Retinol and tretinoin are both compounds made from vitamin A, and they are commonly used in topical creams to treat a number of skin conditions. While they are similar, they are not quite the same. Here are some details about the two compounds:
Retinol
- Retinol is a vital nutrient that is fat-soluble, which means it can stay in your body for a long time.
- Retinol doesnt actually affect the skin directly even though you put it right on the skin. It becomes absorbed and then goes through a metabolic process, using your skin’s natural enzymes to convert retinol to retinoic acid. That retinoic acid works directly with the skin.
- Retinol is a much slower active ingredient than tretinoin. It can take up to six months or more to see real results with retinol, whereas you’ll usually see results within a few weeks with tretinoin.
- Retinol is often added to over-the-counter acne treatment creams, but it is not the active ingredient in acne treatment. It is used primarily for its anti-aging properties.
- Common side effects of retinol can include skin burning, irritation, and dermatitis. To mitigate side effects and get the most out of retinol, start with the lowest concentration and avoid direct sun exposure.
Tretinoin
- Tretinoin can also be called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and it’s sold under many brand names, including Retin-A.
- Tretinoin is stronger than retinol and requires a prescription for use.
- Tretinoin works directly with skin cells to boost cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair. It is about 20 times more potent than retinol.
- Tretinoin can reduce signs of aging by decreasing fine lines, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and increasing collagen production to improve skin texture. Results are often noticed in 3–6 months.
- Tretinoin is usually the go-to ingredient for acne treatment.
- Tretinoin can have more pronounced side effects than retinol, including skin burning, irritation, and dermatitis. The amount and severity of side effects depend on a few factors, and it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so the strength is listed on the package.
In summary, retinol and tretinoin are both compounds made from vitamin A, but tretinoin is stronger than retinol and requires a prescription for use. Retinol is a much slower active ingredient than tretinoin, and it is often added to over-the-counter acne treatment creams, but it is not the active ingredient in acne treatment. Tretinoin is usually the go-to ingredient for acne treatment. Both compounds can have side effects, but tretinoin can have more pronounced side effects than retinol.
