HomeMedicineTretinoin vs Retinol: Which One is Better for Your Skin

Tretinoin vs Retinol: Which One is Better for Your Skin

Introduction

If you’re considering adding a retinoid to your skincare routine, you may be wondering which is better tretinoin or retinol. You’ve probably heard the terms tretinoin and retinol being thrown around in the skincare world. Both are derived from vitamin A and used as topical creams to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In this article, we’ll dive deep into both tretinoin and retinol, discussing their benefits, side effects, and how to choose the right one for you. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of these powerful skincare ingredients and make an informed decision on which is best for your skin.

which is better tretinoin or retinol
which is better tretinoin or retinol

Tretinoin vs Retinol: What is Tretinoin and Retinol?

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a retinoid, a family of molecules derived from Vitamin A, that has been proven to transform the physiology of our skin for the better. Retinoids are a must-have for anyone looking to achieve their best skin. Tretinoin is my favorite retinoid because it is the most studied and has the most evidence to back up its use.

Tretinoin
Tretinoin

In my opinion, everyone should be using tretinoin, or at least trying it to see if it works for their skin type, before opting for a gentler option like retinol. Tretinoin has numerous benefits for the skin, and the first benefit is that it improves textured skin. If you have rough, bumpy skin, tretinoin can help smooth it out and give you a more even skin tone.

Retinol

Retinol
Retinol

Retinol is a milder form of vitamin A compared to tretinoin. When retinol is applied to the skin, enzymes are required to convert it into retinoic acid, which is the active form that boosts cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair. This conversion process takes longer, making retinol slower-acting than tretinoin. As a result, the effects of retinol on the skin may not be as dramatic as tretinoin.

What is the basic Difference Between Tretinoin and Retinol?

Retinoids are a family of compounds that are derived from vitamin A. They include retinol, which is a type of retinoid that needs to be converted twice by the skin before it can be active.

The first conversion process involves the conversion of retinol to retinaldehyde, also known as retinal. The second conversion process involves the conversion of retinal to retinoic acid. Once retinol has been converted to retinoic acid, it can act on the retinoic acid receptors in the skin to have an effect.

Tretinoin does not need to be converted by the skin in order to be active.

Benefits of Tretinoin and Retinol

Benefits of Tretinoin

Tretinoin can be very beneficial for increasing skin cell turnover, which essentially means that it helps to exfoliate the outermost layer of your skin. By shedding off dead skin cells, tretinoin can reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. This can also improve bumpy skin, which is often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells.

The first benefit you mentioned is the improvement of skin texture through the thickening of the epidermis. Retinol or Tretinoin can stimulate cell turnover and increase the production of new skin cells, leading to a thicker and healthier epidermis.

The second benefit is the reduction of acne lesions. Retinol or Tretinoin can help regulate sebum production and prevent the formation of new acne lesions, leading to clearer and smoother skin.

The third benefit is the reduction of hyperpigmentation. Retinol or Tretinoin can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone, leading to a brighter and more even complexion.

The fourth benefit is an increase in collagen production as well as the inhibition of the breakdown of existing collagen. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, and retinol or Tretinoin can help stimulate the production of new collagen while preventing its breakdown.

Finally, the fifth benefit is more elastin to fight sagging skin. Elastin is another essential protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, and retinol or Tretinoin can help stimulate the production of new elastin, leading to tighter and more lifted skin.

Benefits of Retinol

Retinol benefits
Retinol benefits

Retinol has been shown to offer similar benefits to Tretinoin, including improved skin texture, reduced acne lesions and hyperpigmentation, increased collagen and elastin production, and tighter, more lifted skin. However, the studies demonstrating these benefits of retinol are not as numerous as those for Tretinoin, and the quality of these studies is generally lower.

Many of the studies on retinol have smaller sample sizes and less statistical power than those for Tretinoin. It’s also worth noting that retinol is a weaker version of Tretinoin, as it needs to be converted into Tretinoin by enzymes in the skin. It’s estimated that retinol is about 20 times weaker than Tretinoin.

