WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETIN-A AND RETINOL CREAMS?
VITAMIN A AND PROMOTE FASTER SKIN CELL TURNOVER.
Tretinoin is Vitamin A, is available by prescription and tends to be a bit more aggressive than retinol. … Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and it is a bit more suitable for those with sensitive skin. Retinol products tend to also contain moisturizers or emollients to reduce the possibility of irritation.
Retinol is a weaker, over the counter version of tretinoin, a prescription vitamin A derivative that is highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging.
Tretinoin decreases fine lines, evens skin color, improves texture, tightens pores, and stimulates blood flow and collagen production.
Retin-A (tretinoin) is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself. The Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin are used to treat acne. The Renova brand of tretinoin is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother.
In truth, retinol, which is also known as vitamin A, is a cell communicator that can help damaged skin cells return to their normal function. … This allows those cells to retain more healthy collagen and elastin, which keeps wrinkles from forming.
Prescription-level retinoids fall into these groups:
- Tretinoin, including the brands Atralin, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, and Renova
- Tazarotene, such as the brand Tazorac
- Adapalene, such as the brand Differin
All three groups prevent the buildup of dead cells in the skin’s pores and follicles, and all three promote the growth of healthy cells. Common side effects include dryness, redness, irritation, and skin peeling as well as making skin more sensitive to the sun.
Neither retinoids nor retinols should be used by breastfeeding or pregnant women.
You can find retinol creams and serums in concentrations of 0.075 to 2.5 percent. Manufacturers of these products suggest that retinol will help get rid of or improve the appearance of wrinkles. However, retinol does not have much direct effect on the skin, because it must first be converted by enzymes into retinoic acid. The conversion rate of retinol to retinoic acid is quite slow and varies among individuals.
For aging skin a 2.5 percent retinol is great! If you have sensitive skin Anis Lacerte, medical licensed esthetician, highly recommend the Retinol 2.5 organic cream.