Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. Retinol Is a Magical Acne Treatment—Here Is How to Use It Or is it worth trying one of the other retinoids?To answer that question, you need to understand how retinoids convert to active vitamin A!No matter which retinoid you choose, your skin can ONLY use the active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid.The strongest retinoids, including tretinoin and isotretinoin, are pure retinoic acid. Moreover, retinol is available over-the-counter in various serums and other skin care products, while a powerful retinoid can only be gotten with a prescription from a doctor. First, it is metabolized into retinaldehyde, and then finally into retinoic acid (active vitamin A). In other words, retinol is what you’re used to using in your regular serums and creams, whereas retinoids can only be prescribed by a doctor (except for Differin, $13, the first OTC retinoid). This is why retinoic acid treatments are available by prescription only.Gentler, over-the-counter retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid by the enzymes in our skin before we can actually get their benefits. Other retinoids, such as retinols, are cosmetic. Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne. But keep in mind that the conversion rate can also vary depending on the individual (some people convert retinoids into retinoid acid more quickly than others!). So they are the most biologically active retinoids, and will start to change your skin right away (although the side effects can be significant). They should be applied to clean, dry skin after toner (if you use toner, that is). That’s because retinol doesn’t have as much of the active ingredient as a retinoid. I Tried Differin Gel and My Neck and Chest Are Now Acne-Free There's also a risk that tretinoin-induced inflammation could lead to hyperpigmentation.Tazarotene is the strongest topical retinoid, and like adapalene, it is receptor-selective. As a result, it is gentler than the other prescription retinoids.So far, it is being touted as a medication for acne.
Trifarotene is the newest retinoid on the block, expected to become available in the US by end of year. In fact, retinol has been proven to induce Research shows that retinol can significantly improve wrinkles, whether caused by sun damage or normal aging (see The downside is that retinol can be drying and irritating for some people, although not as much as stronger retinoids like tretinoin. So it doesn't need to be converted when it comes in contact with your skin, and gets to work immediately. Everything You've Wanted to Know and More They can also help recommend a safe routine (we love It is best-known as Tazorac, a prescription medication for Like tretinoin, tazarotene is associated with dryness, redness and irritation. What form of retinoid does it use? Here's Why You Shouldn't Confuse Retinaldehyde and Retinol This makes them a good choice for sensitive, reactive skin and anyone new to retinoids, as they are unlikely to cause any irritation.But not all retinol esters are made equal. You can find many more fantastic videos by Caroline Hirons on You Tube and you can also find her on Facebook and Instagram. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (reviewed here and here) is a low-dose, oil-based retinol treatment that would be a good choice for newbies. It is also associated with less irritation than tretinoin.Often known by the brand name Retin-A, tretinoin is pure retinoic acid. Additionally, OTC retinols are often combined with other ingredients, such as moisturizing ingredients, to minimize dryness/irritation, add antioxidants, or brighten the skin. When you use retinoids regularly, your skin tone will be firmer, skin texture smoother, and your overall complexion will be brighter.
So far, studies show that retinyl retinoate supports collagen synthesis eight times more than retinol.
Lindsey Metrus is a senior editor at Byrdie and has been with the brand since 2015. I Was Against Retinol Until I Started Using This Product Unlike HPR, retinol has to be converted by the body in order to be of use. The most effective is retinyl propionate, which has been shown in higher concentrations to The other retinol esters—retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate—are weaker and best used in combination with each other and/or stronger retinoids.Retinol, the most popular over-the-counter retinoid, goes through two conversions before it becomes active. Irritation, dryness, peeling, redness and even swelling are common side effects of tretinoin. It's different from adapalene and tazarotene because it targets just one retinoid receptor (the most common one found in our skin). What Is Retinol? Retinoic acid esters are a new generation of retinoids that are popping up in more and more products.