Retinol (better know as vitamin A) is an amazing treatment for mild to moderate acne! It is still one of the first choices of medical management in these cases. Unfortunately it can also create sun sensitivity and a mild rash known as a retinoid reaction and for this reason one has to use it preferably at night and introduce it very slowly. Once your skin has acclimatized to the once a week dosage, you can increase to twice a week. Retinol increases the turnover of epidermal skin cells and a BHA(salicylic acid) peel will assist with resurfacing your skin, cleaning out the sebaceous oil glands and preventing further breakouts. An enzymatic exfoliator contains an organic enzyme such as Cathepsin D, can be used on the days that you are not using your retinol product and I would also not use it for a week after a BHA peel so as to allow your skin barrier to recover. To avoid a sensitivity reaction with your BHA, stop using your retinol 3 days prior to the peel treatment and only use again at least 3 days after your treatment. Any sensitivity reactions are easily managed by stopping active products such as retinols and exfoliant for 3 days and then gradually reintroducing them again. Use a BHA based cleanser and a non-comedogenic, oil-free organic sunscreen to maintain your skin health and avoid vitamin E in your facial products.
Menu
