Resorcinol acne. Resorcinol for Acne: Benefits, Risks, and Proper Usage
What are the benefits of using resorcinol for acne treatment. How does resorcinol work to fight acne breakouts. What are the potential side effects and risks of using resorcinol topically. How should resorcinol be properly used for optimal acne-fighting results.
What is Resorcinol and How Does it Work for Acne?
Resorcinol is a topical medication commonly used to treat acne and other skin conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as keratolytics, which work by helping to break down and remove dead skin cells. When applied to the skin, resorcinol acts as a mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent.
How exactly does resorcinol combat acne? The compound works in several key ways:
- Exfoliation: Resorcinol helps slough off dead skin cells that can clog pores
- Antibacterial effects: It helps kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Resorcinol can help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne lesions
- Pore unclogging: By dissolving debris in pores, it helps prevent and treat blackheads and whiteheads
Is resorcinol effective for all types of acne? While it can be helpful for mild to moderate acne, resorcinol is especially useful for treating stubborn, painful cystic acne lesions that don’t respond to other treatments. Its keratolytic properties make it particularly good at penetrating deep into pores to fight severe breakouts.
The Benefits of Using Resorcinol for Acne Treatment
Why might someone choose to use resorcinol over other acne treatments? There are several potential benefits:
- Fast-acting: Many users report seeing improvement in acne lesions within 1-2 days of application
- Affordable: Resorcinol products are typically inexpensive compared to prescription acne medications
- Accessible: Available over-the-counter without a prescription in many countries
- Versatile: Can be used as a spot treatment or all-over acne prevention
- Complementary: Often combines well with other acne-fighting ingredients like sulfur
Do dermatologists recommend resorcinol for acne treatment? Many dermatologists consider resorcinol a safe and effective option when used as directed, particularly for stubborn cystic acne. Dr. Joshua Zeichner notes that resorcinol is valued for its “anti-inflammatory and skin-renewing properties” when used in office peels or OTC products.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Resorcinol Use
While resorcinol can be an effective acne treatment, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Are there any dangers associated with using resorcinol topically?
Common side effects may include:
- Skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Peeling or flaking of the skin
- Temporary worsening of acne (purging effect)
- Increased sun sensitivity
More serious but rare side effects could potentially include:
- Allergic reactions
- Thyroid function disruption (with excessive use)
- Respiratory issues (if inhaled in large amounts)
Has resorcinol been banned in any countries? Yes, Japan and Canada have banned the use of resorcinol in cosmetics due to safety concerns. The Environmental Working Group gives resorcinol a high hazard rating of 8 out of 10, citing potential endocrine disruption and other health risks with overuse.
How to Properly Use Resorcinol for Acne Treatment
To maximize benefits and minimize risks, it’s crucial to use resorcinol products correctly. How should resorcinol be applied for acne treatment?
- Cleanse the skin thoroughly before application
- Apply a thin layer to affected areas only (avoid healthy skin)
- Start with once daily application, increasing to 2-3 times daily if tolerated
- Use sunscreen during the day, as resorcinol can increase sun sensitivity
- Discontinue use if severe irritation occurs
What concentration of resorcinol is safe for topical use? The FDA recommends a maximum concentration of 2% resorcinol when combined with 3-8% sulfur in OTC acne products. Higher concentrations may be used in professional chemical peels under medical supervision.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use:
- Do a patch test before full application to check for allergic reactions
- Don’t use on broken or sunburned skin
- Avoid getting the product in eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes
- Don’t use for extended periods without consulting a dermatologist
Combining Resorcinol with Other Acne Treatments
Can resorcinol be used alongside other acne-fighting ingredients? In many cases, yes. Resorcinol often works well in combination with:
- Sulfur: Commonly paired with resorcinol in OTC products for enhanced efficacy
- Salicylic acid: Can help with exfoliation and pore-clearing
- Benzoyl peroxide: Provides additional antibacterial effects
Are there any ingredients to avoid when using resorcinol? It’s generally best to avoid combining resorcinol with:
- Retinoids: May increase skin irritation
- Alpha-hydroxy acids: Can lead to excessive dryness or peeling
- Alcohol-based products: May exacerbate skin dryness
How can you create an effective acne-fighting routine incorporating resorcinol? A sample regimen might look like:
- Gentle cleanser
- Resorcinol spot treatment or all-over application
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (daytime only)
Alternatives to Resorcinol for Acne Treatment
For those concerned about potential risks or unable to use resorcinol, what are some effective alternatives for acne treatment?
