10 Truths About Retinol: Retinol vs. Retinoids And Retinoic Acid
Retinol is a popular ingredient found in many skincare products, and it’s known for its potential benefits in improving the overall appearance of the skin. But what exactly is retinol, and what are the benefits and side effects associated with its use?
Retinol, often known as vitamin A, is a form of retinoid that is frequently used in skincare products due to its capacity to encourage skin cell turnover and enhance the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Retinol works by promoting the synthesis of collagen, which promotes skin suppleness and firmness. Additionally, it may aid in controlling oil production, which is advantageous for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
To find a response to a specific topic, simply click on any section in the outline below:
How Does Retinol Work on the Skin?
The 5 Main Benefits of Retinol
What Are the Side Effects of Retinol?
Retinoids vs. Retinols: What’s the Difference?
What Is The Difference Between Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Retinol?
Retinoic Acid vs. Retinols: What’s the Difference?
How Does Retinol Work on the Skin?
Retinol is a form of retinoid generated from vitamin A that reaches the dermis, the middle layer of skin, by penetrating far under the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. It does not remove dead skin cells, in contrast to other products for mature skin. Small molecules instead make their way into the skin.
Retinol aids in removing free radicals from the dermis, which are chemicals that can harm the skin. This has a plumping effect that helps lessen the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It also increases the production of elastin and collagen.
While retinol is frequently used to treat acne and the scarring that results, severe acne usually necessitates a prescription retinoid in addition to other drugs that fight germs and inflammation.
Retinol is a potent substance that, when used properly, can improve the skin in a variety of ways, but in order to prevent any potential adverse effects, it must be taken with caution and gradually increased concentrations.
What Does Retinol Treat?
Retinol is a flexible chemical that is frequently utilized to treat a range of skin issues. It can help with a variety of issues, but the most prevalent ones are fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and other indicators of sun damage.
Along with melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation, it can also be useful for treating uneven skin texture.
Using retinol-containing skincare products consistently is crucial to maximizing their advantages. Give it a few weeks to perform its magic before attempting to include it in your daily skincare regimen.
The wait will be worthwhile once you start noticing skin that is smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking, even though it could take some time to observe noticeable improvements.
The 5 Main Benefits of Retinol
Clearer Skin and Acne Treatment
By cleaning the skin, unclogging pores, and preventing new outbreaks, retinol is useful in treating acne. It can also enhance the benefits of other prescription creams and gels, making it a popular option for those with acne that are resistant to therapy.
Fight Signs of Aging
One of the anti-aging chemicals with the most anti-aging research is retinol, which has significant anti-aging effects. It is a beneficial addition to any anti-aging skincare regimen because it can help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production.
Even Skin Tone
Retinol encourages skin cell turnover, which may lead to skin that is lighter and more even in tone. The appearance of dry or dull skin can be significantly improved by this effect, giving the skin a smoother and more radiant appearance.
Cost-Effective
Even though retinol initially appears to be an expensive purchase, it actually ends up saving money. It is one of the few compounds whose advantages have been verified by science, making it a dependable and cost-effective investment in the health of your skin.
Available in Prescription or Over-The-Counter (OTC)
Both over-the-counter and prescription-strength retinol are readily available. Starting with a less potent over-the-counter retinoid can help your skin adjust to the medication with less risk of irritation. Determining the ideal dosage for your skin’s requirements might be made easier by speaking with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
What Are the Side Effects of Retinol?
Even though retinol has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain users may still experience negative effects. Dryness and irritation are frequent side effects, especially when using a new product. Additionally, possible side effects include skin peeling, redness, and itching.
It is advised to begin using retinol every other or third night and progressively increase the dosage until it is used every night to reduce these side effects. Before continued use, it is essential to visit a dermatologist if skin sensitivity continues.
Less than 10% of people may occasionally develop more severe side effects such a flare-up of their eczema or acne, skin pigmentation, blistering, stinging, or swelling. It is advised to use retinol 30 minutes after washing your face to lessen skin irritability.
It’s crucial to read product labels carefully, especially when using products labeled as “anti-aging” or for acne because using multiple retinol-containing treatments at the same time can raise the chance of negative effects.
Applying retinol at night is necessary to lower the risk of sun sensitivity since retinol enhances sensitivity to UV radiation.
In addition to the mentioned side effects, it’s important to note that retinol should not be used by pregnant women.
Retinol and other forms of vitamin A can be harmful to a developing fetus and may cause birth defects. Nursing mothers should also avoid using retinol, as it can be passed to the infant through breast milk.
