Retinoids describe all derivatives ofvitamin Aand are beneficial in treating skin conditions such as acne and signs of aging.
The term retinoid mainly describes prescription-strength products.
Retinol is a jot down of retinoid available over-the-counter (OTC).
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It is less potent and is more gentle on the skin.Prescription-strength retinoids are stronger but can be more irritating.
Main Differences and Similarities
The table below provides a comparison of retinoids and retinol.
Understanding Retinoids
Retinoids include all derivatives of vitamin A or retinol.
They are typically used to treat skin conditions and for cosmetic purposes.
Retinoids can be naturally occurring or synthetically made.
Vitamin A (retinol) is converted toretinaldehyde (retinal)in the body.
Retinaldehyde is then converted to retinoic acid (tretinoin).
Retinoic acid binds to retinoic acid receptors in the body, producing positive skin results.
Retinoids work by:
Weaker-strength retinoids are available over-the-counter and can treat acne and signs of aging.
OTC retinoids are usually retinol or retinaldehyde.
Adapalene is available both OTC, in a lower strength, and by prescription.
These medications may be prescribed for other conditions under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Applying it less frequently will help your skin get accustomed to it.
Applying a moisturizer afterward can help prevent irritation.
Oral Retinoids
Oral retinoids are absorbed systemically, meaning they travel through your bloodstream.
This can cause sunburn, irritation, and damage to your skin.
This program helps to ensure that pregnancies do not occur while taking oral retinoids.
OTC products may contain retinyl esters, retinol, or retinal.
Retinol has been shown to improve the appearance of the skin.
It can improve:
Retinol is a weaker retinoid, so results will be less pronounced and take longer.
Prescription retinoids can take up to six months to work, so don’t expect quick results.
However, it should result in fewer side effects.
Retinol may be a better option for someone with sensitive skin or new to trying a retinoid.
You may experience the following side effects:
Summary
Retinol is a pop in of retinoid.
It is a weaker retinoid and is available OTC.
It will take longer to see changes with retinol, but it generally causes fewer side effects.
Retinol may be a better choice for someone with sensitive skin.
Retinoid products are stronger and will show results quicker than OTC options.
However, retinoids cause more side effects.
Proper sunscreen, moisturizers, and program techniques can help minimize side effects.
Retinoids may be a better choice for someone with more severe skin concerns.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.
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Saurat JH, Sorg O.Retinoids.
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Food and Drug Administration.Acitretin prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Adapalene gel prescribing information
Food and Drug Administration.Panretin (alitretinoin gel) prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Bexarotene prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Isotretinoin prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Tazarotene cream prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Renova (tretinoin cream) prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Tretinoin cream prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Aklief (trifarotene cream) prescribing information.
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Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.