- Benzoyl peroxide: Powerful antibacterial agent
- Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
- Tea tree oil: Natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
- Niacinamide: Helps regulate oil production and reduce redness
- Azelaic acid: Fights bacteria and reduces inflammation
Are there any prescription alternatives for severe acne? For those with persistent or severe acne, a dermatologist may recommend:
- Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene)
- Oral antibiotics
- Hormonal treatments (e.g., spironolactone for women)
- Isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane) for severe cases
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Resorcinol
Why is there ongoing debate about the safety of resorcinol in skincare? The controversy stems from several factors:
- Potential endocrine disruption: Some studies suggest resorcinol may affect thyroid function
- Environmental concerns: Resorcinol can be toxic to aquatic life
- Lack of long-term safety data: More research is needed on extended use
- Regulatory differences: Varying restrictions across countries create confusion
How do different regulatory bodies view resorcinol? Opinions vary:
- FDA (USA): Considers 2% resorcinol safe for OTC use when combined with sulfur
- Health Canada: Banned in cosmetics due to potential health risks
- European Union: Restricted in hair dyes, allowed in other cosmetics with limitations
- Japan: Banned in cosmetics
What do experts say about the safety of resorcinol? Many dermatologists consider topical resorcinol safe when used as directed, but acknowledge the need for more research on long-term effects. Dr. Heidi Waldorf describes it as a “peeling ingredient” without expressing major concerns. However, some environmental and health organizations advocate for stricter regulations.
The Future of Resorcinol in Acne Treatment
As research continues and regulations evolve, what might the future hold for resorcinol in acne treatment?
- Improved formulations: Development of less irritating, more targeted resorcinol products
- Alternative derivatives: Research into related compounds with similar benefits but fewer risks
- Combination therapies: New products pairing resorcinol with complementary ingredients
- Personalized approaches: Tailoring resorcinol use based on individual skin types and concerns
Will resorcinol remain a popular acne treatment option? Its effectiveness against stubborn acne may ensure continued use, but growing awareness of potential risks could lead to:
- Increased consumer demand for natural alternatives
- More stringent regulatory oversight
- Greater emphasis on proper usage guidelines and education
How can consumers stay informed about resorcinol safety? To make educated decisions about using resorcinol for acne:
- Consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice
- Stay updated on latest research and regulatory changes
- Be aware of product concentrations and follow usage instructions carefully
- Monitor your skin’s response and discontinue use if problems occur
In conclusion, resorcinol remains a potent weapon in the fight against acne, particularly for those struggling with severe or cystic breakouts. While it offers rapid and effective results for many users, the ongoing debate surrounding its safety highlights the importance of informed, cautious use. As with any skincare product, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consult with a healthcare professional when in doubt. Whether resorcinol is right for you depends on your individual skin concerns, overall health, and comfort level with the available safety data. As research progresses, we may gain a clearer understanding of how to harness resorcinol’s acne-fighting power while minimizing potential risks.
Resorcinol Adult Acne Treatment Risks
ADVERTISEMENT
Photographed by Collins Nai.
I’ve said the words “I think I need to get really into wellness” roughly twice a week, every week, for the past two or three years. Usually, it’s while scrolling vacantly through my Instagram feed, basking in the glow of a world not my own where everyone uses exclusively organic, eco-friendly makeup and enjoys $18 smoothies for every meal, and where boutique fitness classes are (evidently) free. I love it there.
And yet, I still haven’t gotten “really into wellness.” This is probably because, as much as I try to keep things clean, especially where beauty is concerned, the wellness industrial complex was not built for people like me. Massaging lavender oil onto my pulse points won’t do shit for my anxiety — I’ll need my Valium, thanks. Activated charcoal clay masks stain my bath towels. Oil pulling makes me gag. And tea tree oil has never done anything for my breakouts other than make them smell weird.
