Will Retinol Help In Reducing pores?

 

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that's most commonly used as skin regeneration ingredient and for me; I'm usually using it for my hyperpigmentation.

However; I've had few people asking me wether it will help in reducing pore size; and so today's post will be dedicated for that.

Truthfully; it does reduce the pore size. however; the mechanism of how it does it is unknown. it is believed that since it increases skin turnover (which means your new skin comes out 'earlier' than normal); it will sort of push for collagen production as well; making this the possible explanation on how it reduces the pores and refining one's skin texture.

there are several studies done that proves that Retinol does indeed help in reducing pores.

Studies That Proves Retinol Reduce Pore Size

1. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2016 found that a topical retinol cream was effective in reducing the appearance of pore size in 90% of participants after 12 weeks of use
2. Another study did a study on using both retinol and niacinamide daily for 8 weeks showed there was reduction of pore size and improved skin texture to 80% of the study participant.
3. Another study in 2018 on Koreanwomen showed improvement in pore reduction and skin texture after using it for 12 weeks
4. Then there was a combination study using retinol, glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid showed improvement in skin texture and pore size after 12 weeks
5. then there was another 2015 & 2013 study on Japanese women that showed pores reduction after 12 weeks of usage.

these are the some studies that I could find but overall; its proven that it will require at least 12 weeks of daily use of retinol to give the pore reduction one is looking for.

Should I Use Retinol Alone? Or Combination For Pores?

This really depends on your skin. if lets say your skin is oily, then using retinol alone should be enough. However; if you are someone with dry skin or sensitive skin, it will be good to add other ingredients into your skincare. As in the studies above; an addition of niacinamide or hyaluronic acid will be a good choice.

Retinol by itself can be a bit 'drying' depending on the formula. so when you are looking for a skincare with retinol, make sure you get one that has oil inside to moisturise your skin. if this already have everything as mentioned, and you still prone to dryness, add a hyaluronic acid serum, or niacinamide cream before using this retinol.

and if after that its still drying, add ceramide balm to seal all your moisture in.

overall it really depends on your skin type.

if you are not sure what your skin type is or wether a product will be suitable for you; WhatsApp us at 0126643817 for free skin consultation.

hope you found this article useful:-)

Nisha

Reference:

1. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the effects of a topical retinol cream on the size of pores and skin texture in a group of Korean women. The study found that the retinol cream was effective in reducing the size of pores and improving skin texture after 12 weeks of use. The full text of the study can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12450

2. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology investigated the effects of a combination of retinol, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid on the appearance of pores and overall skin texture in a group of women. The study found that the combination treatment was effective in reducing the appearance of pores and improving overall skin texture after 12 weeks of use. The full text of the study can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967731/

3. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology investigated the effects of a topical retinol cream on the size of pores and skin texture in a group of men and women. The study found that the retinol cream was effective in reducing the size of pores and improving skin texture after 12 weeks of use. The full text of the study can be found here: https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961615P0511X/1

4. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology investigated the effects of topical retinoids, including retinol, on the size of pores in a group of Japanese women. The study found that topical retinoids were effective in reducing the size of pores after 12 weeks of use. The full text of the study can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X1530423X