Retinol, Retinoids, Retin A
When it comes to reversing the signs of skin ageing, Retinol is hands down the industry's gold standard ingredient. It has the power to help accelerate skin renewal and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots for firmer, smoother and more evenly-toned skin.
But what many people don't know about Retinol is that it is a highly-reactive molecule, meaning it can break down – and lose its potency – as soon as it is exposed to sunlight or air.
Retinoid refers to Vitamin A and the various molecules derived from Vitamin A, which are referred to as Retinol. Retinol converts to Retinaldehyde and then Retinoic Acid and this is important to note as it is the conversion process that determines the efficacy of your product. The less steps it takes to convert to Retinoic Acid, the more effective. For example, active ingredients in your over the counter products like Retinal Palmitate, Retinal Acetate and Retinal Linoleate are the least effective because they have to still convert to Retinol, adding an extra step in the process. For better results, make sure Retinol is your active ingredient when using an over the counter product.
But what many people don't know about Retinol is that it is a highly-reactive molecule, meaning it can break down – and lose its potency – as soon as it is exposed to sunlight or air.
Retinoid refers to Vitamin A and the various molecules derived from Vitamin A, which are referred to as Retinol. Retinol converts to Retinaldehyde and then Retinoic Acid and this is important to note as it is the conversion process that determines the efficacy of your product. The less steps it takes to convert to Retinoic Acid, the more effective.
What You Need to Know
- Retinoids are a class of topical medications used for a variety of reasons including: anti-aging, acne, discoloration and more.
- All retinoids behave like or are derived from vitamin A.
- Retinol is vitamin A, and is a type of retinoid. It is most often found in over-the-counter skin care products.
- Retin-A, like retinol, is a type of retinoid. However, it is only available by prescription.
- Retin-A is a brand-name drug is sold under the generic name, tretinoin.
- There is a substantial body of scientific literature supporting the use of retinoids in both anti-aging and acne treatment.
- Retinoids—prescription retinoids especially—may cause skin irritation, so ease into use, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
- Retinoids are a class of topical medications used for a variety of reasons including: anti-aging, acne, discoloration and more.
- All retinoids behave like or are derived from vitamin A.
- Retinol is vitamin A, and is a type of retinoid. It is most often found in over-the-counter skin care products.
- Retin-A, like retinol, is a type of retinoid. However, it is only available by prescription.
- Retin-A is a brand-name drug is sold under the generic name, tretinoin.
- There is a substantial body of scientific literature supporting the use of retinoids in both anti-aging and acne treatment.
- Retinoids—prescription retinoids especially—may cause skin irritation, so ease into use, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Retinoids: A Group of Medications
Retinoids are a large class of compounds including retinol (vitamin A) and both synthetic and natural derivatives. The importance of vitamin A was discovered early in the 20th century, according to an article in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, and in 1968 researchers began looking to create or derive substances similar to it. It was out of this push that scientists began understanding the role of retinoids in skin care and correction.
Retinoids both regulate cell growth and division, and may stimulate collagen production, a protein that declines with age and leads to skin aging. They increase blood flow and also decrease inflammation. Generally, retinoids are available in creams, gels and liquids, and are sold in over-the-counter products that include retinol and prescription medications including tretinoin, adapalene, bexarotene, alitretinoin and tazarotene.
The exact use of retinoids depends on the product. However, generally, they are used in the treatment of acne, skin aging, psoriasis, scaly skin disorders, hyperpigmentation and a certain type of cancer known as mycosis fungoides.
Retinoids are a large class of compounds including retinol (vitamin A) and both synthetic and natural derivatives. The importance of vitamin A was discovered early in the 20th century, according to an article in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, and in 1968 researchers began looking to create or derive substances similar to it. It was out of this push that scientists began understanding the role of retinoids in skin care and correction.
Retinoids both regulate cell growth and division, and may stimulate collagen production, a protein that declines with age and leads to skin aging. They increase blood flow and also decrease inflammation. Generally, retinoids are available in creams, gels and liquids, and are sold in over-the-counter products that include retinol and prescription medications including tretinoin, adapalene, bexarotene, alitretinoin and tazarotene.
The exact use of retinoids depends on the product. However, generally, they are used in the treatment of acne, skin aging, psoriasis, scaly skin disorders, hyperpigmentation and a certain type of cancer known as mycosis fungoides.
Retinol and Retin-A: Types of Retinoids
Retinol is vitamin A, or more specifically, a vitamin A alcohol.
