This tiny molecule helps lubricate joints and keep skin plump, … In between the first two treatment I used it once a week. So I took a break and have been using Cerave Moisturizing Cream at night to repair and then I will do the retinol twice a week instead I was doing it 5 days in a row so I think I used to much in the beginning. These results are pretty awesome. Many thanks for all your advise. The topical formulation contains Tretinoin, a retinoid chemical class that is derived from vitamin A. Tretinoin is clinically proven by billions of studies to literally treat pimples and slow down your skin’s ageing process. Im losing hope How long is this purging period going to last? I think I’ll stop the retinoid for now, just so I can ascertain if it is definitely that which is causing the spots. This is my first 3 month Tretinoin cream review. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin, chances are a breakout is already brewing underneath the surface of your skin. Both retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are pretty harsh ingredients so it’s normal your skin would need some time to get used to them. Make sure that whatever product you try doesn’t contain these comedogenic ingredients or you’ll get even more pimples: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2009/06/10/what-ingredients-are-comedogenic/. Emily, oh no! The picture above the word “before” is you with clear skin. I would also encourage you to try salicylic acid, if you aren’t already using it. and my derm suggested i switch off the aczone and duac every night so as to adjust to the aczone. Purging happens when there are breakouts brewing underneath your skin. So, if you use retinol/ tretinoin and get a lot of breakouts or your skin gets very dry and cracked, take a step back and give up on it for a while. Dalia, so sorry to hear about your situation. Not to mention it really has kept my wrinkles at bay. I usually have clear skin so this is so frustrating! Logan, sorry for my late reply. I am guessing this is retinol a way of balancing my skin, but not sure. Amy, after 6 weeks, the worst should be over. Hi, I’ve been using skin ceuticals refining night cream .3 and it was making my skin really dry at first but now I have under the skin pimples constantly. Also what is your opinion of the Go Pure product? (I asked around town and they don’t do this with all of their clientele so I feel better knowing it isn’t just for self promotion and sales) I was placed on a Green Tea Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid (morning toner only), low dosage of Retinol (evening use only), a Green Tea Moisturizer, and a Zinc Oxide based Sunscreen specifically formulated for acne prone skin. There is nothing wrong with you. I have no idea. I didn’t have access to my usual salicylic acid facewash for the couple days before I broke out, so I used some random clean and clean morning burst. i am also using isispharma teen derm morning and night. I guess I just need to stick with it? Is it normal for the purge period to be this cystic? Brenda, glad you find my blog useful. Retinol acts as an exfoliant and also "balances sebum production, consequently shrinking the pores to prevent them from getting clogged and inflamed," says Nussbaum. Learn more about the improvements to expect before and after Retinol. Is there an email we can contact you on for specific skin care advice? ), RELATED: 'I Thought I Would Have Cystic Acne Forever—Then I Cut Out Dairy', “I never thought I’d be where I am now,” she wrote. It is exactly what happened when I started using it years ago and when I stopped and started again. I struggled with acne for 7 years since a face surgery after an accident. Maybe that’s the problem. I feel so ashamed of my appearance right now. Again, thank you! It’ll help the breakouts heal faster. It looks like you started with clear skin and ended with acne. If you experience them for longer then it means you’re either doing something wrong or your skin can’t tolerate it (some people with sensitive skin simply can’t use it). Therefore I believe the purge is incorrect. So surely anything that was under the surface would have been rid of already once my treatments had finished. Feeling soooo insecure. From all the comments above, it is evident that the 10% is too harsh for my skin as a beginner. However, without makeup I’m still dealing with hyperpigmentation in certain areas. Remember that the Retin-A acne diagnosis or treatment is coaxing the acne from your skin. I’ve been using it for about 5 weeks (every 2-3 days) and have very red, deep cystic acne on my forehead. Read on to find out. I foolishly bought the 1%, not having read anything, and after just 2 uses (once a week) it has caused a painful breakout, and caused all kinds of dryness. By Jessica Migala If you've tried it all—night cream, anti-aging moisturizer, and face serum—but you're still showing signs of aging, don't just slap on a heavy-duty foundation and call it a day. Also would I still have to deal with “purging” even though my skin is mostly clear and I only dealt with hormonal acne? Cate Blanchett and her penchant for penis facials. Brandi, without knowing what product you’re using, it’s hard to tell