Best Acne Treatment? Retinol Is The Gold Standard — Here's Why

If you love great skin success stories, you've stumbled upon gold today.

Acne sufferers often say, “I have tried EVERYTHING!”

The frustration is very real.

In addition to receiving unsolicited advice and misinformation, they have probably spent thousands of dollars and years trying one treatment or remedy after another.

But despite all of that, their acne remains stubborn!

Chances are, they haven't tried the gold standard. Retinol could very well be the MISSING INGREDIENT in taking out your acne and clearing acne marks from your face.

So, how does retinol work to clear acne, are there side effects, and how often should you use it for clearer, smoother skin?

In this article, we’ll cover answers to those questions and also provide suggestions on retinol products that may be good choices for acne-prone skin.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, the group of fat-soluble vitamins common in carrots, eggs and sweet potatoes.

"Retinol is the absolute backbone of an acne treatment¹ since they treat acne by de-clogging pores. They also work to normalize skin cell turnover and act as an anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, have been proven to improve skin discoloration and texture and, therefore, restore the skin from prior outbreaks," Melissa Levin, MD.

(Maya Allen, 2019)
Mim Before and After

Results after 3 months of using Clear Out, a retinol cream. Individual results may vary


Does Retinol Clear Acne Scars? Retinol Benefits

1. Perpetually Unclogs Your Pores

The ROOT of all breakouts is a clogged pore. Pimples form when the oil and dead skin cells on your skin combine to form a clog that blocks the pores.

Retinol perpetually flushes out dead skin cells making it harder for clogs to form inside your pores. When your pores aren't clogged, pimples and blackheads can't develop.

2. Reduces the Appearance of Acne Scars and Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots)

Retinol stimulates new skin cell growth, so it will give your skin a smoother and more even texture. This can make superficial acne marks less obvious.

As retinol causes skin cells to shed more quickly, it also helps eliminate excess melanin (the protein that gives skin its color and, in the case of hyperpigmentation, excess color).

3. Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles

The benefits of retinol go beyond just acne. It's also a popular anti-aging ingredient.

It reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the complexion brighter and smoother.

If you have adult acne, and aging is a concern of yours, you'll clear your skin while getting this added benefit as well.

Drawbacks of Retinol

Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it can cause the skin to redden or peel, resulting in flakiness, dryness and even some breakouts can occur.

To overcome this, a careful combination of retinol with select ingredients can AMPLIFY the results to clear acne marks while REDUCING irritation and side effects.

Meet Clear Out - Powerful Yet Gentle

Clear Out combines retinol and AZA² (also very effective against comedones). It is powerful enough to clear clogged pores yet gentle for sensitive skin.

It also uses AZA and pracaxi oil in order to quickly flatten existing pimples, reduce the appearance of red marks and foster healing.

Because Clear Out uses multiple ingredients, it FAR more GENTLE and EFFECTIVE than other similar products in the market.


Real People with REAL, Lasting Results

Individual results may vary

Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!” - Toni (@xx.tonilumsden)


alisha

Individual results may vary

“All I can say is ‘Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did.” - Alisha (@skinwithalisha)


Individual results may vary

"My skin looks so good now! I've had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊" - Bea (@beas.bareskin)


 

"Clear Out is my favorite and most recommended product to any of my followers who suffer with mild-acne as well as post-acne suffers. The combination of ingredients are unique and work THE BEST in keeping spots at bay as well as improving acne marks & scars." - Ella (@_myskinstory)


FAQ

How is Clear Out any different from other retinol/ acne treatment products?

Most products in the market contain only a SINGLE active ingredient so it does not use multiple pathways to address your skin concern.

Using multiple ingredients simultaneously could be more EFFECTIVE, but getting the percentages correct in order to maximize synergy and stability is near IMPOSSIBLE without precision machinery.

Every ingredient in Clear Out took years to balance in order to maximize synergy: ingredients work together to address your skin concerns with better results and less side effects.

I have sensitive skin. Can I use Clear Out?

Absolutely! The formulation is gentle and works for those with sensitive skin. Yet powerful enough to tackle many cases that otherwise would require prescription medication.

What if it doesn't work on my skin?

Clear Out is so EFFECTIVE that we place a full 90-day money back guarantee if you do not see a noticeable improvement after your first bottle. T&Cs apply.

How long will it take to see results?

In the first month, this formulation will trigger a purge of dead skin trapped in your pores which can appear as flakes or low level breakouts.

This purge will peak at week 5 and subside after week 8 of use. At week 10, you will turn over a clearer layer of skin that is less clog prone. See below:

toni

Individual results may vary

How to use?