Retin-A, however, is one of many prescription retinoid products. Retin-A is sold under the generic name tretinoin. Retinol, Retin-A and many other products are types of retinoids.
Retinol.
Retinol has been available in over-the-counter cosmetic and skincare products since 1984.From that time, some studies have indicated its usefulness in treating signs of aging, including the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and thickening of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). However, retinol does not have immediate effects. Instead, the enzymes in your skin must convert to retinoic acid before it can be put to use. This means the effects are slower and more subtle than from products that do not require this conversion—products like Retin-A/tretinoin.
Retin-A. More commonly known by its generic name, tretinoin, Retin-A is a potent prescription-strength retinoid. Potent because it is retinoic acid. Unlike retinol, it requires no help from you skin’s enzymes to make it usable. Tretinoin has been the subject of numerous scientific analyses, mainly investigating its use in anti-aging.
Retinol is vitamin A, or more specifically, a vitamin A alcohol.
Retin-A, however, is one of many prescription retinoid products. Retin-A is sold under the generic name tretinoin. Retinol, Retin-A and many other products are types of retinoids.
Retinol.
Retinol has been available in over-the-counter cosmetic and skincare products since 1984.From that time, some studies have indicated its usefulness in treating signs of aging, including the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and thickening of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). However, retinol does not have immediate effects. Instead, the enzymes in your skin must convert to retinoic acid before it can be put to use. This means the effects are slower and more subtle than from products that do not require this conversion—products like Retin-A/tretinoin.
Retin-A. More commonly known by its generic name, tretinoin, Retin-A is a potent prescription-strength retinoid. Potent because it is retinoic acid. Unlike retinol, it requires no help from you skin’s enzymes to make it usable. Tretinoin has been the subject of numerous scientific analyses, mainly investigating its use in anti-aging.
The Science
Retinoids are some of the most-researched medications for both acne and anti-aging. It would be futile to try and cover all of the research, but here are some highlights:
- In the late 1980s and early 1990s, several short-term studies found treatment with tretinoin cream led to improvements in both fine and coarse wrinkles and roughness of skin.
- Longer-term studies followed, and researchers found skin continued to improve overtime with tretinoin use: anti-aging benefits, improved texture and tone and decreased hyperpigmentation or dark spots were all seen in these studies.
- In numerous studies, retinoids have been shown to both reduce current acne lesions and prevent new ones. Because they’ve also been shown to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, the appearance of acne is likewise improved.
- Though retinol has been found to be less effective than Retin-A/tretinoin and other prescription retinoids, it isn’t without benefits—one study found reduced wrinkles after retinol application for 12 weeks; another that just 7 days of retinol could increase collagen synthesis.
Retinoids are some of the most-researched medications for both acne and anti-aging. It would be futile to try and cover all of the research, but here are some highlights:
- In the late 1980s and early 1990s, several short-term studies found treatment with tretinoin cream led to improvements in both fine and coarse wrinkles and roughness of skin.
- Longer-term studies followed, and researchers found skin continued to improve overtime with tretinoin use: anti-aging benefits, improved texture and tone and decreased hyperpigmentation or dark spots were all seen in these studies.
- In numerous studies, retinoids have been shown to both reduce current acne lesions and prevent new ones. Because they’ve also been shown to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, the appearance of acne is likewise improved.
- Though retinol has been found to be less effective than Retin-A/tretinoin and other prescription retinoids, it isn’t without benefits—one study found reduced wrinkles after retinol application for 12 weeks; another that just 7 days of retinol could increase collagen synthesis.
The Side Effects
Retinoids can cause skin irritation. Because tretinoin is more potent than retinol, the side effects are also more pronounced. They may include:
- Redness
- Scaling
- Dryness
- Itching
In rare cases, topical retinoids can cause sensitivity to sunlight, swelling, blistering or stinging and acne or eczema flare-ups.
Retinol is gentler, so while it’s benefits are less potent, it may be one solution for people with sensitive skin. For those using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids, a doctor can help you ease into a regular dose. You may start applying the medicine every other night and eventually work up to nightly, in order to lessen the risk of irritation.
Everyone's skin reacts differently to Retinol. Some people experience temporary redness, flakiness, peeling and sensitivity because their skin lacks enough "retinoid receptors."
Retinoid receptors are proteins naturally found in skin. They act like shuttles that carry and release retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) into skin cells, triggering collagen production.
Retinol – the strongest form of retinoid available without a prescription – is converted by skin enzymes into the even stronger form of Retinoic Acid, which is what causes the irritation.
