Also, how much retinol is actually converted into retinoic acid is dependent on many things, including the amount of retinol in the product to begin with, and if it's degraded (basically how old your product is or how long it's been opened). Some may call retinol an over-the-counter version of Retin-A, but they aren't interchangeable. But the reason why people keep referring to prescription ones as retinoids and OTC ones as retinol is mainly because it’s easier to follow that way.
Retinol is sometimes added to over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications, but it's not an acne treatment in itself. But retinol is much weaker than Retin-A because it first has to be converted into retinoic acid in order to be used by the skin. Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our

This doesn't mean they don't work as well over time; they do.

But retinol is much weaker than Retin-A because it first has to be converted into retinoic acid in order to be used by the skin. The Inkey List’s retinol contains 1% stable retinol and 0.5% granactive retinoid, which is slightly stronger than retinol.

Here’s what you should know.Retinoids and retinol deliver the same benefits, even though the rate at which you’ll see improvements might differ. It's only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. Retinol (the “older” sibling) has been around longer than most of us (since the 1930’s), and as such, has been studied very extensively.

Retinoid, Retinol and Adapalene — a closer look Retinoid [ret-n-oid] n. A generic word describing a variety of products that have a form of vitamin A activity. Retinols and Retin-A are retinoids. Retinol and other retinoids work toward the same goal. You can snag one from your dermatologist or try an over-the-counter prescription-strength retinoid such as Because retinol has to go through two conversions to become retinoic acid, it takes longer to improve your skin.

Your skin gradually becomes accustomed to retinoids as you use them. Although they work in similar ways, retinol is not the same as Retin-A. Granactive Retinoid & Retinol are a lot like siblings. Retinoids can definitely be a helpful addition to your skincare routine.

This On the other hand, “if you have oilier skin or are acne-prone, you should be able to start with a prescription right away,” says Marchbein. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, et.
“Retinoids are powerhouse multitaskers that work by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of skin-cell turnover,” says Marchbein.

Retinol can be a good first step before moving on to stronger, and potentially more irritating, Retin-A.

This converts into retinoic acid (the stuff that targets your skin) more slowly and therefore minimizes irritation whilst still providing effective results. That’s where the acclimation period, which involves spacing out applications It’s a good strategy for both heavy-duty retinoids Retinol, retinoids, whatever—none of it is safe to use when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, which can be especially challenging if you experience acne during pregnancy. If you're looking to give your skin a little boost, stave off some signs of aging, and you don't have any big problems that need to be addressed, retinol is the most practical choice. Slowly work up to the point where you can use your product every day without your skin protesting. “Retinol requires conversion to retinoic acid before being able to have an effect, making these less potent,” says Birnbaum. You may also want to slowly acclimate your skin to your new retinoid treatment (this is an especially good idea if you have sensitive skin).

Because you don't have to wait for the skin to convert it (to retinoic acid), Retin-A works faster and is more powerful than retinol products.

Because of all of these factors, retinol is a slow worker. Technically, retinol and Retin-A do the same thing. In addition, retinoids include Retinoids can increase collagen production, and some evidence shows they may increase elastin production as well. There are benefits and drawbacks for each.

When you use retinoids regularly, your skin tone will be firmer, skin texture smoother, and your overall complexion will be brighter. Shop. Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. “If you have sensitive or dry skin, I recommend starting with an over-the-counter retinol or retinal,” says Birnbaum.

Starting off with an over-the-counter retinoid product can help acclimate your skin to topical retinoids and reduce side effects if and when you eventually bump up to prescription Retin-A. “The skin can change retinol to retinaldehyde, which is then ultimately turned into retinoid acid,” says Dr. Nazarian. You'll just notice side effects like dryness and peeling become less and less over time. Even if you aren't burning, sun damage can still be occurring.