{"id":3012,"date":"2022-06-02T11:32:32","date_gmt":"2022-06-02T03:32:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/?p=3012"},"modified":"2022-09-22T15:12:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T07:12:25","slug":"retinol-vs-tretinoin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/retinol-vs.-tretinoin","title":{"rendered":"Retinol vs. Tretinoin: Which One To Choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We develop fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles as we age and from sun exposure. But there are specific ingredients used in skincare products that can treat those concerns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article details the benefits, differences and uses of two ingredients \u2014 retinol and tretinoin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What is retinol?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol is a natural derivative of Vitamin A, some specialists refer to it as Vitamin A1. It was the first approved vitamin with anti-aging and rejuvenating properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/photos\/capsule-with-carrots-picture-id1313430965?b=1&amp;k=20&amp;m=1313430965&amp;s=170667a&amp;w=0&amp;h=lmmIUwy-44pDcD6rNIuYKxlv5HOZyXdpxF4yoWj3NQE=\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although retinol has been available for decades, its extensive skin benefits has only recently gained recognition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol comes in various forms like gels, serums, and creams. OTC retinol \u2013&nbsp;which is available in 2% strength dosage&nbsp;\u2013 helps treat mild skin concerns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How does retinol work?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With the gradual decrease of collagen production as we age, wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes become more visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol penetrates beneath the epidermis towards the dermis to neutralise the free radicals and to boost the production of elastin and collagen. This helps create a plumping effect which minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, many dermatologists suggest retinol as a first-line treatment for skin-aging concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Uses of retinol&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how retinol helps:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Treats acne &#8211;<\/em><\/strong> Retinol unblocks skin pores, which can later develop into pimples. A study from 2019 suggests that <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30674002\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">retinol can treat problems like acne and blackheads<\/a> with minimal side effects. Doctors usually use prescription retinoid in addition to other medications to treat inflammation and bacteria on the acne spots.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Effective in rejuvenating skin <\/em><\/strong><strong>&#8211;<\/strong> Aging, pollution and sun exposure can reduce the skin&#8217;s elasticity which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol creams are known to reduce these effects.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Protects against collagen degradation &#8211;<\/em><\/strong> It can also increase the production of collagen, which may improve the epidermal cells and overall appearance of the skin.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Smoothen skin surface &#8211; <\/em><\/strong>Retinol is also known for its exfoliating properties as it can brighten and improve the skin. Studies show that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8776661\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">3% Retinol can help reduce pigmentation.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Treatment for <a aria-label=\"Follicular Keratosis (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/keratosis-pilaris\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Follicular Keratosis<\/a> &#8211; <\/em><\/strong>\u2018Chicken skin\u2019 is a common skin condition where the skin appears dry and rough. Certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aocd.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">studies<\/a> indicate that usage of retinol is helpful in improving the appearance of skin with this condition.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What is tretinoin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like retinol, tretinoin is also a retinoid made from synthesised vitamin A. It\u2019s also called retinoic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to gels, creams and lotions, it comes in an oral medication form, known as isotretinoin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dermatologists use tretinoin to treat acne and dark spot concerns like melasma, sunburns, and hyperpigmentation. Unlike retinol, tretinoin is a prescription product and has to be used under the supervision of a medical professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/photos\/black-lady-applying-moisturizer-or-hyaluronic-acid-on-face-picture-id1307928115?b=1&amp;k=20&amp;m=1307928115&amp;s=170667a&amp;w=0&amp;h=c8gGZ-m0VYwHRCQEk6oQzSeupiq8TzdL826ZLqWktZ4=\" alt=\"\" width=\"589\" height=\"415\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How does tretinoin work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This synthetic vitamin derivative enhances cell turnover rate to create new epidermal cells over old ones. Tretinoin acts upon the cells of the facial epidermis, and increases the cell turnover rate. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5574737\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Studies<\/a> show a noticeable reduction in acne after the usage of tretinoin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initial use of tretinoin includes a \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/beauty-skin-care\/skin-purging#what-to-do\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">tretinoin purge<\/a>\u2019 which essentially means an increase in acne breakouts. But it does get better with continued use as per the doctor\u2019s prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin works very quickly and effectively. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19363908\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">A study<\/a> shows that using prescribed amounts of tretinoin results in noticeably less acne.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Uses of tretinoin cream<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how tretinoin helps:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Treating acne &#8211; <\/em><\/strong>Tretinoin has been used to treat acne by dermatologists for 50 years. It\u2019s also a preventive solution for acne issues like pimples, pustules, blackheads, etc.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Brightens and improves skin texture &#8211; <\/em><\/strong>Tretinoin can improve your skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2699641\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Studies<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22648221\/\"> <\/a>show that with consistent use (for approximately 24 weeks), the skin appears brighter and radiant.