Clear Out is only used in the evening as part of your before-bed skincare routine:

  1. Wash your face with a cleanser
  2. Apply toner (if applicable, free of AHAs/BHAs)
  3. Apply Clear Out (leave-in lotion)
  4. Apply moisturizer or other skincare that you normally use in the evening

Try Clear Out, Risk FREE!

If you finish an entire bottle and don’t see any results…

You’re entitled to a full refund within 90 days! T&Cs apply.

Try it with CONFIDENCE!


 

Mim is a primary school teacher from Southampton, England. Her Instagram page @acneisntugly is dedicated to help those with acne. She has been documented her acne journey through this page.

References:
1. James Leyden et al, 2017 : Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne
2. Paula Begoun : Everything You Need to Know About AZA for Skin
3. Banov et al, 2014 : The Effectiveness of Fatty Acids from Pracaxi Oil in a Topical Silicone Base for Scar and Wound Therapy

Disclaimer:

Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.


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See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 25 reviews
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Skin Type: Normal
Comments: Any ideas on how to get rid of brown skin damage
Skin defence

Marks of sun damage are still there they haven't faded much after using twice a day for 60 days. . I will continue until product is finished. I'm a bit disappointed

Skin Type: Combination

I am so happy that I stumbled upon clearly basics on instagram. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try and bought clear out clarifying lotion. It's been 2 months and my skin has improved a lot. I can see significant reduction in pores and acne.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing

After years of medication and products, I decided to try clearly basics. In just 6 weeks my skin has calmed and I am now able to treat scarring.

So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Skin Type: Combination
This is the stuff.

So, long time sufferer of acne. Started when I was 12 and I'm 28 now still battling it. I've tried all kinds of different things to try and get it under control and besides birth control, nothing has helped long term. I never want to take birth control ever again and I just happened upon this brand and decided well, why not try? To my amazement, it has helped more than anything else I've tried, I'd say it has improved my skin to the level it was at when I took BC. Of course I still get pimples every now and then, and tiny flare ups during PMS but my skin is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I highly recommend this company. To those who are considering trying this out, be aware that during the first week or so your skin will go through a purge and your acne will appear to get worse at first. Stick with it! Once that phase is over is when your skin will begin improving. I do need to use it every night for it to be fully effective, but even when I do forget, the pimples don't get too out of control. I just can't say enough good things about this product. It has helped my confidence improve immensely and I definitely recommend trying it to those who have skin as finicky as mine.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
The only moisturiser I trust

I am super sensitive and this is the only moisturiser that I trust honestly incredible.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing!

I use this product and with the clear out and it has really helped my hormonal acne.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Here one day, gone the next!

After success with Clearly Basics for my acne scars, I stocked up with all of the active acne products to prepare myself for how angry my acne would get when going off hormonal birth control. I have tried and failed twice as my acne comes back so bad that I just start taking it again. This time I have been using clearly basics without fail every day (lighten up and clear out). I have had 3 pimples start to form and I use ‘Stop Spot’ and the next day instead of a much redder, much angrier pimple with a big white head - the pimple is gone! I have been very happy with this product. I’m one month down (typically when acne gets the worst) - let’s do this!

I love that these products are gentle on my daughter skin.

This skin care routine is the o lay one that has helped clear up my daughters skin.

My daughters skin is really starting to look better!

Skin Type: Oily
So far so good

Bought this for my daughter that has struggled with acne for years. She has seen improvement and less frequent breakouts.

Best moisturizer I have found!

V
Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri
Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Perfect

Has changed my skin from acne pro to almost perfect 😍😍

Skin Type: Combination
Obsessed !!

Obsessed with this cleanser!! It left me feeling fresh and prevented break outs. It is incredible . Loved this product so much

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

Skin Type: Combination
Fresh and clean!

My face is filled with energy and feels so fresh and clean!

Skin Type: Normal
excellent item!

have been using this for years! so good for my skin :)

C
So Fresh pH Balancing Cleanser
Carmelinda Di Manno
Skin Type: Combination
Fresh Feeling

My skin feels so clean and still hydrated when I use this cleanser. It’s balancing and refreshing. My skin has responded really well to it and at times my skin can be sensitive. I highly recommend this product to anyone with relatively oily t-zone area

Skin Type: Combination
Very happy!

Love the texture, the minty scent and the lather.
I wish the bottles were a bit bigger HOWEVER they are just small enough to fly with.

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

Individual results may vary

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