Ingredients | 17 June, 2025

Is retinol good for blemishes?

Blemishes can quickly impact your confidence, even though they're completely natural. Establishing a skincare routine to address them can lead to clearer, healthier-looking skin. While retinol is typically linked to anti-aging, it can also be an essential part of a regimen aimed at reducing and managing blemishes. 

Read on to learn more about retinol for blemishes and how it can make a difference when used correctly.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that can be applied topically to the skin. It's part of the retinoid family.

When used properly, this powerful ingredient has numerous benefits for the skin, including the ability to diminish fine lines, improve skin texture, unclog pores, even out skin tone, and boost collagen + elastin.

Its ability to increase skin cell turnover makes it a popular anti-aging product, but it can also help  prevent and manage blemishes and scarring.

What are blemishes?

Blemishes refer to various types of skin lesions, an area that differs from the surrounding skin. They are typically found on the face or even on your back and chest.

Some examples of blemishes include pimples, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. The term can also be used to refer to dark spots and discoloration of the skin.

How are blemishes caused?

The causes of blemishes can vary depending on the type you have. Typically, pimples like blackheads and whiteheads are caused by excess sebum, oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria becoming trapped in the pores. This can also cause inflammation and redness. More severe blemishes can penetrate deep into the skin and form noticeable scars when they heal. 

Maintaining a good skincare regimen is therefore key, especially if you have blemish-prone skin. The risk of developing blemishes can also be heightened by hormonal imbalances, stress, and even diet. 

Dark spots and discoloration are also considered blemishes in the skincare world. This is often caused by an increase in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its darker color. This increase can be caused by several different factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, skin injuries, and inflammation. Once dark spots develop, further sun exposure can make them darker.

Is retinol good for blemishes?

Retinol can be used to help treat blemish-prone skin and prevent future breakouts. 

By unclogging pores and boosting skin cell turnover, retinol can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine if you experience blemishes and scarring. It can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. When combined with the right ingredients, it can be especially effective in tackling multiple skin issues, including blemish-related and anti-aging concerns.

For more severe blemishes, such as nodules and cysts, you may need a dermatologist to prescribe a treatment plan with prescription products to address deeper scars and skin texture issues. Always speak to a skincare professional if you're unsure.

What does retinol do for blemishes?

Retinol works by preventing clogged pores. Its ability to work on the outermost layer of the skin and under the skin makes it a more effective ingredient when managing blemishes. It can remove dead skin cells and oil from the surface (the epidermis), unclogging pores and helping prevent new pimples. 

The smaller molecules can also infiltrate the middle layer of skin, known as the dermis. At the same time, it can stimulate collagen production to improve the skin's elasticity, which can help with the appearance of acne scars and the texture of the skin. This can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a plumper appearance.

Retinol can help with discoloration by speeding up skin cell renewal and hindering tyrosinase, which results in melanin production. As a result, it can reduce the appearance of discoloration and stop it from becoming darker over time. Because dark spots can appear on the surface or deeper layers of the skin, you can introduce retinol in a more tailored way. For example, serums penetrate deeper into the skin, while lower-concentration moisturizers with retinol are effective for treating surface discoloration. 

Is retinol good for blemish scarring?

Blemish scars can develop on the skin as lesions heal. They can also develop from picking or squeezing pimples. Many turn to retinol to reduce the appearance of these scars, inflammation, and the risk of future breakouts. However, its effectiveness can be limited for more intense acne scarring and resulting texture.

How can I introduce retinol into my skincare regimen to manage blemishes?

Follow best practices when applying retinol with these key pointers to help you get the most out of it:

• Start with low concentration and frequency: Get started with a low-concentration retinol product (0-0.3% concentration) and use it once or twice a week initially, keeping an eye on how your  skin reacts. Use a pea-sized amount of retinol serum or cream, or two to three drops of retinol oil.
• Apply to dry skin: After cleansing your face, make sure your skin is dry before applying your retinol product. This helps to reduce the risk of irritation, as damp skin will cause it to absorb more deeply and could result in irritation. Apply an even layer across the face for the best results, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Build up gradually: Once your skin begins to tolerate the retinol well, you can gradually  increase how often you apply it, perhaps  every other night and then, eventually, nightly.
• Moisturize: Retinol can cause dryness and irritation, especially when you begin using it. Choose a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients to help retain the skin's moisture and support skin barrier function.
• Pair with the right ingredients: Improve results with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and niacinamide to soothe the skin and reduce redness. Avoid applying active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time as retinol.
• Use at night: Many retinol products are designed for nighttime use as sunlight can interfere with their effectiveness and make you more prone to sunburn.
• Seek advice: If you're completely new to retinol and want personalized advice, it's best to seek expert advice from a dermatologist.

It can take several weeks to see improvements when using retinol. You may also experience side effects while your skin adjusts. These may include dry or itchy skin, as well as a temporary increase in blemishes.

Over-the-counter retinol products are accessible to all, but if more severe blemishes aren't improving, consult a dermatologist to see whether prescription-strength products, such as retinoids, could be a better solution.

Retinol should ideally be applied at night, but complementary products can be used in both your morning and evening routines, as long as they minimize the risk of irritation. ZO's Exfoliating Cleanser helps clear away surface oil and impurities without drying the skin. Use it in the morning to prevent irritation when applying retinol at night. Meanwhile, the Complexion Clarifying Serum uses sebum-targeting science to reduce surface oil, congestion + visible redness. Consider applying it in the morning to help manage blemish-prone skin.

Explore retinol for blemish-prone skin with ZO®

By incorporating retinol and other products designed for blemish-prone skin, you can create a skincare routine that supports your journey to clearer skin and boosts your confidence.

If you'd like one-to-one support, you can find your local ZO® Partner or get in touch with our team of experts.