whether it’s the retinol alone that’s causing this or if there’s something else there that may be aggravating the purge. how can I get my natural skin back . I’m now on week 6 and my skin is fairly clean but I am still getting tiny whiteheads (no puss, red skin, infection, irritation) on forehead and blackheads on my nose. thanks! Went back to the Dr and was told exactly the process my skin was going through and started back using it and I have never stopped because once my skin cleared up after “the purge” it has been clear and my pores have been minimized. Most moisturizers will work with retinol, so go for one that suits your skin type. A breakout can last for up to six weeks. The real tragedy is the acne on my cheeks/lower jaw. As frustrating as it is, Retin-A treatment can make your acne worse before it makes it better. They work, but they have an oil base, so if your skin usually breakouts with oils, you may want to look for a different brand. Related: Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Should You Choose? Cell turnover and purging are two different things. Laura, potentially, yes. My derm said this was from the tretinoin. Jason, you definitely used too much! A very simple wash, a toner with salicylic acid, a tiny drop of benzoyl peroxide added to my lotion (with salicylic acid) and a DDF serum (super expensive but my first ever serum) and my skin was perfect. But I did, for the entire 6 weeks. I am using SkinMedica’s Retinol 0.5 but can’t find anywhere that says whether it’s non-comedogenic or not. But then, I don’t have acne. Hang in there! Have you looked much into the Ordinarys Retonoid 2%? Retinol doesn’t break out, but this silicone-heavy cream by SkinCeuticals definitely does. Question: Can you use a retinol product (e.g., Skinceuticals 0.5%) as a “spot treatment” for melasma and/or sunspots? James, thanks for sharing your experience. I now haven’t used any retinol since Sunday and haven’t come up in any spots. I wanted to ask though, you say retinol does work for the red, irritated sort of acne (the one it has caused incidentally), what is the alternative in this case? And the results are pretty darn impressive, to say the least. If retinol doesn’t work as a spot treatment, then benzoyl peroxide is a good alternative. No, not every day. I don’t have 6 months or even 6 weeks to wait. The fact that it goes away after a while is more the result of your skin getting used to it than the purging being completed. So many studies support its anti-aging properties. Retinol made my skin red and some spots on my face were flaky. Amy, is it the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution? I had a perfect regimen for my face. Thanks! However about a month ago I tried two new products both by philosophy, (the micro delivery exfoliant wash with vitamin c and their new tinted moisturizer) and it broke me out…a bunch of tiny tiny bumps developed all over my skin in addition to some pimples but it was not thaaaat bad. I don’t think vitamin C is the problem. This period should last between 4 and 6 weeks. The retinol cream you are using is good, but fairly basic. Please guide me. Everywhere you look, there seems to be a before and after picture of women’s acne condition improving upon only using Retin A. I’m exfoliating and wearing SPF and moisturizing. Benzyl Peroxide and Tretinoin help each other, but do not use Salicylic acid if you’re using Tretinoin. Cristina, I think we will have to agree to disagree on this one. ), RELATED: The Internet Is Obsessed With This “Miracle” Acne Cure. if you’re open to switching, consider one of these: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2016/04/18/best-retinol-products/. Nia 24 Intensive Retinol Repair. In the left pic, she’s battling a severe breakout across her forehead and cheeks. Do these tests to find out which one is it: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/purging-breakout-difference/. If you are using Retin-A to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. In post titled, ‘Hard work and retinol rlly makes a difference,’ Reddit user Egotr4p shared a side-by-side snap of her skin before-and-after using the product.And the results are pretty darn impressive, to say the least. For two weeks, my skin was red, dry, and weirdly furry. Hi. I heard retinol shouldn’t be mixed with L-Ascorbic acid (which drunk elephant day serum has.). Acne before and after retinol Retinol may take several weeks to produce results, and may need other medications and skin cleansers to help treat severe acne . Thank you for your time I await your response. Thank you! Retinol is such a powerful antiaging ingredient, why not use it all over your face? I had 6 weeks of treatment, including Isolaz treatment as well salicylic 20% peel while using Skinceuticals .3% retinol in between treatments, I am also on antibiotics (Lymecycline) . sorry if i rambled, im just so sad about the status of my face right now and im wondering if you have any insight about this? I used it for a while and it went to trash as it caused me clogged pores and acne (along with strong exfoliation). Retinol is not for everyone, and if you experience any serious side effects, you should definitely stop using it. I made an appnt. Also, take into account that there is a small percentage of people who have extreme reactions to even the lowest dosages and who should avoid it altogether. It does seem like there shouldn’t have been anything else to purge. Jenny, yes, retinol should help. Because they have medical grade levels of ingredients, they felt it was best to switch me over. Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A that help to unclog pores, encourage faster cell-turnover and increase collagen production. In time you can increase both the percentage of retinol and the frequency of usage. By speeding up the exfoliating process, retinol unveils it much sooner. It’s just the right side that’s continuing to get them. How likely is it that my skin will get worse before better? What are your thoughts? DON’T USE SALICYLIC ACID WITH TRETINOIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Both retinol, AHAs and BHA can exfoliate skin and/or accelerate cellular turnover, which is why I believe the purging myth is no myth. I recommend Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash in Pink Grapefruit with 2% salicyclic acid. Maranda, so sorry to hear about your story. Go back to basics. Retinol is a powerful ingredient, which means it can be unpredictable. Skip to the end for amazing Before and After pics. I switched to Murad, drunk elephant and a few others from Sephora. There are many Retin A before and after acne testimonials on the web and in magazines. It gets rid of old and damaged skin cells and replaces than with new, smoother cells. It’s easy to think it causes more problems than it’s worth, but if you keep it, you’ll see amazing results. i mostly get my acnes on my chin area and forehead. What should I do?? Btw my skin type is sensitive and dry/combination. Then I use hyaluronic acid from the ordinary after the Retinol (I wet my face with rose water and regular water before applying as your skin should be wet when you apply hyaluronic acid) and then I moisturize. And you’re not your acne. thank you! She puts her incredible results down to one simple product. My ugliest retinol uglies were from prescription 0.05 percent tretinoin by Actavis. You are wrong. Ü, Kirt, this is tricky. I am about 20 days in and I am really really starting to give up. But i have kept using it…hopefully this is not a mistake. I can ten try reintroducing gradually. Sharmeen, check out this post for the best retinol products for beginners: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/strength-retinol-need/. Typically, a purge can last up to 6 weeks. Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Should You Choose? I still get the occasional pimple around that time of the month but it seems the longer I take the birth control the better my skin has been getting. I know that some prescription retinoids also contain isopropyl myrystate, an ingredient that never fails to break me out too. I was prescribed tretinoin cream daily use at night and doxycycline 2x daily and benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning. You want to take a girls sanity, give her acne and she has no idea what’s happening. She reckons going vegan contributed to improving "the texture of [her] skin and the frequency of pimples appearing. My skin got smoother but my pimples just keeps on popping out literally anywhere. I seem to be still getting red bumps only on one side of my face which is the side the is sun damaged with pigmentations and scarring from acne 20 years ago and the other side is fairly clear and don’t seem to break out with the retinol as much. I’ve done quite a bit of research on the matter and I got the impression that the ” purging” is your skin’s reaction to being confronted with a very harsh substance, one that, if not used with caution can lead to extreme dryness. Why You Should Stick With Retinol Even If It Makes You Breakout (And What To Do About It). Hi, So I’ve had fairly decent skin for a while and just a random pimple during the TOTM – my dermo told me to use Soskin C-Vital which has retinol and vit C in it combined. ), Full disclosure, Egotr4p also changed up her diet. It’s something that happens with other cosmetic ingredients, like aha and bha. Using with a richer moisturizer did the trick for me. It feels like longer but now I look at the calendar and it’s only been two weeks. Your so sweet a seeing everyone’s comments! Since starting the Tretinoin, her skin appears to have gotten worse with more severe acne. I’d also cut back on frequency for a while. Both Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary make good ones. Hi Gio, I have been battling acne for about six years and it had finally mostly cleared up when I went to an acne clinic. If after that your skin isn’t clear, it’s time to ditch it. The Ordinary Retinol 1% is great but not for your skin type! Usually, when you start using retinoids and acids, it is normal to experience purging. I have tried over the counter brands from drug store lines all the way up to high-end brands. Hi Gia, I recently started using 1.0 retinol by the ordinary, I worked upto this one from the 0.2 retinol from them. Did you know your skin renew itself about every 28 days? So I returned it all and