Does Retin-A Really Work for Acne Scars?

Thanks for your question.Retin-A will definitely give your skin an improvement in texture as well as regulate your sebum production to prevent further outbreaks. In regards to scarring by increasing cell turn over the appearance of the scars will be reduced.Kind Regards

Retin-A and retinol derived products help with skin turnover.  Combined with a lightening cream this can help dark pigmented scars and can help with texture.  Major changes to the skin are not to be expected and other modalities should be considered as first line therapy.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Retin-A does two things for the skin. First, it increases cell turnover so dead skin cells are shed faster. This evens out skin tone and brightens the skin. Second, Retin-A stimulates collagen growth, which will even out the skin's texture to a small degree. 'It works well for superficial acne scars and discoloration, but for deeper scars that extend into the deep layer of skin called the dermis, other techniques like excision, laser, chemical peel, or dermabrasion are needed to get the best improvement.

Retin-a (Tretinoin) works by increasing (stimulating) cell turnover and collagen production in the skin. If you think about it, retin-a works similar to a very light chemical peel: when applied topically, the retin-A increases the rate of cell turnover, thus increasing the skin’s own exfoliation process to remove dead cells while stimulating new skin cells faster, resulting in better skin texture and appearance. So yes, retin-a should work as a treatment for acne and can help minimize the appearance of acne scars.

Prescription-strength topical retinoid such as Retin-A has been shown to stimulate collagen, enhance textures of the skin over time. It can be helpful as an adjunctive therapy to laser resurfacing for acne scarring. However, as a monotherapy, the scar revisional benefit of topical retinoid for significant acne scarring is quite modest. The keys are strict daily sun protection as sun exposure takes away collagen, no smoking, and see a board-certified dermatologist to minimize new acne cysts.