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><em>Treats hyperpigmentation &#8211; <\/em><\/strong>Various <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23461059\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">studies<\/a> show that using tretinoin for an extended period reduces melanin concentration in the skin. It\u2019s why it\u2019s considered one of the treatment options for hyperpigmentation, skin scarring, melasma, age spots, and photoaging (premature aging due to exposure to the sun).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Read up on how to get <a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/tretinoin-cream-malaysia\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">tretinoin in Malaysia<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Retinol vs tretinoin&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol mainly helps boost collagen production, while tretinoin acts directly on cells and increases cell division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin is more potent and is prescribed to patients with more severe skin concerns for faster results. It\u2019s also considered to be 20x times stronger than OTC retinol.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to this reason, retinol is available as an OTC retinoid, and tretinoin is available on prescription. It is also important to note that tretinoin is the only FDA-approved retinoid for the treatment of photoaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Can you take tretinoin and retinol together?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s recommended to consult your doctor to get a suitable prescription. They may recommend using both at specific intervals, according to symptoms.<br><br>Sometimes tretinoin is used as the initial treatment. But as the facial condition improves, the doctor reduces the concentration and shifts to retinol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consult a doctor to build a personalised treatment plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Which one should you use?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are in your 20s or mid-30s, you will most likely be suggested to start with retinol. It\u2019s low in concentration and has minimal side effects. For this reason, it\u2019s also the more appropriate choice for those with sensitive skin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/photos\/brand-owner-opening-rejuvenating-product-picture-id1186886893?b=1&amp;k=20&amp;m=1186886893&amp;s=170667a&amp;w=0&amp;h=oVzjHCDWfSYU1D6D8i6Be8UajYn2GnsXarlymoffBac=\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"372\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For men with premature aging, wrinkles, and fine line concerns, the doctor may prescribe tretinoin or a combination of both, retinol and tretinoin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting a dermatologist will always be helpful irrespective of age because an expert can adequately understand your problems and provide a suitable solution accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>andSons Malaysia<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> offers prescription and non-prescription skincare products like <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/product\/acne-cream\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Acne Cream<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/product\/anti-aging\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Anti Aging Cream<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/product\/acne-complete-care-kit\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Acne Complete Care Kit<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/product\/acne-essential-kit\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Acne Essential Kit<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/product\/anti-aging-essential-kit\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Anti Aging Essential Kit<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Browse through our <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/shop\/skincare\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>skincare products here<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>. Have an <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ora-my.as.me\/schedule.php?appointmentType=29756911\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>online consultation<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> and get your prescription treatment from our medical team from the comforts of your home.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more about men\u2019s skincare here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/what-to-know-about-mens-skin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>What to know about men\u2019s skin?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/top-mens-skincare-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Top 10 Men\u2019s Skincare Products For A Healthy Skin In No Time<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/skincare-tips-for-men\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>Top 10 Skincare Tips for Men That\u2019ll Help Buff Up Your Glow<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minute read<\/span><\/span> We develop fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles as we age and from sun exposure. But there are specific ingredients            \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"more-link-holder\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/retinol-vs.-tretinoin\"><span class=\"more-link-span\">read<\/span><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"mauer-narrator-svg-arrow\" xmlns:cc=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/ns#\" xmlns:inkscape=\"http:\/\/www.inkscape.org\/namespaces\/inkscape\" xmlns:sodipodi=\"http:\/\/sodipodi.sourceforge.net\/DTD\/sodipodi-0.dtd\" xmlns:rdf=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/02\/22-rdf-syntax-ns#\" xmlns:svg=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:dc=\"http:\/\/purl.org\/dc\/elements\/1.1\/\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"-255 334 62 36\" style=\"enable-background:new -255 334 62 36;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g transform=\"translate(0,-952.36218)\"><path d=\"M-193.2,1303.7l-16-17c-0.4-0.4-1-0.4-1.4,0c-0.4,0.4-0.4,1,0,1.4l14.4,15.3H-254c-0.6,0-1,0.4-1,1c0,0.6,0.4,1,1,1h57.7 l-14.4,15.3c-0.4,0.4-0.3,1.1,0,1.4c0.4,0.4,1,0.4,1.4,0l16-17C-192.9,1304.6-193,1304-193.2,1303.7L-193.2,1303.7z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[20],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/istockphoto-1303285078-612x612-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3012"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3012"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3069,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3012\/revisions\/3069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}