If you've heard the terms "retinoid" and "retinol" and you're wondering what the difference is, we're here to help simplify it for you - so that you can find the best products for your skin.
What Is the difference between a Retinoid and Retinol?
Retinoid often refers to stronger or prescription strength products such as Tretinoin, which is the generic name for the popular retinoid named Retin-A.
Retinol usually refers to an over-the-counter type of retinoid that is formulated to be less concentrated and, in theory, easier to tolerate. They can be effective to a certain point but, after skin acclimates, they can become less effective. That is why some over the counter creams work great for the first few months and then begin to be less impressive and effective.
Both require your skin to have a specific enzyme (transenzymic acid) to convert either of those to the usable trans retinoic acid. Not all skin produces the same amount of that enzyme - which is why some people do not tolerate retinols as well as others!
Find the Right Product for You
The best way to determine the right retinoid or retinol product for you, is to schedule a complimentary skincare consultation with one of our experts. They can help you better understand how your skin may tolerate one product vs another, and recommend a great solution for you to get started with.
To shop medical-grade products online, click here. Or, give us a call at (855) 383-7546 to place an order for curbside pickup.
You can also read more about how to choose a retinol in our comprehensive guide.
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