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 705 reviews
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Power Duo*
Chuan Ling T.

Adult acne is a new thing for me- I’ve had clear skin growing up so the outbreaks were very stressful! I did everything and anything I could, from watching YouTube reviews, trying out cult products to professional advice, but nothing quite did the job. So how the power duo panned out for me was definitely a pleasant (-ly hugeeee) surprise. I do acknowledge that my acne challenges are not on the extremely severe end, but I must say, emotionally the positive outcome of using both the power duo encouraged me to wear my skin as it is again. It’s really worthwhile trying as it is also a no fuss duo; hence the currently gild of my staple skincare products.

I saw a huge reduction in new pimples and any new pimples scars healed and disappeared a lot quicker

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Power Duo*
Anne F.

I have struggled with acne since I was 12 years old. All through my teenage and adult life my skin has been unpredictable and the breakouts have been constant and so frustrating. I’ve tried everything you could imagine but nothing worked reliably. Clear Out and lighten up have been a total game changer for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results

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Power Duo*
Mamtha J.

Tried every product out there from proactiv to slurp! None worked, they infact aggravated the condition! Tried clearlybasics as last resort and oh boy it works! Worth every penny! First time in 20 years, stepped out without wearing base makeup! Never thought this day would come!

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Power Duo*
Laura S.

This stuff changed my life!!!!
After reading the reviews I never thought it would work for me in the same way as it had for other people, as my skin was so bad and cystic. But after just a few months of using this and cutting down on dairy, my skin was 10 times better!
I’m still religiously using the Power Duo and don’t think I’ll ever stop 😊

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Clear Out
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri

"My skin has changed in better after using these products, they are practical and are not aggressive towards the skin.
I was ashamed of going out in public because everyone was pointing out my acne and scars, but since I started using clearly basic, I found a new me. Thank you changing my life!!"

I am 32 years old and still suffering from acne. I tried many things, but acne will dissappear and come back. Now I am using this product and my skin is getting better. Still I get some acne, but hopefully it clear all. But I am not sure how long I should use this product ?

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Clear Out
Amy Y

I love my transformation! I suffered severe acne breakouts for a couple of months and didnt know what to do – I decided to try this So Fresh cleaner alongside the Clear Out and Lighten Up products and saw a massive difference! It took a few months but it cleared up. I have since purchased the So Fresh cleanser again, and will continue to use.

Ive been using clear out for about 3 months and I have noticed a big change. Breakouts are minimal and my skin is looking and feeling much clearer. Im just about to start the clear out extra strength to try and clean out the remaining stubborn cystic bumps. Id like the pigmentation and scars to fade quicker, but Im sure they will in time. Overall Im happy with the product and can notice the change when comparing photos.

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Power Duo
Emma Taylor

I love clearly basics so much!! My skin has cleared up amazingly, check out @myacnepage on insta or clearly basics website to see how far my skin has come while using their products. I love the power duo especially and recommend to anyone who has been struggling with acne or redness/hyperpigmentation and scarring

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Clear Out
Amy Nuramira

"""I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. This is by far the best product. I started out with brown pigmentation (acne marks) and a lot of tiny bumps of acne on my forehead, cheek and nose (kind of like sand paper). As soon as I started the Clear Out and Lighten Up, my acne bumps got smaller and smaller. My brown pigmentation began turning lighter (reddish pinkish).
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Initially, when I started using it, I didn't really get a 'purge' it was just a small amount of break outs which went away in a few weeks. Now my hormonal break outs are not as terrible as before, they still appear but barely noticeable.
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My skin is acne free, pigmentation are still there but they've improved tremendously. The Clear Out does not dry out your skin at all, even when I apply makeup on, it's not patchy."""

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Power Duo
Amy Nuramira

"""I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. This is by far the best product. I started out with brown pigmentation (acne marks) and a lot of tiny bumps of acne on my forehead, cheek and nose (kind of like sand paper). As soon as I started the Clear Out and Lighten Up, my acne bumps got smaller and smaller. My brown pigmentation began turning lighter (reddish pinkish).
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Initially, when I started using it, I didn't really get a 'purge' it was just a small amount of break outs which went away in a few weeks. Now my hormonal break outs are not as terrible as before, they still appear but barely noticeable.
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My skin is acne free, pigmentation are still there but they've improved tremendously. The Clear Out does not dry out your skin at all, even when I apply makeup on, it's not patchy."""

Started using the Power Duo approximately 2-3 months ago, the creams have really helped to improve my skin quality, it feels so much smoother. I still have pigmentation which I will be starting to use the Dark Mark Defense for. But overall VERY happy with the Power Duo

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Power Duo
Megan Downes

"Amazing!!

Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders.

The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below.

Can't recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne.

Thank you Clearly"

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Power Duo
Louisa Bohm

Before I started using Clearly Basics, I was using normal pharmacy products and this obviously wasn’t enough. I was having a lot of breakouts and cysts underneath the skin. I found Clearly through a giveaway which I participated and won, and I’m so glad it gave me the opportunity to try their products. 2 months in, I was amazed how powerful the products are, especially the Power Duo, and I absolutely love them. My skin has changed so much, it heals much faster now. I definitely recommend trying.

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Power Duo
Celeste Robinson

This company is honestly incredible! I have been struggling with really painful hormonal cystic acne for years. I was prescribed oral medication, but decided against taking it because of all the side effects. So I did some research and found Clearly Basics! I have been using the Power Duo for 3 months and the progress my skin has made has been amazing! It has cleared my skin without causing any irritation or sensitivity. I am finally at the stage where I can leave the house without makeup! My skin is clear!! The customer service is also very personal and efficient. I don’t have enough wonderful things to say about these products, they literally saved my skin.