went and got a facial. Mad the switch asap. I have read your entire blog and find it most informative – I recently started using the Go Pure system and got small red spots tender if touched and think I need to hold off the nightly Retinol and just use it every 3rd night until my skin gets use to it – your opinion would be appreciated – I did stop the Retinol all together and the red tender places went away all together – so should I start back only using every 2nd or 3rd night? That usually helps. I have read the entire blog and I have researched if it’s normal to purge with tretinoin cream and I am so confused (very overwhelming reading all these different opinions)! Try switching to another retinol treatment and see if it helps. It’s enough that I am self conscious about it, but not enough that I am embarrassed to go out of the house (as described by some above). Hello. My derma prescribed me with tretinoin. After I upped it to 2-3 times a week. The regular skin trial. A friend of mine recently had extremely clogged pores after years of using Retin-A Micro. If a purge, cut back to twice a week and moisturise afterwards. but i just started with aczone right away. Does it have salicylic acid? Why is Retin-A making my acne worse? ? You need salicylic acid for that. It’ll help the breakouts go away faster. ... One of the best ways of being able to go out after a retinol peel is to use neostrata targeted treat emend spf50 tinted moisturiser, I always use it. I’d definitely try it again but this time only every 3 days. And from your comment, it seems your skin was fine while you were using it, right? Unless, there is something else in the product that causes the breakouts? If you too would like to make magic happen on your skin, she shared that she used a prescription retinoid called Tretinoin 0.025%. Unfortunately, my normal skin is now extremely dry. I’ve already replied by email but let me know if you need anything else. I am very diligent with washing my face in the morning and at night. Sydney, please, don’t feel ashamed. Allie, you can find my contact info here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/contact/, I used Retin A for 6 weeks. When used together with retinol, they make each other a little bit less effective, but they don’t give you bumps. So, that’s definitely something I’d go back to. Janessa, I experienced the same at first. Thankfully, there aren’t many large cystic spots, but more small red bumps that are filled with puss. I am not happy with how my skin looks right now, but it is nowhere near as bad as what some people have been describing on this and other sites. Also: Before you experiment with a retinol for acne, consider seeing a dermatologist to make sure you know exactly what you’re dealing with. How long will the breakouts last? Tori, thi post will help you figure out if it’s a purge or a breakout: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/purging-breakout-difference/. In addition, she was prescribed Doxycycline. Thank you for your help! Mmm… Could there be anything else in the product that’s causing the problem? It’s off to the dermo again . I’m praying this purge phase isn’t a myth. Is all this going to scar? Hello Gio, I have been recommended Medic8 by a friend. Jan, I’m sorry you are experiencing these tiny bumps. My diet has even been altered for the sake of clear skin – and overall health of course. My heart breaks for her but I don’t know what to do. Or do you have to use it over your entire face? Maybe use retino a two or three times a week rather than every day. My morning routine is using bare angels by lush, then the 7% glycol toner then 15% ascorbic acid by ordinary then hyualoronic acid then the hydro boost moisturizer and sunscreen by Neutrogena. Hi, I just started with Retinol, it is my second day with Roc Retinol Correxion deep wrinkle night cream, I already got 3 pimples, I guess I will stop for a couple of days before the next time I apply the cream. Stop using it until the breakouts go away and then reintroduce it slowly. I think I also have dry skin, any advice? Retinol can help treat acne, but not the red and inflamed kind (http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/the-complete-guide-to-retinol/) so it may indeed be the serum that’s making your skin act up like that. You didn’t mention the name of the dermalogica exfoliant. But unlike the majority of the ‘solutions' out there, this one has some actual cred. I want to send a pic because I feel this is not normal, even my friends say they’ve never seen it this bad before HELP!!! I’ve never had acne this bad. Beulah, I hope that 10% is a typo because such high concentrations should only be available by prescription. I went to my dr and received samples of Veltin (form of Retin A) as well as Clindamycin phosphate and my acne has NEVER been worse. I just wanted to say thank you for posting this. Either way, stop using it immediately and get yourself a salicylic acid exfoliant. Before we go any further to check before and after results of Retin A, let us get a quick look at Retin a cream. I used to use a Benzoyl wash, but weaned myself off of it when my skin seemed to clear up with a change in my birth control pill. I believe the