Advertisement
Acne sufferers don’t always have the luxury of going clean and green. Ridding their routines of “toxins” and “additives” and “byproducts” by ditching their prescription topicals and flushing their supply of antibiotics or Accutane won’t miraculously give them clear, radiant skin. Natural is not always better. Taking neem supplements for 30 days did not give me a flawless complexion, but a carefully engineered — and dermatologist-prescribed — combination of spironolactone (50 mg, twice a day), Aczone 7.5% Gel in the morning, and tretinoin at night has gotten me pretty damn close.
And then, for the most stubborn situations, the reddest, most painful hormonal cysts that just won’t budge, there is my secret weapon. It’s called Adult Acnomel, and it’s actually not that secret; I found it at the Rite Aid near my apartment, garish packaging and all, and you can probably find it at your local drugstore, too. For me, it’s the only thing that works to demolish the worst of ‘em — and it’s also far from the kind of formula that would be marketed as “so gentle, you could use it on a baby,” or something like that. It’s dominated by resorcinol, an ingredient I was unfamiliar with, despite having what I had believed to be a vast knowledge of acne-fighting skin-care properties. Then I Googled it — and the results weren’t exactly reassuring.
Let me first say that the dermatologists I’ve spoken to agree that resorcinol is safe for topical use, in the concentration recommendedby the FDA, which is 2%, and only when accompanied by sulfur in concentrations between 3-8%. “Resorcinol is an acid used in the office as a chemical peel or in over-the-counter products for its anti-inflammatory and skin-renewing properties,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, told me. Heidi Waldorf, MD, Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, referred to it as a “peeling ingredient.” I couldn’t find a doctor who seemed too alarmed.
But Japan and Canada feel differently. Both countries have banned resorcinol for use in cosmetics. And the Environmental Working Group gives it an 8 out of 10 on the danger scale, for its potential as a thyroid function-disrupting, respiratory distress-causing, central nervous system-damaging, allergic reaction-causing risk to your health.
I haven’t decided what to believe, so for now, I’m just hoping that using a resorcinol-based treatment every couple of weeks to stop an oncoming cyst dead in its tracks won’t disrupt my endocrine system that badly. That’s the very real reality of the stuff we use to help us deal with the beauty problems that bother us the most — sometimes, apple cider vinegar and argan oil just aren’t enough, and that sucks. But fuck, my motto is “if it works, it works.” I’ll just have to remember to set my necessary toxins off to the side should I decide to showcase my skin-care routine in an Instagram flat lay — those FDA warning labels can be real buzzkills.
Resorcinol/Sulfur, Topical – Tufts Medical Center Community Care
What are other names for this medicine?
Type of medicine: acne treatment
Generic and brand names: resorcinol and sulfur, topical; Acnomel Acne Cream; Clearasil StayClear Acne Treatment Cream; Rezamid; Sulforcin (There may be other brand names for this medicine. )
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
What should my healthcare provider know before I use this medicine?
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
- An allergy to any medicine
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider’s approval.
How do I use it?
This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, or according to the manufacturer’s directions. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts or scrapes.
Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
If you have the cream, lotion, gel, or ointment, put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it or as directed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the medicine package. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine.
You can buy some of these medicines without a prescription. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about using cosmetics, other skin care products, or other medicines on your skin while using this medicine.
Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth, and the inside of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.
Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss an application, apply the medicine as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled application. In that case, skip the application and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more or using it more often.
What if I overdose?
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I watch out for?
If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your healthcare provider. Your acne might seem to get worse during the first few weeks of treatment. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned or if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe irritation or rash that starts after you use the medicine.
Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, stinging, burning, itching, redness.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
- Products that may irritate the skin such as peeling or abrasive products, waxing or hair removal products, strong or abrasive soaps, products containing alcohol, astringents, spices, lime juice or peel, products having a strong drying effect, medicated cosmetics, and other acne medicines
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
How should I store this medicine?
