Most everyone has heard about Retin A and retinols. Dermatologists routinely prescribe it and over the counter skin care products claim to use it as an ingredient. How does this product work? What is the difference between Retin A and retinols? Is it safe to use? Can it really be the miracle cream that people say it is? Retin A, also known as tretinoin or retinoic acid, is a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinoic acid is the active ingredient in prescription strength retinols. Retinols are also derived from Vitamin A but are about 20% weaker than Retin A. Retinols are found in over the counter or OTC products. Retin A can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor.
OTC retinol products are weaker and therefore you can’t expect the same results you would get from prescription Retin A. Retinols actually need to be converted by enzymes to be active. This can be an uncertain process. Retinols also degrade when exposed to air, so they lose even more effectiveness. Some people use OTC retinols to avoid irritation and skin reaction. Irritation is still possible with OTC retinols but generally will be less than with Retin A. Retinols may be an option for those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions. It’s also possible that a lower strength of Retin A would be tolerated. You can get benefits from these products, but not at the level prescription Retin A provides.
Retin A was originally prescribed strictly for acne patients. One of the things Retin A does is to unplug follicles. The follicle is always plugged when you have a breakout. Retin A is excellent at breaking down the dead skin cells in the blockage and causing the skin to shed them at a faster rate. One of the things dermatologists noticed in long-term Retin A users was that they seemed to be aging less than other patients. Eventually, Retin A was F.D.A. approved to treat sun damaged skin.
The list of benefits from Retin A is a long one. Retin A speeds up cellular turnover and the exfoliation process. There are many benefits to this. It can lift pigmentation on the skin, reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion, and reduce fine lines. Skin cells act younger and healthier. Skin is smoother and more even toned. Retin A thins the stratum corneum or epidermis which is made up of dead, dull skin cells. By thinning this dulling layer, you reveal younger looking skin. It used to be thought that Retin A thinned the skin overall, which could have resulted in more delicate, easily wrinkled skin. Research has shown that this is not the case. Retin A actually thickens the underlying skin layers, making skin plumper and more youthful.
Whether you choose retinols or Retin A, you will be giving you’re skin the most proven, effective anti-aging product on the market.
