What is Retin-A?
By Marji Soofi
What is Retin-A?
This is an anti-aging ingredient that encourages cell turnover and increases collagen production. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.
Are you confused about this ingredient? We see this ingredient in many products, but which one you are using is when you see results.
Retin- A vs Retinol
What is Retin-A?
Retin-A is a prescription-strength Retinoid. Retinoid is a chemical derived from vitamin A. The common Retin-A are Tretinoin, Tazarotene, Adapalene, and Differen. Retinoid contains retinoic acid, which is an active form of Retin-A. Retinoic acid is the strongest form. Retinoids can cause an acute inflammatory reaction, but it will subside, and it also dries the skin. It works well on thick oily acneic skin, but not as well for mature, sensitive, and dry skin.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a type of Retinoid. Retinol contains the weakest and the smallest type of Retinoid and is commonly used in OTC products. Retinol needs to be processed with an enzyme and it is converted into Retinoic acid in the skin. It is highly effective.
What is Bio-Retinoid?
This is not related to vitamin A, but it is used to help diminish fine lines.
Retinol vs Retinoids
Just because retinol is weaker than a retinoid it does not reduce its effectiveness and it is better for sensitive skin. Due to the strength of Retinol or Retinoid, its results differ in the amount of time but it does give results. Retinol is slower but a lot easier on the skin. Retinol without thinning the skin or damaging it stimulates collagen. Liposome which is a delivery system is used to increase product penetration of Retinol.
Benefits of Retin-A and Retinol
Exfoliates the skin
Fades age spots
Smooths fine lines
Thicken the dermis
Tightens the skin
Reverses early pre-skin cancers