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
Medication Advisor 2015.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2014-02-14
Last reviewed: 2013-02-25
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright ©1986-2015 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Acne treatment | Dobromed
Smooth, clean and healthy skin is one of the main beauty criteria. Some people are born with good skin, but most of us have experienced what the ads delicately refer to as “imperfections” at least once in our lives. Everyone knows how just one small pimple can affect self-esteem. And if there are dozens of such inflammations and they do not want to disappear in any way? Acne, or acne, is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are necessary for our skin, thanks to their activity, it always remains moisturized, and the secret of the sebaceous glands protects the skin from the effects of the external environment. But sometimes this system fails. The ducts of the sebaceous glands become clogged with dead cells, the gland becomes inflamed and a comedone or painful pimple appears. Acne is a common problem. In one form or another, acne occurs in 60-80% of young men and women aged 12 to 24 years. However, acne can also appear in adults.
Acne is often caused by hormonal changes. Therefore, acne is a common sign of puberty. But it’s not just hormones that are responsible for acne. Stress, an unbalanced diet, and taking certain medications can provoke a rash. By themselves, these factors do not lead to the appearance of acne, but they can be the very “trigger” if you have a predisposition to acne. It is not so difficult to cure acne, although it takes a lot of time. Today, cosmetologists have everything necessary to get rid of this skin disease. Nevertheless, many prefer to self-medicate, which often only aggravates the situation. Such a theory is true, but only partly. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the skin does become a little drier. But sunburn increases the number of dead cells on the surface of the skin, they clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands and acne eventually becomes even more. Tanning is a great way to get rid of a couple of small pimples and get a few dozen large ones in a week. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, a couple of days after sunbathing, scrubbing or soft peeling should be planned. We are forced to disappoint clean people and perfectionists: in the fight against acne on the face, too frequent “wet cleaning” can be harmful. Repeated washing and peeling injure the skin and destroy its healthy microflora. On overdried skin, microcracks appear, into which bacteria enter. Weakened, she cannot resist these microorganisms, and her condition worsens. With acne, you should not wash your face more than twice a day, using delicate products that do not have an aggressive effect on problem skin. This is exactly what more than one generation of teenagers and their parents did, which they probably later regretted. The fact is that when squeezing a pimple, only part of it comes to the surface, and the contents remaining in the skin provoke the appearance of deep inflammation. In addition, this method injures the skin and the canal of the sebaceous gland. This prevents the secret from coming out, so rashes at the site of the destroyed pimple will occur again and again. The result is acne and scars, which are expensive and unpleasant to remove. Facial skin cleansing (mechanical or hardware) is recommended to be trusted by professional cosmetologists and dermatologists. This procedure requires a thorough septic treatment of hands, disinfection of instruments (for example, Uno spoons, loops, Vidal needles), ultrasonic and contact devices for cleaning pores.
Acne treatment
Acne most often appears on the face, chest and back – where there are many sebaceous glands and the pores are the widest. Acne is a disease and should be treated by a specialist. The method of acne treatment depends on the severity of the disease. So, cosmetologists distinguish three forms of acne:
- mild: no more than ten closed or open acne without signs of inflammation;
- medium: 10 to 40 acne elements with minor signs of inflammation;
- severe: more than 40 inflamed acne elements.
Mild acne responds well to topical treatments such as gels, special creams and ointments. In moderate and severe forms, drugs for local therapy are combined with medicines that must be taken orally. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, and if the problem is a hormonal imbalance, hormones. The intake of such funds should be prescribed by a doctor, since both antibiotics and hormonal drugs have a serious effect on the body as a whole. After the acne disappears, a course of cosmetic procedures will be required to return the skin to a healthy color and smoothness. After acne, scars and specks of hyperpigmentation often remain. Laser therapy and other modern cosmetic procedures are able to cope with them.
