Retinol to the Rescue for Acne Problems

Acne Problems? Try RETINOL!

So a lot of us have acne...Whether you're old or young, it's common. No one likes it though and there's a huge industry trying to cure this problem for the mass. Some products are successful, others are just gimmicks.Even the popular Pro-activ isn't suitable for everyone. So what can you do if there seems to be 1,000 products all telling you that it'll cure you of acne in a few months, weeks, etc.?

First of all, identify common acne ingredients that are proven to work. Ingredients to look for that are common among acne products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol. The first two might be identifiable to most because they are in most acne fighting kits, products, etc. However, the last is an ingredient that is disregarded by many for it's acne-fighting potential. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is found in many skin creams. It helps to keep pores and skin clean by increasing the cell turn-over rate.

I never heard of retinol until this past year, when Michelle Phan, www.xanga.com/ricebunny, recommended her viewers try ROC's Retinol Night Treatment. At first, I, like anyone else, was skeptical and concerned about the potential of retinol since it isn't advertised to cure acne but rather for anti-aging purposes. However, I saw GREAT results within several months after I started using ROC's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream and have been using it ever since. For someone who is constantly battling acne and old acne-scars, I feel that retinol containing creams have really helped me keep my pores relatively clean and acne-free. The reason why I don't say "completely" instead of "relatively" is because nothing really cures acne. Creams and topical ointments can help to surpress breakouts or prevent new ones from forming but let's be real, they can only help to an extent. Unless you get something likeAccutane, most of these over-the counter products can only work to an extent.

So anyway, if you're battling acne like me and want to possibly try something that might help you with your acne problems, try a product that has retinol ingredients. I have made a list of suggestions below for you to try. I want to note you that retinol can be a little irritating and itchy upon the initial application. There are always warnings about retinol products causing slight itching or burning sensations but these should go away within a week. If you experience extreme discomfort, you may be one of the many who have sensitive skin and therefore should quit using these creams. However, if you only feel slight signs of discomfort, I recommend you continue to use the product asthe symptoms should go away. I personally feel discomfort when I apply too much of the cream, even to this day.Also, when I first started using the product, I did feel itchiness on my face after the application of the product.

Recommendations:
-RoC's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
-Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, SPF 15
-Olay's Age Defying Anti-wrinkle Replenishing Night Cream
-Philosophy's Help Me Retinol Cream
-Philosophy's On a Clear Day Retinol Clarifying Lotion
-Leaf & Rusher Active Serum
-Philosophy Hope and a Prayer Retinol Capsules
-Skin Ceuticals Retinol 0.5% OR 1%
-Skin Medica TNS Retinol Complex