Common Myths Regarding Tretinoin and Retinol

I want to address one of the common myths that people who are anti-retinoids bring up as a reason not to use tretinoin.

The myth is that tretinoin thins the skin, which is partially true, but it’s not the whole story. While tretinoin does thin out the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, it actually thickens the epidermis and the dermis.

common myths regarding Tretinoin
common myths regarding Tretinoin

Tretinoin works by promoting collagen deposition in the dermis, which can thicken the skin and improve its texture. Additionally, by shedding off dead skin cells in the stratum corneum, tretinoin can make the skin more compact, which may appear thinner but is actually more resilient.

The second common myth is that tretinoin causes broken capillaries.

This is not true at all. While some people may notice broken capillaries appearing on their skin after using tretinoin, it’s not the tretinoin itself that is causing the issue.

In fact, there is no evidence in the literature to suggest that tretinoin causes broken capillaries. More likely, the broken capillaries may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as rosacea.

Side Effects and Risks

Side Effects of Tretinoin

Side Effects Tretinoin and Retinol
Side Effects Tretinoin and Retinol

Let us discuss some of the common side effects of using tretinoin. These may include

  • Skin redness
  • Dryness
  • Peeling
  • Stinging
  • Sun sensitivity

The peeling effect is a result of increased skin cell turnover and dead skin cells sloughing off.

Side Effects of Retinol

Retinol has fewer side effects compared to tretinoin. While there may be some redness and dryness, it usually does not cause major peeling. This is because the turnover of skin cells is not as dramatic with retinol as it is with tretinoin.

Choosing the Right Product for You

The drawback of Tretinoin

it’s important to use good sun protection and daily use of sunscreen before using tretinoin.

Tretinoin works by thinning out the stratum corneum, which can reduce the barrier that blocks the sun’s rays from hitting your skin. If you are not diligent about protecting your skin from the sun, you may be more prone to sun damage, which can cause a range of skin issues from discoloration to skin cancer.

Pregnant women should avoid using tretinoin because high doses of vitamin A can be harmful to the developing fetus. While a topical application of a vitamin A cream is unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Teenagers may not need to use tretinoin either. During adolescence, your body is still producing plenty of collagen, so you don’t need to chase after it with skincare products just yet. Instead, it’s more important to focus on developing good sun protection habits, such as wearing sunscreen every day and reapplying it midday.

Drawback of Retinol

One of the significant drawbacks of retinol is that many companies do not list the concentration of retinol on their packaging. This can make it challenging to determine the strength of the product and how your skin is responding to it.

Another drawback is that retinol is highly unstable and degrades readily with exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. Therefore, finding a company that stabilizes their retinol and formulates it correctly is essential.

Tretinoin is cheaper than retinol, and it is a prescription drug that is regulated to ensure a quality standard. Tretinoin is dosed, which means that you know the strength of the product and can determine the appropriate dosage for your skin.

Lastly, Tretinoin has been shown to be more effective than retinol in improving skin texture, reducing acne lesions and hyperpigmentation, and increasing collagen and elastin production.

Which is better Tretinoin or Retinol

If you’ve tried Tretinoin and still can’t tolerate the flaking and irritation, despite following best practices such as getting the lowest concentration of Tretinoin and using it every third night, you may want to consider using retinol instead. Retinol is available over the counter and is generally milder than Tretinoin, making it an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin.

To avoid flaking and irritation when using retinol, I recommend applying it after using a moisturizer and letting the moisturizer dry down for 20 to 30 minutes before applying the retinol. You should also avoid using any other exfoliating acids, including alpha and beta hydroxy acids and vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, as these can increase skin sensitivity and irritation.