Really lovely product range! The power duo is the first thing, after 6 years of searching, that has helped my hormonal acne. I've tried antibiotics, differin, epiduo and everything range going but my skin got burnt, the acne came back or just didn't work. Clealry have the balance just right of clearing out your pores to prevent acne and calm pigmentation without irritating the skin. Absolutely amazing stuff that has transformed my skin!

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Clear Out
Gemma Brewerton

" A little progress goes a long way! 🙌🏻 In the first picture I think my skin was purging from the first week of using @clearlybasics ‘Clear Out’. I believe I actually cried either before or after I took this photo, my skin was super painful and I felt so ugly and self conscious!

The second picture is 5 weeks after using Clear Out, just scarring (being helped by using Lighten Up) and no actives!
I’m so happy with the results so far using these products and they have been the only thing that has helped my skin!"

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Power Duo
Ghina Arbid

I've had acne since I was in high school. It was coming and going, but I never got rid of it completely. Last year, I had a few months without acne at all and I thought "Okay, great. This is it." But then it started coming back. So I went to see a doctor and they gave me some prescriptions. They didn't work. I saw an ad for Clearly Basics on social media once, and I was like, "This is great! But do I trust online products like this?" And guess what? I'm back here and I trust them completely because I've seen results. I started using Clearly almost 3 months ago, had a purging period where everything was just coming out. Now I'm in my third month, and I really like the results so far. My skin has cleared up, and there aren't any large bumps underneath my skin anymore. And it's just great, honestly. I didn't expect a product I bought online to be this helpful and useful. I wouldn't go anywhere else anymore after this.

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Extra Strength Duo
Melissa Aldana

I love what the Sensitive Skin Trio (Clear Out + Lighten Up + Protective Moisturizer) has done for my skin! I had tried so many things before trying these products out and my skin was at its worst and peeling horribly, but I noticed a difference within the first week of using these products. The So Fresh cleanser is so refreshing and it has worked so well without stripping my skin. And with the Dark Mark Defense, my dark marks have faded greatly in comparison to when I first started using it. Since starting Clearly, I have upgraded to the Clear Out Extra Strength and even with the stronger formulation, I don’t experience any sensitivity and my skin has never looked or felt better! My skin is not dull or dry, and even has a glow, and the texture of my skin has also improved significantly

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Power Duo
Chelsey Hendriksen

"I have been using Clearly for about 5 weeks and I am blown away by results. I have no large lumps, which is awesome because they were super painful. My skin is smooth and soft and everyday I see my red scars fading. I had tried so many things from drug store brands to high end products for my cystic acne and nothing worked.
After months of struggling and literally hating my skin I can not believe how amazon it looks"

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Extra Strength Duo
Nicole Long

I have always struggled with acne ever since I was a teenager. Constant breakouts, constant red marks, fading into acne scars that I still probably have today. I found Clearly through social media and I was really taken in by their testimonials, so I took the leap. I started with the Clear Out + Lighten Up (Power Duo), and I really was able to see that any breakouts I was having would go away faster than I've ever seen and the Lighten Up would get rid of those red marks very quickly. Eventually I moved into the Clear Out Extra Strength and I was able to really feel like I was clearing out my clogged pores and really resetting my skin. I also added the Dark Mark Defense to really target those dark marks, acne scars that I've had since I was a teenager, and I was able to see the difference within the first month, which was really exciting for me to really target those spots that have been bothering me for years!

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Clear Out
Barbora Schulzova

"Hey guys! So I rarely write reviews, but I’m going make an exception, because it literally changed my life (what a cliche I know).

I’ve suffered from acne pretty much my whole life. I’m generally a happy and optimistic person, or at least I try to be, but acne made it impossible for me. It got to a point where I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror without crying. I didn’t wanna go out or even meet my friends. My self confidence was nonexistent. I had severe anxieties and break downs. I sought the help of a GP and dermatologist but nothing worked. Antibiotics made it even worse.

Then I read about the Clear Out and the reviews were great. Still a bit skeptical, I decided to give it a shot and thank God I did. My skin improved drastically and even though I still get a pimple or two every now and then, I am overall very happy with the results."

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Clear Out
Fiona

I just wanted to post my progress, firstly to thank Clearly for giving me my confidence back! I have suffered on and off with my skin for years, the contraceptive pill kept it under control for a long time but since stopping any hormonal contraception my skins been up and down like a yo-yo! I really didn’t want to go down the route of prescription oral medication, personal choice, so when I read about Clearly Basics (after ALOT of research) I decided to give it a go. Even after a few weeks I could tell a difference, and after a few months, the difference is huge! My skin was angry, painful and inflamed. Its now way way calmer, with only a couple of spots popping up around that time of the month. And I’m overjoyed with that! I next plan on tackling the red marks left behind so I can feel even more confident make up free. It does take time, but be patient, and consistent, and it will work! No foaming face washes seem to have helped for me too. Thanks again clearly 🤗😀

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Clear Out
AishX

"I have been using this product for the last 3 months and I swear by it!

My nasty pimps went away within days, my blemish marks were lightened and the size of my pores decreased drastically! In fact I feel that my skin brightened up a lot and my makeup looked smoother too!"

Individual results may vary

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