Bumps on the face, how to deal with them.

After using retinol, specifically Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5 for about 1.5 months, I begin to notice small warty bumpy spots popping up my face, some uncolored, some brown. I have these before but have them removed by a dermatologist many years ago but now it seems they are back. I didn't ask my doc what's those before. Does retinol unmask those warty spots? If so, should I stop using retinol all together?

I’d like to remind everyone….please…..bumps on the face may be a sign of medical disease, and you need to make an appointment with your dermatologist or primary care doctor.   On this one, I’d vote for a dermatologist, if possible.  Retinol isn’t causing the warty spots, but something else is!

Here’s just a short list of things that can cause bumps on the face:

  • Skin cancers
  • Precancerious lesions
  • Infections of all kinds
  • Flat warts
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia (enlargement of facial oil glands)
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Various cysts and benign tumors (not cancerous)
  • Benign growths like skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, etc.
  • Sun damage

And this isn’t even mentioning some of the things that are more rare.   Self diagnosing bumps on the face in my experience just gets you the wrong diagnosis!

Dr. Irwin

See Dr. Irwin’s article on Moles, Lumps and Bumps on the Face for more information on skin bumps on the face.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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