Beauties, if you’ve ever had to deal with wrinkles or acne, then you’ve certainly had to choose a product that contains a retinoid. Topical retinoids like retinol and tretinoin both help to boost cell turnover and improve overall skin texture. They are both vitamin A derivatives but they work a little bit differently. How exactly?
Let’s check in with Dr. Costi to understand more on the subject.
There are 3 major differences between tretinoin and retinol.
As you know beauties, the main role of retinoids is to stimulate skin cell turnover and promote the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure to our skin.
By encouraging faster cell turnover, retinol helps replace damaged, dull skin with newer, brighter layers. Also, by boosting collagen production, it aids in reinforcing the skin’s structure making it appear more youthful.
It’s also important to note the difference in potency and availability. Retinol is classified as a cosmeceutical, meaning you can buy it without a prescription while tretinoin requires a doctor’s prescription.
While retinol and tretinoin both treat signs of aging, only tretinoin is proven to treat acne.
For acne, tretinoin addresses the root of the issue by clearing out blocked pores and getting rid of dead skin cells. This process helps in preventing new lesions from forming.
If you’re trying to find the right retinoid for your skin, then consider these factors: what you hope to achieve for your skin, how sensitive your skin is, and how easy it is to get the product.
Anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting
If you’re noticing that your skin doesn’t bounce back the way it once did, then beauties, it’s time for an anti-aging routine. A lot of this is due to sun exposure, which is the main reason our skin starts to show signs of aging. Enter retinol and tretinoin, to help!
While retinol can reduce fine lines and improve uneven skin tone and texture it’s less potent than tretinoin. It needs to be converted into a usable form (i.e., retinoic acid) by enzymes before affecting your skin cells.
According to Dr. Costi “Although tretinoin is considered the ‘gold standard,’ we all have unique skin!”
“Retinol may be a better choice for those who are seeking an over-the-counter product, have sensitive skin, or if they cannot tolerate prescription strength tretinoin.” As to tretinoin, it has both acne-fighting and anti-aging benefits.
If you don’t want to deal with a prescription, then stick with retinol.
Retinol and tretinoin are both effective skincare ingredients, and the product that’s right for you will depend on your unique skincare concerns.
If you’ve already tried retinol or you’re looking for a stronger approach to combat acne and aging concerns, you may wish to try tretinoin. Whatever you desire, Dr. Costi’s professional team is here to help you find the best treatment for your skin. Get in touch today!
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