Acne treatments
Mild acne can be treated without medication. Pharmacies and stores sell many types of gels, lotions and creams designed to solve this skin problem. As a rule, such products contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, oxides and salts of sulfur and zinc. The chemicals that make up these products have varying degrees of effectiveness and may have unwanted side effects. For example, the benefits of using resorcinol, which until relatively recently was the main anti-acne “weapon”, is now being questioned. A number of products use the antimicrobial effect of benzoyl peroxide. Of the time-tested cosmetic ingredients, sulfur and zinc can be noted, which are actively used, for example, by LIBREDERM. The manufacturer has developed a special collection of products based on sulfur and organic zinc salts – “Seracin”. Sulfur and zinc reduce the intensity of fat production by skin pores, inhibit the development of bacteria, and have a local anti-inflammatory effect. Additional “helpers” in the composition of the products from the Seracin collection are azelaic acid, brown algae extract, centella asiatica, burdock root and others. , lotion, tonic), as well as creams, masks and patches for basic care, moisturizing and matting the skin. Special attention should be paid to the new products “Seracin” with an additional component – azelaic acid. So, the night cream “Azelain-forte Antiacne” with 5% azelaic acid in the composition helps to reduce excess sebum production, inflammation and the growth of abnormal melanocytes, that is, reduces the risk of acne and traces of them. The cream can significantly improve the condition of problematic oily skin. If regular use of hygienic cosmetics becomes a habit, then such a problem as acne may soon be forgotten – the skin will please with cleanliness, even tone and healthy appearance.
Jessner peeling – clinic “Cosmetomed”
#clinic_kosmetomed
Jessner Peeling is a classic combined superficial-median peeling, the activity of which is determined by its ingredients: lactic and salicylic acids, resorcinol.
Peeling causes active large-lamellar peeling and has a good keratolytic effect , due to which it is effective in hyperkeratosis, pronounced age-related changes and violations of the skin relief.
Peeling controls excess sebum, removes comedones, dark spots and scars, smoothes wrinkles, evens out complexion, regenerates the skin.
Indications for use
- Acne.
- Post-acne.
- Changes in skin texture and color.
- Aging skin.
- Hyperkeratosis.
- Disorders of the skin relief.
- Stretch marks (striae).
- Comedones.
- Enlarged pores.
- Excessive greasiness of the skin.
Post-peel care
Post-peel rehabilitation includes the use of moisturizers and sunscreens and allows you to lead a normal life. The skin recovery process can take about a week. During this period, exposure to the skin of the face of direct sunlight is strictly prohibited.
Benefits
- Safe against side effects.
- For problem skin prone to acne, Jessner peel is the best option. The number of inflamed elements on the skin after several procedures is noticeably reduced.
- Post-acne removal is much more successful.
- Active peeling almost always results, which, according to many clients, is an indicator of a good result.
- The lactic acid contained in the peel is much softer and more delicate than other fruit acids, so its use is justified for sensitive skin prone to hyperreactivity.
- Another very valuable property of lactic acid is its unique ability to bind, retain and evenly redistribute moisture, directing it to the deep layers of the skin, which effectively maintains the moisture balance of the epidermis.
Before and after results
Peels
Almond peeling “Mediderma”
3700
rubMediderma salicylic peel
4500
rubMediderma Azelaic peeling
4100
rubMediderma Hycole + Salicylic Combination Peeling
5200
rubGlycolic peeling 50-70% Medexfol
3100
rubHoly Land AHA peel + treatment
4900
rubABR peeling, Holy Land face + care
5000
rubABR – back peeling “Holy Land” + treatment
7500
rubAHA + ABR combined peeling, Holy Land face
5400
rubAHA + ABR combined peeling, back “Holy Land”
11000
rubTrichloroacetic peeling “Medexfol”
7500
rubCoral peeling, Christina face
6700
rubCoral back peeling “Christina”
10560
rubRetinol peeling ICP Martinex
10000
rubPRX-T33 peeling
5000
rubPRX-T33 (face + neck + decollete)
9000
rubEnzymatic peeling Lactolan “Holy Land” + care
4600
rubDanne Enzymatic Peel + care
6200
rubM. E.Line depigmenting peeling for intimate areas + home care, brightening.
14200
rubJessner Peel
4800
rubPurges
Holy Land manual cleaning
5500
rubDanne manual cleaning
6900
rubChristina manual cleaning
6700
rubHoly Land Combined Cleaning
5400
rubMillium removal
350
rubCare for oily and combination skin with Danne preparations
6800
rubLifting treatment with Danne preparations
8000
rubFacial oval correction with preparations «Danne»
7500
rubCouperose correction with Danne preparations
7100
rubPigmentation correction with Danne preparations
7000
rub
Expert of the article you are reading:
MIRONOVA ZHANNA MIKHAILOVNA
Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist of the highest category
Mironova Zh.