Derm DMs: Can Retinol Spot Treat?

Spot treatment of the skin with products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tactic to address acne. But can you use other active ingredients like retinol for skin problems like age spots and wrinkles? We had questions, so we turned to a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. Dr. Loretta Chiraldo, for advice on spotting the skin with anti-aging products.

Can retinol be used as a spot treatment?

"For acne, applying an AHA or salicylic acid to the blemishes works well, but there are also a wide range of active ingredients, such as retinol, that can be used to fight aging." says Dr. Siraldo. One way to do this is to target retinol to specific areas, including age spots and wrinkles.

How to identify aging zones

According to Dr. Chiraldo, you can use a retinol product or prescription tretinoin to fight age spots and wrinkles. Instead of using a retinol product all over your face, apply a pea-sized amount to age spots or areas where you have fine lines and wrinkles, such as around your mouth, crow's feet, or forehead. Recommended to try L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol.

"Avoid applying potentially irritating ingredients to the area you want to target," says Dr. Chiraldo. For example, stay away from potentially irritating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids in the area where you apply retinol.