Which Is Most Effective For Wrinkels? Retinoids vs. Retinol vs. Retin-A vs. Tretinoin

• The Difference Between Retinol, Retinoids, and Retin-A or Tretinoin
  

| Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds related to vitamin A. Retinoids work by initiating the skin to rapidly turn over cells, killing old cells in order to boost new cell growth. They also stimulate collagen production and thicken deeper layers of the skin, which is the source of wrinkles. Finally, retinoids correct pigmentation related issues by sloughing off brown spots and curbing melanin development. 

Retinoids also speed up cell turnover rates and can help unblock pores. So, retinoids are also used to treat acne.

Essentially, retinoid is the umbrella term; under it, you will find retinol and Retin-A or tretinoin.

1. Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

($85, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Don't be put off by the intimidating 6.5% retinol concentration emblazoned across the bottle – Sunday Riley's latest serum is pleasingly kind on skin.

It actually contains a combination of 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend and 0.5% blue-algae. This powerful formula targets fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, breakouts, an uneven skin tone and environmentally damaged skin. 

HOW TO USE:

Apply 2-3 pumps in the evening to clean, dry skin.

For new retinoid users: Use two days on, two days off. Work your way up to every other day, then to daily, evening use. Follow with a hydrating oil or moisturizer.

For advanced retinoid users: Use daily, in the evenings. Follow with a hydrating oil or moisturizer.

For sensitive skin: Apply a hydrating oil or moisturizer before applying A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.

2. Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum

($110, up to 6% cashback at Peter Thomas Roth)

Pro Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum + is an intense, leave-on, rejuvenating treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. 

Expert-level concentrations of 10% granactive retinoid and 5% hexapeptide complex in an advanced leave-on anti-aging treatment serum that works to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains squalane, ceramide NP and a super lipid complex to moisturize and help minimize the potential for irritation and dryness.

HOW TO USE: Apply nightly to cleansed face. If mild irritation or redness occurs, use every other night until skin adjusts. Gradually build to nightly use. Use SPF protection during the day. For external use only.

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| Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that naturally occurs in the skin. It is commonly used in over-the-counter skin care products, normally in concentrations of around 0.05 to 1 percent. In skincare, retinol is the gold standard for youth preservation (anti-aging) because it is the only scientifically proven ingredient that effectively stimulates the production of collagen while also being extremely effective against acne. Retinol is the only ingredient that the FDA will legally allow skincare companies in the US to refer to as “anti-aging.”

Retinol itself doesn't actually affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid. It's only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. This isn't an instantaneous process, though. In fact it could take up to 3 to 6 months of daily usage for retinol based products to provide a noticeable difference.

Retinol products can improve the skin, and the good news is that they are generally fairly gentle. Retinols can cause side effects, but they're typically less bothersome than Retin-A. 

1. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

($89/1oz, up to 4% cashback at Murad)

Fight the signs of visible aging and give your skin a radiance boost with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. The serum is powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology to create luminous and visibly firmer skin. 

The formula also contains Swertia Flower Extract to boost cell production to ensure smooth tone and texture. Hyaluronic Spheres deliver moisture to the skin through intense hydration, helping to create a youthful glow. Suitable for all skin types, the formula is recommended for those who are just beginning to show signs of aging, as well as those experiencing advanced signs. 

HOW TO USE:  At night, apply a thin layer to your face and follow with a moisturizer. Reduce frequency if sensitivity occurs.

2. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

($74, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Ideal for all those who're already acquainted with the wonders of retinol (this can trigger irritation and peeling if your skin is sensitive, or if you're new to the retinol realm), Drunk Elephant's game-changing A-Passioni Retinol Cream is the perfect addition to your evening-time routine.

Formulated with retinol and peptides, this cream works to restore brightness and elasticity to the complexion without causing redness. Along with hydrating vitamin F, it contains jojoba, apricot and marula oils to moisturise as well as an antioxidant blend to protect from environmental damage.

HOW TO USE: Morning or night, apply a pea-size amount or less to clean, dry face, avoiding the eye area. This cream can be used up to twice each week initially and then every other night, before moving up to nightly applications.

3. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Night Serum Capsules

($51/30-piece, up to 8% cashback at Elizabeth Arden)

Improve the appearance of skin with Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, an encapsulated Retinol formula that targets signs of aging to promote smoother, younger-looking skin. 

Each is 76% more potent that unencapsulated retinol. Ceramides help replenish skin's natural ceramides to reinforce skin's moisture barrier; retinol enhances skin's natural collagen to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles; and youth-restoring peptides promote wrinkle-smoothing and improve the appearance of skin tone and elasticity. Avocado, sunflower seed and olive oils deliver moisturizing and skin conditioning benefits.

HOW TO USE: Gently twist the tab around twice to open the capsule and squeeze onto your fingertips. Smooth the serum over your face and neck each night before your moisturizer.

| Retin-A / Tretinoin

Retin-A is the brand name of tretinoin, the first retinoid approved by the FDA over 40 years ago. Tretinoin is another name for retinoic acid! Because it is a form of retinoic acid, Retin-A does not need to be broken down by the enzymes in your skin before it can be used. 

Retin-A is referenced as being 100 times stronger than retinol. It also has a more immediate effect because it is formulated as retinoic acid; unlike retinols, no conversion by the body is required. As such, many users of Retin-A experience notable improvements in as little as 4-8 weeks.

The added strength of Retin-A does come with a downside. You're more likely to notice side effects like dryness, redness, burning, peeling and flaking, while using Retin-A as compared to retinol products.

Retin-A Cream

Obagi Tretinoin Cream

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