It is stronger and works faster than retinol.
This article explains retinoids and discusses the differences between retinol and Retin-A.
It also covers potential side effects and how to pick the best product for your needs.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
What Are Retinoids?
Six types of retinoids are derived from vitamin A.
What Is Retinol?
Retinolis a natural form of vitamin A.
It can be found in many OTC skin care treatments and beauty products.
It can help make your skin look brighter, and feel softer and smoother.
It may also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol itselfdoesn’t affect the skin directly.
Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid.
It’s only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective.
This isn’t an instantaneous process, though.
The conversion process can take a long time.
Retinol products are generally fairly gentle.
You might not see much in the way of results for up to six months or longer.
Results are cumulative, so the longer you use it, the better results you will see.
Retinol is a good addition to your anti-aging skincare routine but it’s not a miracle cure.
You likely won’t see massive change.
Side Effects
Retinols can cause side effects.
You may notice your skin gets a bit pink after you apply a retinol product.
Some stinging or dryness is also common but it’s typically very mild.
How to Use a Retinol Product
Wash your face first.
When your skin is completely dry, apply a pea-sized amount of the retinol product.
Use your fingers to work the product into your skin.
What Is Retin-A?
Retin-A is the brand name for the medication tretinoin.
Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A.
Unlike retinols, Retin-A is a prescription-only medication.
It’s typically used to treatinflammatory acneandcomedonal breakouts.
It also helps to fade hyperpigmentation, thedark marks left by acne breakoutsor sun damage.
You don’t have to wait for the skin to convert Retin-A to an active form.
It’s stronger than retinol products and works faster.
You may see improvement in six to eight weeks.
This, in turn, can contribute to the development ofeczemaand other skin disorders.
Some may call retinol an OTC version of Retin-A, but they aren’t interchangeable.
Retinol is sometimes added to OTC acne medications but it’s not an acne treatment.
It’s used most often as an anti-aging treatment.
Technically, retinol and Retin-A do the same thing.
Retin-A can be used directly by the skin, as soon as it’s applied.
Retin-A is much more powerful than retinol.
Even the lowest strength Retin-A is stronger than the highest strength retinol product.
There are benefits and drawbacks for each.
Look for retinol in leave-on treatments like moisturizers, creams, eye treatments, and serums.
There are different forms of retinol.
The higher it’s placed on the ingredient list, the more retinol a product contains.
If listed last, it doesn’t contain much retinol and probably won’t be very effective.
Retinol can be a good first step before moving on to stronger, and potentially more irritating, Retin-A.
It doesn’t have to be an either/or decision.
Your skin gradually becomes accustomed to retinoids as you use them.
This doesn’t mean they don’t work as well over timethey do.
You will notice a decrease in side effects like dryness and peeling over time.
Preventing Side Effects
Whichever retinoid you use,sunscreen is a must.
Sun damage can still occur even if your skin isn’t burning.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to acclimate to your new retinoid treatment slowly.
Try using your product just two to three times a week initially.
Retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin) areboth retinoid compoundsbut they may be used for different reasons.
Retin-A is stronger and available only with a prescription.
It is used to treat acne, wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Long-term use may lead to the development of other skin conditions, like eczema.
Retin-A is stronger than retinol and may work faster than retinol.
However, Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects like dryness, burning, and peeling.
Retin-A Micro, a slow-release gel, may cause fewer side effects.
Dermatologists often recommend using retinol products on your skin starting in your mid- to late-20s.
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