It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using any topical retinoids or other skincare products, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They can offer guidance on safe and effective alternatives that can be used to achieve similar results without harming the baby or mother.
How to Use Retinol Properly?
Retinol has numerous positive effects on the skin, but it must be used properly to prevent any negative consequences. Following are some recommendations for utilising retinol:
Guidelines for Using Retinol
- Start slowly: Start taking retinol every other or third night and gradually increase the frequency of use to every night to reduce the risk of discomfort.
- Apply at night: Retinol can increase sensitivity to the sun, so it’s best to apply it at night.
- Cleanse before use: In order to guarantee that the retinol is thoroughly absorbed, wash your skin before applying it.
- Use a small amount: Usually, a pea-sized amount is adequate to cover the entire face.
- Be patient: It can take several weeks or even months to see the full benefits of using retinol.
How to Reduce Skin Irritation Caused by Retinol?
- Moisturize: Using a moisturizer after applying retinol can help reduce dryness and irritation.
- Avoid certain products: When taken with retinol, products containing salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide may cause more irritation.
- Wait to apply: Applying retinol after washing your face should be done at least 30 minutes later to lower the likelihood of irritation.
Cautions for Using Retinol
While retinol can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine, it’s important to use it with caution. Here are some cautions to keep in mind:
- According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunlight may make some of retinol’s drying and irritating effects worse. When you want to spend extended periods of time outside, use mineral-based sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 to minimize these dangers.
- Retinol use may make rosacea and eczema worse. It’s better to stay away from using it if you have a current case of either.
- Retinols should normally be avoided by women who are pregnant. It is a good idea to discuss whether using retinol is okay for you to use with your doctor if you think you may be pregnant or plan to get pregnant soon.
What Are Retinoids?
Since 1971, retinoids, a group of chemicals linked to vitamin A, have been used to treat psoriasis, wrinkles, acne, and some types of cancer. The first retinoid on the market, tretinoin topical (Retin-A), was first used to treat acne but was later shown to have anti-aging properties. Retinol and retinoids are now highly valued for their anti-aging properties and have long been supported by science.
Retinoids vs. Retinols: What’s the Difference?
Both retinoids and retinol are types of vitamin A, although they vary in potency and accessibility. Retinols are a less potent version of retinoids and can be acquired without a prescription, but retinoids are more strong and typically only available with one.
Retinols are frequently used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging symptoms. They provide smoother, firmer skin by promoting the generation of collagen and raising cell turnover.
On the other hand, retinoids are used to treat more severe skin diseases including psoriasis and acne as well as early symptoms of aging.
While retinoids and retinol both work to improve the appearance of the skin, retinoids are typically regarded as having a better potency due to their higher concentration. Retinols can still offer significant anti-aging benefits when used frequently, though.
It’s essential to remember that retinoids and retinol, especially in people with sensitive skin, might irritate the skin. It is advised to reduce the frequency of usage or stop using the product completely if you notice redness, peeling, or other symptoms of irritation.
When using retinoids or retinol, it’s also crucial to apply sunscreen because these substances might make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
What Is The Difference Between Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Retinol?
Retinol obtained through a prescription, commonly referred to as retinoic acid or tretinoin, is the purest and most effective form of vitamin A. Its efficacy makes it the most potent retinol product on the market, with results that cannot be disputed.
Because of its effectiveness, it can take some time before benefits are noticeable, and before the skin has a chance to adjust, it frequently causes skin irritation. Since skin cannot readily adapt to retinol, it can be difficult to utilize regularly.
Additionally, retinol prescription costs can be high; one tube of retinoic acid can cost upwards of $200, particularly when insurance companies only cover it as an acne medication.
On the other hand, OTC retinol products come in a variety of forms, such as retinal and retinyl derivatives. They are less harsh but also less effective than prescription retinol since they must first change into retinoic acid before they can have an impact on the skin.
The benefits of prescription retinol can be achieved without the drawbacks and high costs by using the proper active levels of vitamin A in over-the-counter skincare products.
The challenge with OTC retinol products is that many of them do not contain enough retinol to be effective once it transforms into retinoic acid in the skin, while others could have too much retinol, resulting in skin inflammation and irritation.
OTC retinol products may contain other ingredients that can affect their effectiveness, such as stabilizers, fillers, and preservatives.
The quality and purity of the retinol used in OTC products can also vary, which can impact its effectiveness.
