Retinoid vs. Retinol: A Comprehensive Comparison for Your Skin's Ultimate Revival

If you are looking for antiaging skin care products, including retinoid or retinol is an excellent choice. If you are not including retinol or retinoid in your skincare routine then you are doing it wrong. Both of them are great for the skin as they help in increasing collagen growth, reducing inflammatory conditions, and many more.

But many people mix retinol and retinoids together as if they are the same. But they are not just thinking as they are some cousins to each other. As they are related to each other but somehow different from each other. Continue reading and learn what makes retinol and retinoid separate from each other, which one is better for your skin?

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a natural form of Vitamin A found in many beauty skin care products. It is useful in making the skin look brighter, smoother, and softer. Along with that, it might also help in reducing the signs of aging like wrinkles or fine lines.

Retinol does not act directly on the skin because it uses the enzyme on the skin which helps in converting retinol into retinoic acid. This is when it becomes more active and does not happen instantaneously as it takes time to get converted.

This process also depends on the amount of retinol being used in the skincare routine but there are people who can easily convert retinol into retinoic acid as well. These are the factors that make retinol act slowly and you find see results within six months of application or more than that. So, the longer you will use it the more improvements you will get to see on the skin.

Learn more information about retinol and its uses.

What is Retinoid?

Retinoid is known as the compound which is obtained from Vitamin A and helps in regulating skin tone by brightening the skin. It is helpful in increasing the production of collagen and naturally improving the elasticity of the skin. This is what makes retinoids anti-aging and also helps in treating acne.

There are different types of retinoids including tretinoin, retinol, tazarotene, adapalene, alitretinoin, and bexarotene.

What's the difference between Retinol and Retinoids?

Forms of Vitamin A are different:- Retinol and Retinoid both are derived from Vitamin A but it is just a little different in their molecular structures. While retinol has a different molecular structure which causes it to convert into retinoic acid very slowly. As explained shortly, all retinol is the same as retinoids while all retinoids are not as retinol.

Strength of Retinol and Retinoid:- Generally seen retinol is less strong than retinoids. Retinoids have high levels of concentration and the molecular structure present in them effectively helps in turning over skin cells at a faster rate.

Retinol whereas has a lower concentration and has a similar effect on the skin but takes quite a long time in comparison to retinoids.

Available in OTC:- Retinol is one of the products which is easily available in the market and is recommended by most dermatologists. While retinoids are not that easily available in the OTC.

How to choose the right one for you?

Normal Skin Type

If you are only looking for something that can boost your skin health and for some general signs of aging then retinol-filled treatments like eye rollers, serums, or moisturizers are the best choice.

For Skin Concerns

If you have problems like pigmentation, blackheads, or acne then retinoids are one of the great choices. This might cause some kind of peeling or dryness on the skin over the time you use retinoids.

Retinol is never found alone because it has been found with other ingredients as well as with the labels like retinyl linoleate, propionic acid, etc. While in the case of retinoids there is a little amount of active ingredient in them.

Take Aways

Retinol and Retinoid both are different which many people are confused about as they label both the same. It is not the case that both are different to some level and are helpful in some concerns. Retinol over time helps in maintaining a good skin texture while retinoid helps in treating different skin concerns.

As you might have learned which one is the best for your skin concern and it's important to consult your dermatologist as well. But always remember to do a patch test before using any of them.

FAQs

Q. Which is the great choice for skin retinol or retinoid?

Ans. If seen generally retinoids are the better choice because they have a higher concentration than retinol. They have a high molecular concentration of Vitamin A and are faster than retinol as well.

Q. What ingredient is best to use along with retinoids?

Ans. It is better to pair retinoids with some hydrating moisturizer and this includes moisturizers that have hyaluronic acid in them.

Q. Is it safe to use retinol every day?

Ans. Yes, for most people it is safe to use retinol every day but tart using with a low level like o.4 retinol and then gradually increase it as your skin becomes used to it.

Q. Who should avoid using retinol?

Ans. It is recommended that people who have skin conditions like rosacea should avoid using it as they have quite sensitive skin.