Retinoids Vs. Retinol: What Is the Difference?

"Retinoids and retinol sound the same because both are vitamin A derivatives, improving skin appearance, tone, and texture, but differ in their properties, availability, and user guidelines!"

·       Do you know the most important difference between retinol and retinoids is that they both provide similar anti-aging effects but in different time frames?

·       Do you know retinoids are prescription, an FDA-approved anti-aging medication that stimulates new blood vessels, giving your skin a rejuvenated rosy color?

·       Do you know retinol is a less potent retinoid type that generally refers to weaker over-the-counter (OTC) formulas?

·       Do you know all retinol are retinoids, but not all retinoids are retinol because retinol has a molecular structure that causes it to convert more slowly?

The anti-aging medicine has a significant role in cosmetic treatment procedures because topical medicines cure the concerns and are also part of a healthy skincare regimen. However, knowing the science and how to use it correctly is inevitable to achieve the most benefits, as following advertisements or social media promotional stuff can cause more damage. It is always an educative decision to consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have started seeing the primary signs of aging. One must accept that skincare should not be followed randomly by word of mouth or choosing the product by choice or liking.

Today's discussion concerns the most common retinoids and retinol, which get thrown around a lot. Retinoids and retinol are both forms of vitamin A that provide anti-aging benefits. Still, when the prime concern is primary signs of aging, i.e., fine lines and wrinkles, retinol should be applied with a lower percentage. Eventually, the percentage can be increased based on one's aging status, physiological response, skin type, and quality. Otherwise, sticking to a lower percentage is okay if a patient responds better to the specific percentage of a retinol product.

Moreover, there is no specific age to use retinol products because every patient ages differently, and the best time to improve a skincare regimen with retinol depends on one's skin concerns. Retinoids, on the other hand, are more potent, specifically used to treat acne, and may sensitize the skin; retinoids are compounds that come from vitamin A and act like the same to improve the skin's appearance and texture. Retinoids can also have anti-aging effects, as they improve the turnover of skin cells on the surface, accelerating collagen production and giving a youthful skin appearance. Moreover, retinoids are a key element in improving hydration levels in the skin.

Retinol Vs. Retinoids

Retinols: Over-the-counter products that are easily available in the market, usually in serums and creams. You do not need a prescription to buy a retinol product; they are weaker OCT formulas and less potent.

Retinoids: It is an FDA-approved prescription medication that helps improve skin tone and texture by treating acne and has anti-aging properties. One must note that using retinoids can help improve skin pigmentation, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, and increase skin cell turnover. Again, there are no set rules to start using retinoids, but require cosmetologist advice and recommendation before choosing the products, as it is only available with a prescription. However, suppose you are dealing with acne as a teenager. In that case, you can start using retinoids after getting approval from a certified cosmetologist, the expert dermatologist of Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, Indiranagar, Bangalore.

Understand the differences between Retinols and Retinoids in the context of strength and timeline, availability, and user guidelines:

Strength and Timeline:

Retinols are gentler on the skin and have a lower concentration, and the molecular structure of retinol takes longer to provide similar results. One must keep patience to see the noticeable results, an effective option to minimize signs of aging.

Retinoids are stronger than retinol, have a higher concentration, and allow skin cell turnover faster, helping thicken the top layer of skin and improving signs of aging.

Retinoids are FDA Approved, only available by prescription:

Retinoids are FDA (the Food and Drug Administration)-approved products, available at drugstores or cosmetic clinics, as Doctor's prescription is required to buy the specific retinoids products. It treats acne and aging concerns, meaning its effectiveness has been proven in clinical trials. Even though retinoids are available over the counter and by prescription, most retinoids are only available if you have a prescription.

Retinols are an over-the-counter product in the market in the form of serums and creams.

User Guidelines:

Retinols are sensitive to light, causing less dryness, and only a small amount is enough to address the concerns. However, it is instructed to use only a pea-sized of retinols and always followed by moisturizer. Using retinol at night is recommended because of its sensitivity to UV rays. Never apply too much, and start using the product 2-3 times a week and gradually increase the frequency once your skin tolerates it. You should also wear sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or 50 to achieve the optimal benefits.

Retinoids can cause more dryness and may sensitize the skin; however, always take your board-certified dermatologist's advice before using them. Even though some retinoids are available over the counter, they require expert advice before incorporating them into your skincare regimen. Again, the prescription is required to buy the specific retinoid products. Apply only a thin layer of retinoids to the affected skin once per week. It is advisable to wear retinoids at night to avoid the sun exposure. And use the retinoids only as long as prescribed. Follow a mild moisturizer routine on top of retinoids that do not clog pores.

Conclusion:

Retinols are the gentler option to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and are an okay option if a patient is willing to wait a little longer to see the results. Retinoids are the best to treat severe acne or scarring, as the higher concentration can speed up cell turnover and deliver quicker results.

Talking to a board-certified cosmetologist is always suggested to figure out what best suits your skin type and concern.

Call Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, a certified cosmetic center in Indiranagar, Bangalore, at +91 8042036382, +91 9108969006, or +91 7624809006 and schedule your one-on-one consultation today to feel and embrace the skin renewal.