Isolaz is supposed to bring any blemishes up to the surface and salicylic peel should rid your face of any impurities etc. My skin broke out soooooo bad! Unfortunately tretinoin after causes purging so it’ll be worse for a while before it gets better. Try another form of Vitamin A, you may have more luck. I had only just started and a couple weeks in, I had to stop for about a week. I’m thinking of trying a retinol to help clear this issue, but I don’t know what to get and what dosage since it would be my first time using it. I’m a dancer and it’s so awkward to have this on my face. Not everything works for everyone *sighs* But I’m glad you’ve found something that works now. How Often to Apply Retinol. Try using a salicylic acid exfoliant every morning and night right after cleansing. Retin A Before and After Acne. The breakouts have been in my T-zone, especially on my forehead, where I am normally most acne prone. Julianna, I’m not sure why you would use a retinoid for milia? It was terrible … but then glorious. They usually do after a month. Sooo…now I’m just hoping for the best. Before The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel. Neutrogena amazon.com. Sophie, you’re not deformed. But, I agree, with everything else you said. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. Jane, the purging myth is no myth at all. Hi Gia, I went to a skin specialist almost 6 weeks ago and they put me on activ retinol 0.5% serum and said to use every night with a zinc based moisturiser from Synergie. I was put on Spironolactone to reduce the amount of oil my body produces as my face would be slick with sebum after an hour of waking up. I now feel the need to wear mineral makeup every day to cover the acne. I didn’t break out but it left my skin really dry at first. It is strange because I know that the Dr. Dennis Gross serum is a really good product – but perhaps my skin just didn’t react well to it. An antioxidant derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is an over-the-counter variant from the Retinoid family that is the skincare all-rounder. This is week 5 and the acne is still worsening. I am in my thirties and was told by a doctor that it was hormonal. I use the tretinoin every other day. Unfortunately, Differin often makes things way worse before it makes them better. It didn’t make me breakout, but it did dry my skin at first because it’s so strong. Another thing, my normal routine for years before this new routine was nightly benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin phosphate application. I talk to people all day in my job andn so self conscious. The product claims not to clog pores. I have oily combination skin. They gave me all Sanitas products. Is Rock Retinol correxion a good cream? She wrote: "Know I had horrible cystic acne a year or two before the left picture and felt alone, and would cry almost daily." The occasional pimple here and there at that time of month. Any advice!!? Also, I’m not sure but it seems as if my hyperpigmentation is getting worse but maybe it’s from the new pimples. Raquel, don’t quit! I was instructed this nightly routine: apply the Tretinoin mixed with CerVa PM (small pea size amount) to the face. I am a bit vain and now I am ashamed to step out. Acne can really rob you of your self-esteem. But even 1% would be too high for a beginner. Sorry this is long! If your skin is prone to them, chances are your pores are already quiet clogged and would erupt in a breakout later on. And, I have not had any big pimples since! Give it a couple more weeks and if things doesn’t get better, ditch it. Hey, so I’m 24 and started experiencing hormonal acne this past year. I could not find a single article to suport this statement. Skin Concerns so i started on differin gel 0.1 sometime in oct. it hasnt been long but im seeing quite a lot of improvements from my previous, where i was so disgusted by my multiple close comedones/small bumps on the sides of my face. Tania, it’s a fairly basic moisturizer but it does contain enough retinol to work. It may be that this form of vitamin A is too gentle for you. Is there anything she can use in conjunction with the Tretinoin to help with breakouts? Hi, I have extremely oily skin – I have to blot continuously and my make up can look awful by the end of the day. William, so sorry to hear that. Could your skin just be getting used to a product and I need to break it in a bit slower? Not even kidding, I spent over $400 dollars last night on the products. It may take up to six months for noticeable results to appear. I really am thinking about throwing in the towel because it’s awful. Like and subscribe for more motivation and inspiration!! Hi Gio, just found your blog today and read through all the retinol related posts, great blog and so informative, thank you. The 300 Years Old Beauty Staple That Will Save Your Skin This Winter, 7 Easy Tricks To Keep Your Skin Healthy And Glowy During The Festive Party Season, Are They Dupes? I just started with Retinol, it is my second day with Roc Retinol Correxion deep wrinkle night cream, I already got 3 pimples, I guess I will stop for a couple of days before the next time I apply the cream. Valerie, oh no, sorry to hear