Your skin will grow a tolerance to Tretinoin over time, and building up tolerance can help reduce side effects such as flaking and irritation. However, if you still can’t tolerate Tretinoin, retinol may be a suitable alternative. It’s worth noting that the same people who should not use Tretinoin, such as pregnant women, should also avoid using retinol.

Related Topics

7 Cool Hacks How to Get Food Coloring Off Skin

5 Best Primer For Big Pores And Oily Skin IN 2022

9 Best Face Moisturizer For Black Skin In 2022

9 Best Razors For Black Men For All Types Of Skin

9 Ways How To Get Big Hips If Your Skinny

5 Ways to Make Your Skin Healthy

What Are The Benefits Of Dermaplaning

Product Recommendation

1. Skinceuticals retinol products

Skinceuticals is an excellent option for individuals who are looking for a more potent form of retinol and want to ensure that the product is stable and dosed correctly.

Skinceuticals retinol products come in various concentrations, including 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%. I recommend starting with the lowest concentration and working your way up gradually to higher concentrations, depending on how well your skin tolerates the product.

2. SkinMedica retinol

SkinMedica also doses its retinol at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, making it easy to determine the appropriate dosage for your skin.

Furthermore, SkinMedica conducted a study in which they compared the effectiveness of retinol and Tretinoin. The study involved three groups of 20 people, and they did a split-face study to compare the effects of different concentrations of retinol and Tretinoin on the skin. By the end of 12 weeks, both groups had significant improvements in wrinkling, pigmentation, and roughness of their skin, and there was no significant difference between the two sides of the face.

3. Neutrogena’s retinol products

Neutrogena’s retinol products are more affordable than some of the other options we have discussed, such as Skinceuticals or SkinMedica.

Neutrogena has conducted studies showing that their retinol formula improves skin texture, wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation after eight weeks of use. This is an impressive result, and Neutrogena has a reputation for providing quality products at a lower price point than some of the other brands we have discussed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both tretinoin and retinol are effective skincare ingredients with their own set of benefits and potential side effects. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your skin type, concerns, and personal preferences. Always consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use tretinoin and retinol together?

    It’s not recommended to use both tretinoin and retinol simultaneously, as this may increase the risk of side effects such as irritation and dryness. Instead, consider alternating their use or choosing one based on your skin needs.

  2. How long does it take to see results from tretinoin or retinol?

    Results may vary depending on the individual and the concentration of the product. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to see noticeable improvements.

  3. How can I minimize the side effects of tretinoin or retinol?

    To minimize side effects, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase over time. Always use sunscreen daily and consider applying a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

  4. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use tretinoin or retinol?

    Tretinoin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the potential risk of birth defects. Retinol is also not recommended, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. Consult with your healthcare provider for alternatives.

  5. Can I use other skincare products with tretinoin or retinol?

    Yes, you can use other skincare products in conjunction with tretinoin or retinol. However, be cautious with products containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), as they may increase the risk of irritation. Consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized recommendations.

About The Author

Judy Lexie
Judy Lexiehttps://health.gd/
Hi there! I'm Judy Lexie, a passionate health and fitness content writer with over 5 years of experience in the industry. As a personal trainer and nutrition consultant, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals through evidence-based, practical advice.

More From This Author

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here
Captcha verification failed!
CAPTCHA user score failed. Please contact us!

Related

Opill Benefits Before and After: You Won’t Believe Your Eyes!

Introduction Opill is a method of birth control that just...

Xolair For Anaphylactic: How Xolair is Changing Lives for Anaphylaxis Patients!

What Is Anaphylaxis and XOLAIR? Injectable medication XOLAIR (omalizumab) is...

Latest Posts

Pinched Nerves – How Long Does A Pinched Nerve Take To Heal?

The good news is that pinched nerves often heal...

5 Etiquette Tips for Women on the Go

Women want to be treated like ladies. But it's...

ICD 10 for Sleep Apnea: The Connection That Will Blow Your Mind!

Introduction The ICD code for sleep apnea is G47.33. All...