Tretinoin vs. Retinol: Learn Which Product Works Best for Women Over 50 to Firm and Brighten Skin

If there's one skincare ingredient that is constantly raved about by dermatologists, it's retinol — and more specifically, tretinoin, a type of retinoid. Praised for its anti-aging, acne-fighting and blemish-control powers, tretinoin is a superstar ingredient prescribed by thousands of dermatologists to their patients. But what exactly is tretionoin, and how does it compare to other types of retinoids? Here, a dermatologist explains everything you need to know, including the questions you have regarding tretinoin vs retinol.

What is tretinoin?

For starters, tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative, aka a retinoid. Retinoids can range from retinols to retinals to ingredients like adapalene and tretinoin. You can think of retinoids as being the big umbrella term, with retinol and tretinoin underneath as subcategories.

"Tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, is a powerful topical medication commonly used for its anti-aging and acne-fighting properties," explains Pooja Rambhia, MD , board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "Dermatologists have utilized retinoids for decades to treat both acne and photoaging. Recently, there has been a surge in public awareness regarding skincare products and regimens. This shift towards preventative skincare, where individuals aim to maintain youthful, healthy skin proactively, has further boosted the popularity of retinoids."

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While not all retinoids are prescription-only, tretinoin is. It's not available over-the-counter since it's a stronger retinoid alternative compared to retinol.

What does tretinoin do?

Tretinoin is mainly known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting abilities. "It works by accelerating cell turnover, promoting the shedding of old, damaged skin cells, and encouraging the growth of new, healthy cells," explains Dr. Rambhia. "This process helps to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone."

"Additionally, retinoids help to protect against the breakdown of collagen," says Dr. Rambhia. "And tretinoin can lighten hyperpigmentation and prevent the formation of new acne lesions, making it a versatile and highly effective treatment for various skin concerns."

What are the benefits of tretinoin for women over 50?

Retinoids, and therefore tretinoin, are considered one of the best ingredients for mature skin. It helps target fine lines and wrinkles, which tend to worsen as we age, as well as promote collagen production, the natural protein we create that depletes with age.

"Over time with continued use, it [tretinoin] stimulates collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances skin texture and tone through increased cell turnover," says Dr. Rambhia. "Tretinoin also helps fade age spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even complexion. Furthermore, it can improve skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to a more youthful appearance."

How do you use tretinoin?

Since tretinoin is a stronger retinoid that can only be prescribed, it's important to ease into it if you are given a prescription — especially if you're new to retinoids."For those who are new to topical retinoids, or have been previously using milder forms of retinol, I recommend easing your skin into tretinoin," advises Dr. Rambhia. "This means starting to use it every couple of nights, and gradually working your way up to nightly as your skin tolerates it. If you experience significant irritation, it's OK to back down and decrease frequency of use for a couple of days until your skin builds tolerance."

Dr. Rambhia says to apply just a pea-sized amount at nighttime evenly over cleansed skin, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth. The next step is one of the most important, as retinoids can be very drying: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

"Follow with a gentle moisturizer to help reduce dryness and minimize irritation," says Dr. Rambhia. "Apply tretinoin at night as it can be inactivated by exposure to light. Additionally, regularly using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day is important to protect your skin from UV damage."

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Tretinoin vs. retinol: How do they differ?

Now that you've learned all about tretinoin, it's time to compare tretinoin vs retinol, which you may be more familiar with.

Tretinoin vs. retinol: They are different strengths

Retinol is a type of retinoid and just like tretinoin, it's also a vitamin A derivative. However, retinol is less strong, or less concentrated, than tretinoin. Plus, retinol is available over-the-counter, unlike its stronger counterpart.

Tetinoin vs. retinol: One can offer faster results but is more irritating

Further, because tretinoin is more concentrated than retinol, tretinoin can potentially be more irritating and drying. It's said to be better and quicker at clearing acne and helping with photoaging than retinol, but you may experience more side effects, such as dry skin mentioned above. Retinol is also great for acne and anti-aging, but it may take longer to see results compared to tretinoin.

They both come with potential side effects such as dryness and redness, so it's best to talk to a dermatologist to see which is the right fit for you. "Patients with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions should consult with their local board-certified dermatologist before starting tretinoin," advises Dr. Rambhia. "Tretinoin should also not be used in conjunction with other potentially irritating products, such as exfoliants or harsh cleansers as this can worsen skin irritation."

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