Retinol Vs Retin A
Retinol vs Retin A is something many women feel confused about…..
Using a vitamin A based skin care product is said to deliver some amazing results, but you do need to be careful about what you are buying and understand the difference between a good product and a bad one.
This will make all the difference to helping you fight aging and looking younger!
There are many forms of Retinol (vitamin A); retinyl acetate or palmitate, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde and a new comer to the group Zorac.
Retinyl acetate or palmitate is the weakest forms of vitamin A on the market, good for people with extremely sensitive skin, but not good in terms of its anti aging properties.
Retinol is the most common form found in skin care products, and many are misled this ingredient will help get rid of wrinkles, as the strength used in many products is very low, this is highly unlikely to happen.
Retinaldehyde is slightly more expensive, but does not deliver the same results as a pure retinoic acid can. Retinaldehyde is about 10 times weaker and is available over the counter.
Retinoic acid is very effective and also the cheapest form of vitamin A. This is only available on prescription by your doctor, and if used correctly can produce amazing results.
I use retinoic acid myself, and my skin looks amazing and lines on my forehead are considerably reduced.
You will not see retinoic acid in over the counter skin care products.
Zorac is the latest and the greatest in providing anti aging benefits and also has a much lower rate of side effects.
It has been discovered some companies are not using pure forms of retinol. If high concentrations are not being used in skin care products, then it is highly unlikely you will gain any benefits from using it, so if you are buying products with retinol being advertised as the main ingredient, please be careful.
Make sure you know how much retinol the product contains because some will tell you and some wont. Unless a product discloses how much retinol is in it, don’t buy it. Making the right choice is important as it is the difference between achieving younger looks, and throwing your money away.
If you are using vitamin A products especially retinoic acid, always wear a sunscreen, as your skin is far more sensitive to the sun.
Vitamin A can strip the skin of the top layer and if used too often, exposes the new layers of skin to the surrounding environment and able to cause premature aging, rather than fight it.
Vitamin A for Your Skin
- Increases cell production in the top layer of skin.
- Skin looks smoother and therefore looks younger.
- Has a positive effect on collagen production.
- Helps to reduce pigmentation caused by the sun.
You are more likely to suffer a reaction from using a prescription retin-A product than using a product containing retinol, retinyl acetate or palmitate.
What is Retin-A
Retin-A (retinoic acid) is commonly used in the treatment of acne, whiteheads and blackheads, and is a potent treatment for aging skin. It comes in brands such as; Retin-A, Retin A Micro, Retiva, Renova and Tretinoin Gel.
When using Retin-A for acne, your condition will become worse in the first few days. Other side effects are dryness, redness, tenderness and swelling of the skin, these side effects do not last long.
Retin-A is used as a gel or cream and usually offered at numerous concentration levels. Each level is designed for a specific skin type. Its primary purpose is to provide a light chemical peel, to help speed up the natural exfoliation process and enhance collagen production.
Using a gel works better than a cream, as the gel penetrates the skin better.
People with sensitive skin also need to be aware, if wanting to use Retin-A products as it is a very powerful ingredient. If not used correctly it can cause redness, skin flaking and sensitivity to the sun.
Using Retin-A you will probably have a better chance of reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Retin A
When using retinoic acid start off once a week, slowly building up to every other night over a couple of months. Everyone is different so you will need to work this out yourself. If your skin becomes dry and irritated reduce the frequency and keep your skin well moisturized.
Always use a small pea sized amount and dab all over the face and rub in thoroughly in the evenings only.
Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or those who are trying to become pregnant, would be best to avoid using anything with retinol or retinyl palmitate. If you want to use seek medical advice.
I hope you have a clearer understanding of retinol vs retin a, and are able to make better decisions when choosing a retin a cream.
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February 3rd, 2009 at
I using retin A (tretinoin/brand from Johnson) 0,5% for my acne/pimple.
I have oily and also sensitive skin
My doctor said I can not use sunscreen.
Please give me a good brand of mousturizer and facial wash that I must to use.
I live in Indonesia.
June 28th, 2009 at
[...] To Reverse Aging SkinKelp For Your Health And Your SkinBlueberries Superfood To Looking YoungRetinol Creams And Retin-A For Your WrinklesPycnogenol A Powerful Anti Aging [...]
June 13th, 2010 at
Retinoids are great for reducing visible wrinkle marks on the face.*”`
June 17th, 2010 at
i really hate pimples, they can really ruin your day.~:`
July 28th, 2010 at
Retinoids are great on the skin but don;t use it if you are pregnant or has plans to become pregnant.,`.