Retinoids are a girls best friend! But what are they, really? 

Retinoid is a general term for all topical vitamin A treatments, both prescribed and over the counter, however retinoid is often used by dermatologists to describe Tretinoin, a prescription drug (and 20 x stronger) than over the counter Retinol. Retinoids (think Retin-A and Tretinoin)  are a group of compounds derived from vitamin A. They help speed up cell turnover rate and unclog pores. Retinoids are essential for preventing wrinkles, diminishing fine lines, and exfoliating on a cellular level. They also reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen, as well as stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months.

What is it?

Retin A is the brand name for the topical generic brand medication Tretinoin (other prescription retinoids include Adapalene and Tazarotene) that is only available by prescription.  Retin A is a synthetic form of Vitamin A, as well as retinoic acid. This means the body does not have to convert anything, allowing it to work faster and be more powerful. Results can be seen in as little as six to eight weeks!  

Tips for Using Retinoids without irritation! 

Go slow! If you’re anything like me when I first started using tretinoin, I wanted to see the results so I went into it WAY TOO FAST. Trust me when I say you don’t want to do this. Start by using your retinol or prescription tretinoin every third night for the first week, then if you’re skin tolerates it move to every other night. Just a pea size amount on towel dry skin. If you’re prone to irritation, you can apply moisturizer to your skin before your retinol or tretinoin as a buffer until your skin acclimates. I stayed at every other night with my tretinoin for quite a long time before I moved to every night. There are still times I back off when my skin is telling me it needs a break. The benefits are huge if you take it slow, hydrate, and listen to your skin. If you have irritation from a retinoid, Avene Cicalfate + is wonderful! I can’t live without that stuff.

What I use

I use prescription Tretinoin from Curology.com at night, which is a customized medical grade formula that is sent to my door monthly. My information and skin concerns are viewed by a healthcare professional who ensures I am being prescribed and sent products that will work for my skin. It’s super simple, and was less expensive than getting my tretinoin from a med spa. Another option is to ask your Doctor to prescribe you tretinoin, which is often prescribed for acne treatment.Benefits: Retin A

• Accelerates the removal of dead skin cells.
• Keeps pores clear.
• Natural exfoliant that improves skin texture.
• Prevents inflammatory and cystic acne.
• Lighten dark spots and erase hyperpigmentation.
• Promotes collagen synthesis and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Side Effects: Retin A

• Skin may get worse before it gets better.
• Dryness and redness of the skin.
• “Retinoid Reaction” may occur.
• A period where some peeling and mild irritation is noticeable.

Note: Be sure to consult your doctor if you think Retin A is something you would like to add to your skincare regimin. Pregnant women or women who are considering becoming pregnant should consult their obstetrician before using or continuing the use of Retin A or other retinoids.Retinol: What is it?Retinol is a gentler derivative of vitamin A and can be found in lots of over-the-counter skin care products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, eye creams). Retinol is milder; therefore, enzymes in our skin must first convert it into retinoic acid. After conversion, it becomes effective. This is why it takes longer to see results using Retinol versus Retin A/Tretinoin. Retinol is available without a prescription and is found in many over the counter cosmetics and skincare products.It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to start see results with retinol products. 

• Prevents the formation and appearance of wrinkles.
• Smoothes out existing fine lines.
• Brightens dull skin by exfoliating at a cellular level, which results in brighter, smoother skin.
• Regulates oily skin and minimizes breakouts.
• Fades dark age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Evens out complexion over time.

Side Effects: Retinol

• Dryness, redness and irritation of the skin.
• Breakouts can occur when retinol is first added to your routine.
• Potential increase in sun sensitivity.
• (low percentage of retinol users experience this side effect)
• Flaking and peeling of the skin.

A Few Over the Counter Retinol Options I’ve Tried

The Ordinary Retinol Serum with Squalene (amazon link)This retinol is one that I really love. Because I use a prescribed (Curology.com) tretinoin in the evening, and my skin is acclimated after years of tretinoin use, I use retinol in the morning. The squalene is a great buffer if you have a tendency for irritation.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is pretty awesome. So much so that both of my teenage daughters use it. This is a product that has been purchased over and over in my house. We use both versions the image above my daughters use. The purple packaging (which is linked above) is the anti-aging version. Both are fantastic. 

 Paula’s Choice Retinol Treatment I went through a phase of using a ton of Paula’s Choice, and I have truly loved the products. The Paula’s Choice Retinol Treatment is definitely one to try; excellent quality and packaging, but more than twice the price of the CeraVe. 

Verso Super Facial Serum with Retinol 8 This bad boy is pricey, but I have to say, I’ve never been disappointed with a Verso product. If you want to treat yourself, Verso is a nice splurge.

Friendly Reminder: We’ve done our research, but you should, too! Check our sources against your own, and always exercise sound judgment and/or consult your dermatologist.

If you’ve used a product you love, please share in the comment section below.

Hugs & Love,

P.S. When you shop from the links above, I get a very small percentage as an Amazon Affiliate. Every little bit helps! I appreciate your support. xoxo

Sources:Retinol Vs. Retin A:https://www.beautyrewind.ca/blog/retinol-vs-retin-a-the-difference-why-you-should-use-it/Do Retinoids Really Reduce Wrinkles:https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-retinoids-really-reduce-wrinklesRetinol Vs. Retin A for Acne:https://www.goodrx.com/blog/retinol-vs-retin-a-for-acne/What is Retinol:https://www.today.com/style/what-retinol-retinol-benefits-uses-side-effects-more-t150639Retin A Side Effects and Benefits:https://www.health.com/beauty/retin-a-side-effects-benefitsTretinoin Cream: Benefitshttps://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tretinoin#tretinoin-vs-retinolFor more information: Find me on Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook at Gorgously Aging or type youtube.com/c/gorgously aging into your web browser.