Retin-A vs. Retinol

There are many different products on the market that are formulated to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Many of these products contain a derivative of Vitamin A called tretinoin, otherwise known as Retinol and Retin-A. Both chemicals are intended to help increase cellular turnover and improve the overall look and feel of skin.

While both Retinol and Retin-A have the same chemical composition, they differ in concentration. Retin-A comes in a 1 percent concentration and is available by prescription only. Retinol is one-tenth the concentration of Retin-A and is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics without a prescription. However, many studies show that Retin-A is not very effective in treating signs of aging and it can also produce some negative side effects.

One of the negative effects of Retin-A is that it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. When using Retin-A, avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. You should also avoid getting Retin-A in your eyes, mouth, nose or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use Retin-A on sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, irritated or broken skin and should not be used in wounds or on areas of eczema.

Though routinely marketed as anti-aging ingredients, Retinol and Retin-A are also commonly used to treat acne because they increase cellular turnover and help decrease oil production. These chemicals can be effective in treating acne, but other alternatives can be more effective unless the acne is very severe. Retin-A’s action only works inside cells and can be very irritating to skin. The results are also not permanent. This is why many skin care manufacturers, including Therapon Skin Health, choose to use other anti-aging and acne-fighting ingredients in their products. 

Theraderm Skin Renewal System is a non-prescription and less expensive alternative to products that contain Retin-A. The system was scientifically designed to produce favorable, lasting results and it allows any person to have the beautiful, healthy skin they desire.