that! Cell regeneration does not happen over night or in one day. I started on new years so currently it has just been over three weeks since I’ve switched skincare routines. My acne struggles have been on going for years. Leaves skin looking firm and hydrated. My night time is Tatchas cleanser then niamicide by ordinary then retinol then moisturizer. Here’s the thing about retinol: it’s not so much the ingredients in it that cause it to work so well, it’s moreso what they do. Is my skin purging or am i breaking out? Throw it into the mix with, say, an AHA (like one of our favorites, Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Topical tretinoin is a generic form of the acne medication Retin-A. Retinol speeds up this natural exfoliating process. Hi Ezgi, sorry to hear that! I’ve noticed that I break out in the summer sometimes (but not every year) and this summer has been the worst ever. I guess that happens. That PC serum is one of my favourites too. It also helped some users get rid of acne scars, and generally smoothes the texture of the skin. Retinol, vitamin A, generates cells turnover in the dermis layer of the skin, but this has nothing to do with purging skin of acne. I’d consult a dermatologist to see if they can prescribe something stronger. Does The Ordinary Skincare work? 1 to 1 and 1/2 weeks in or so, things may have started to clear up, slowly, not so sure, but that week and half in, my skin started to peel and easily burn (from my usual facecloth routine). If this is purging then im going to stick to the retinol but if its not I really don’t want to. You should be able to keep up your current frequency. I’m using La Roche Posay’s Redermic R. What do you know about this one? I agree that it’s best to use retinol every few days at first. At what point do you suggest that it be looked as a reaction outside of the “normal” when adding retinol and doing such a huge change in products? Retinol combats signs of aging such as clogged pores, UV damage as well as fine lines and wrinkles. I’m not sure if it’s the product or the purge and if I should keep going. It’s obvious that your skin doesn’t like the changes you made, but you tried so many different products in such a short space of time, it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing the problem. If someone is breaking out, then perhaps they are wearing it during the day or not washing their face in the morning or just sensitive to the Retinol and need to use it every third night until they get used to it. That’s where the similarities ends. I actually came online tonight to investigate, and read on The Ordinary site that the retinoid 2% can cause temporary acne. If not, the culprit is probably glycine soya oil, which is in the Skinmedica product. Once the wedding passed, I went to a very strict routine of gentle cleanser in the morning and salicylic acid (2%) face wash at night, moisturizing twice a day. Now several years later and 45, I need an anti-aging cream. To wrap up this long story, how much longer should typical results continue to be worse? Imanp, it’s likely a purge. I initially had the purging phase where I got whiteheads, and the acne has gotten better but my entire face is filled with bumps all over. If you want to be sure, you can also try a different product with retinol but without the oil and see what happens. I recently added retinol to my face routine(i just turned 27) and I wanted to be on top my skin before it’s too late, I’m prone to acne but when I started to use retinol it made me break out(small red pimples and lots of white heads)I work in the cosmetics I industry so I’m a little more vain about these things lol , I wanted to stop the retinol because of this , but should I push through and wait for it to clear up? I started using prescription Retin-A 5 years ago when I turned 50. I’ve been given Isotrex, do you think I will experience an initial breakout as I’ve just gone to a stronger retinol? not even a hey how you doing just BAMMMM. It was horrible! I just wanted to comment because I was a little confused. Do you think it may have been a reaction to that? However, I still had some hyperpigmentation and occasional breakouts so I started using the A-pasioni from drunk elephant along with the protini moisturizer and slaii cleanser. My entire skin is covered in clumps of cysts. That way, if your skin reacts badly, you’ll know what to avoid. I never needed it before so now I’m looking into getting some but I’m not trying to make my face worse. I am afraid that if I start using this cream, I will make things so much worse. My Dermatologist said my acne was hormonal and moved to actzone. Monica, it really is the best. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. In post titled, ‘Hard work and retinol rlly makes a difference,’ Reddit user Egotr4p shared a side-by-side snap of her skin before-and-after using the product. How Retinol Can Help Cure Your Acne, According to a Dermatologist Retinoids are powerful wrinkle-reducers—but research shows they can effectively clear breakouts, too. Always wait at least 15-30 minutes after cleansing and applying any other skin care products to your skin before you apply tretinoin to help reduce peeling and dryness.