Retinoids are a family of Vitamin A derivatives used in skin care products for treating acne and aging skin. You might see retinoids listed as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid. The names tend to sound alike, leading to confusion about their differences.
Simply put, retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid are types of retinoids with different potency levels. When you use a retinoid, your skin has to convert it to retinoic acid to make use of it. The different steps in the conversion process limit the effects of the ingredient. Retinol is the mildest form of retinoid, followed by retinaldehyde, which is stronger. Retinoic acid is the strongest of the three.1
About Retinol
Retinol is a commonly used retinoid. Like all retinoids, it’s a form of vitamin A with many benefits as a skincare ingredient. It helps with acne and has anti-aging effects. Retinol is a mild form of retinoid that’s well-tolerated by most people. You can find it in many over-the-counter products.2
Retinol exfoliates the skin, boosts collagen production, and generates new skin cells. Regular use of retinol can improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and make skin look fresher and more plump.3
It typically takes a few weeks to see the results of retinol use. Some people find retinol drying or irritating when first using it. Experts recommend using it every other day until your skin gets used to it. Retinol also makes skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it’s best to apply it at night.4
Retinaldehyde vs Retinol
Retinaldehyde is a more potent over-the-counter retinoid. It’s also an exfoliating ingredient like retinol. Its benefits include increasing skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and thickening the dermis, which can slow down the formation of wrinkles. Retinaldehyde can also improve skin tone and the overall appearance of the skin.5
Like retinol, retinaldehyde can also be drying and cause redness, flaking, or irritation. Experts suggest using a small amount and only using it every three days at first. You can work your way up to daily use as your skin adjusts. It doesn’t pose the same risk of sun sensitivity as retinol, making it suitable for daytime use.6
Retin-A vs Retinaldehyde
Retin-A is the brand name for tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoid cream. The active ingredient is retinoic acid, which is the only pure retinoid that the skin can utilize without any conversion process.
Retin-A and similar products are considered comedolytic, meaning that they prevent blocked pores. It’s often used as a prescription treatment for acne since it’s effective in treating and preventing breakouts. It also has exfoliating effects that speed up cell turnover and boost collagen production for anti-aging effects. Other benefits include increasing the thickness of the epidermis and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles. It is also effective in reducing skin discoloration due to sun damage.7
Retin-A can be very irritating to the skin, which is why it’s only available with a prescription. If you decide to try it, talk to your doctor about what other skin care products you use. Some may not be compatible with Retin-A. You should also discuss sun protection since Retin-A can increase sun sensitivity.8
To decide which retinoid is best for you, talk to your dermatologist. You can learn more about skincare by exploring My Skincare Routine.
SOURCES:
- Byrdie: “Meet Retinaldehyde: Retinol’s More Potent Relative.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Retinol.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Retinol.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Retinol.”
- Byrdie: “Meet Retinaldehyde: Retinol’s More Potent Relative.”
- Byrdie: “Meet Retinaldehyde: Retinol’s More Potent Relative.”
- VeryWell Health: “What to Know About Retin-A (Tretinoin).”
- VeryWell Health: “What to Know About Retin-A (Tretinoin).”