Furthermore, OTC retinol products may not be formulated or tested to the same rigorous standards as prescription retinoids, which can impact their stability, efficacy, and safety.
When choosing an OTC retinol product, it is important to look for one that contains a sufficient concentration of retinol (typically between 0.5% to 2%), It is essential to remember that a retinol concentration lower than 0.25% will not produce desired results and is formulated with other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and moisturizers to minimize potential irritation and dryness. To achieve the greatest outcomes, it is crucial to choose an OTC medication that contains the right amount of active vitamin A.
In general, while over-the-counter retinol products can be a more affordable and accessible alternative to prescription retinoic acid, they may not provide the same level of efficacy, purity, and safety.
Retinoic acid obtained through a prescription remains the gold standard in vitamin A skincare and is the most potent retinol product available.
Therefore, we strongly recommend using preset-grade retinoic acid instead of over-the-counter products for the best results and performance in your skincare routine.
What Is Retinoic Acid?
Retinoic acid, usually referred to as Tretinoin, is a powerful type of vitamin A that is frequently utilized in skincare products with prescription strength. It is a byproduct of retinol, an over-the-counter skincare ingredient that is a milder version of vitamin A.
In order to increase the production of collagen and elastin, retinoic acid binds to specific receptors in skin cells. These proteins are crucial for preserving the skin’s suppleness and structural integrity.
Retinoic acid enhances skin texture and tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the production of collagen and elastin.
Retinoic Acid vs. Retinols: What’s the Difference?
Retinol and retinoic acid are two forms of Vitamin A commonly used in skincare products. While they have similar benefits for the skin, there are some differences between them.
A milder version of vitamin A called retinol can be found in over-the-counter skincare products. It loses some of its effectiveness when it is transformed into retinoic acid by the skin cells.
Retinol is typically kinder to the skin than retinoic acid, which can irritate it, particularly in people with sensitive skin. Compared to retinoic acid, retinol may also take longer to produce benefits.
Retinoic acid, on the other hand, is a stronger type of vitamin A that needs a dermatologist’s prescription. When it comes to increasing collagen production and enhancing skin tone and texture, it is more direct and effective. But it can also irritate the skin more, resulting in redness, peeling, and dryness.
Retinol has one advantage over retinoic acid in that it is considerably simpler to experiment with if you want to add a retinoid to your skincare regimen. You can experiment with various concentrations and formulations to see what works best for your skin because it is readily available in many over-the-counter skincare products.
On the other hand, retinoic acid needs to be prescribed and utilized under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
How to Decide Which Product to Buy?
According to a 2017 published study, the concentration of retinoid gels or creams affects how effective they are. The average concentrations of these products are 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, with greater quantities being more potent and effective.
Conclusion
Retinol is a popular and versatile ingredient found in many skincare products. It is a form of retinoid generated from vitamin A that helps promote collagen production, increase skin cell turnover, and control oil production. Retinol is beneficial for treating fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin texture, as well as helping to clear acne. However, retinol must be used with caution, starting with a less potent over-the-counter retinoid and increasing the dosage gradually to prevent dryness, irritation, and other potential side effects.
Applying retinol at night is crucial to reducing the risk of sun sensitivity, and it is essential to read product labels carefully to avoid using multiple retinol-containing treatments at the same time. Using retinol consistently and correctly can lead to significant improvements in the overall appearance of the skin, making it a reliable and cost-effective investment in skin health.
References
- J. Leyden, L. Stein-Gold, J. Weiss, Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne. Dermatology and therapy 7, 293-304 (2017).
- R. Kafi et al., Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Archives of dermatology 143, 606-612 (2007).
- Y. Shao, T. He, G. J. Fisher, J. J. Voorhees, T. Quan, Molecular basis of retinol anti‐ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo. International journal of cosmetic science 39, 56-65 (2017).
- S. A. Van Wicklin, Are Over-the-Counter Cosmetic Retinol Products an Effective Treatment for Facial Skin Aging? Plastic Surgical Nursing 41, 185-187 (2021).
- N. M. K. Spierings, Evidence for the efficacy of over-the-counter vitamin A cosmetic products in the improvement of facial skin aging: a systematic review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 14, 33 (2021).
- G. J. Fisher, J. J. Voorhees, Molecular mechanisms of retinoid actions in skin. (1996).
- Ł. Szymański et al., Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin. Cells 9, 2660 (2020).
- J. T. Elder et al., Retinoic acid receptor gene expression in human skin. Journal of investigative dermatology 96, 425-433 (1991).
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Great article