Fortunately, the skin can build retinoid receptors with controlled exposure to Retinol.
Retinoids can cause skin irritation. Because tretinoin is more potent than retinol, the side effects are also more pronounced. They may include:
- Redness
- Scaling
- Dryness
- Itching
In rare cases, topical retinoids can cause sensitivity to sunlight, swelling, blistering or stinging and acne or eczema flare-ups.
Retinol is gentler, so while it’s benefits are less potent, it may be one solution for people with sensitive skin. For those using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids, a doctor can help you ease into a regular dose. You may start applying the medicine every other night and eventually work up to nightly, in order to lessen the risk of irritation.
Retinol – the strongest form of retinoid available without a prescription – is converted by skin enzymes into the even stronger form of Retinoic Acid, which is what causes the irritation.
Ready to brush up on your retinol knowledge?
This is from Glamour Magazine and a good recap
Q. Retinol & Vitamin A are the same thing.
A. True
A. True
“Also known as Retinol, Vitamin A can help increase the appearance of firmness, diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, significantly improve uneven skin tone, smooth and finally refine the surface of skin as well. Retinol is definitely a powerful multi-tasker.” Linda Blahr, Head of National Training at SkinCeuticals.
Q. You should apply retinoids during the day.
A. False
A. False
Retinol breaks down in sunlight, which is why most retinol products are held in opaque packaging. Exposure to UV light renders the product less active, which makes the use of it less beneficial. “Retinol is prone to increase photosensitivity within the skin,” says Linda Blahr, Head of National Training at SkinCeuticals. “Always use a high, broad spectrum sunscreen when using this product.”
Q. Retinoids are for all skin types.
A. True
A. True
While retinol is suitable for everyone, different strengths are appropriate for different skin types.
Retinol can by damaging if your skin is sensitive, enhancing inflammation and causing eczema, rosacea and peeling. Retinol can be quite drying, so it is recommended for those with dry & dehydrated to seal the product in with a moisturiser at the very least.
Retinol can by damaging if your skin is sensitive, enhancing inflammation and causing eczema, rosacea and peeling. Retinol can be quite drying, so it is recommended for those with dry & dehydrated to seal the product in with a moisturiser at the very least.
Q. Retinol should be used once a week.
A. True... to begin
A. True... to begin
Retinol causes redness, dryness and even flaking - however this can easily be avoided or minimised by gradually introducing the ingredient into your skincare regime and building a tolerance to the ingredient. “Night-time only, apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to clean and dry skin, avoiding the eye area,” Linda Blahr, Head of National Training at SkinCeuticals. “For optimal results, wait at least 30 minutes before applying other skincare products. Limit initial use to once or twice a week, gradually increasing frequency as tolerated.”
Q. Retinoids thin the skin
A. False
Q. Retinoids thin the skin
A. False
Retinol actually thickens the skin, increasing cell turnover and collagen production for thicker, more youthful skin.
Q. Start using retinol in your 20’s.
A. True
A. True
While there is no set time to use retinol, most dermatologists advise introducing the product in your mid-twenties, particularly if you suffer from breakouts or pigmentation. It is suggested that one uses retinol for 3 months, then takes a three month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after 3 months of retinol usage.
Q. Retinoids are THE miracle ingredient.
A. True & False
A. True & False
Enzymes in the body covert retinol to retinoid acid, an active form of vitamin A. This increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen and elastin production. Thus it is appropriate for treating everything from pigmentation, cystic acne and wrinkles. There is also strong research that it clarifies and evens skin tone. In many ways it is considered the miracle ingredient, but it is important to note that, if used improperly, retinol can compromise the epidermal barrier.
Q. Retinol, Retin-A & Retinoid are the same thing.
A. False
Retin-A Techincally, retinol and Retin-A do the same thing. But retinol is much weaker than Retin-A because it first has to be converted into retinoic acid in order to be used by the skin. As such, Retin-A is much more powerful than retinol.
Retinol is the over the counter version of Retin-A which becomes te active retinoic acid when it hits the skin
Retinoids are the family that Retin-A, Retinol & Retinoic Acid belong to. It is a chemical compound of Vitamin A.
Retinoids are the family that Retin-A, Retinol & Retinoic Acid belong to. It is a chemical compound of Vitamin A.
Benzoyl peroxide, AHA’s & BHA’s are known to reduce productivity within retinoids, so do not mix them. These will also compromise the skin, as both acids and retinol can cause irritation.
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