Selfless by Hyram Retinol And Rainbow Algae Night Repair Serum
Use this repair serum overnight to minimize the appearance of blemishes left by pimples. Slow-release retinol and rainbow algae work together to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while squalane boosts hydration. The result? A healthy-looking complexion!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓The Inkey List Selfless by Hyram Retinol And Rainbow Algae Night Repair Serum, P2,020, Sephora
-
Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
If your skin needs an extra dose of moisturization, try this retinol oil from Pixi. Just apply it before going to bed and let it work its magic as you sleep. Its formula promises to smoothen rough patches of skin and even out the complexion. Even better: It also packs in peptides to firm up the skin and ceramides to keep it moisturized and plump.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil, P1,770, Sephora
READ MORE
The Best Retinol Serums For Super ~*Glowy*~ Skin
How To Start Using Retinol If You've Never Tried It Before
Why Do You Need Retinol For Flawless Skin? We Asked A Dermatologist
