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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article details the benefits, differences and uses of two ingredients \u2014 retinol and tretinoin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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
Although retinol has been available for decades, its extensive skin benefits have only recently gained recognition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retinol comes in various forms like gels, serums, and creams. OTC retinol \u2013 which is available in 2% strength dosage \u2013 helps treat mild skin concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the gradual decrease of collagen production as we age, wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes become more visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, many dermatologists suggest retinol as a first-line treatment for skin-ageing concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how retinol helps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like retinol, tretinoin is also a retinoid made from synthesised vitamin A. It\u2019s also called retinoic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to gels, creams and lotions, it comes in an oral medication form, known as isotretinoin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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
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. Studies<\/a> show a noticeable reduction in acne after the usage of tretinoin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The initial use of tretinoin includes a \u2018tretinoin 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 Tretinoin works very quickly and effectively. A study<\/a> shows that using prescribed amounts of tretinoin results in noticeably less acne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how tretinoin helps: Related article: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>How to get tretinoin cream in Malaysia?<\/em><\/strong>\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Retinol mainly helps boost collagen production, while tretinoin acts directly on cells and increases cell division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 It\u2019s recommended to consult your doctor to get a suitable prescription. They may recommend using both at specific intervals, according to symptoms. Consult a doctor to build a personalised treatment plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For men with premature ageing, wrinkles, and fine line concerns, the doctor may prescribe tretinoin or a combination of both, retinol and tretinoin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 andSons Malaysia<\/strong><\/a> offers prescription and non-prescription skincare products like <\/strong>Acne Cream<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Anti Ageing Cream<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Acne Complete Care Kit<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Acne Essential Kit<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Anti-Ageing Essential Kit<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a consultation with andSons Malaysia\u2019s medical team to learn more about <\/strong>skin care conditions and available treatments he<\/strong><\/a>re.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about men\u2019s skincare here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span> 4<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span> We develop fine line, dark spots, and wrinkles as we age and from sun exposure. Regular use of retinol and tretinoin can help treat your skin. <\/p>\nUses of tretinoin cream<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/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. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>Tretinoin can improve your skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Studies<\/a> <\/a>show that with consistent use (for approximately 24 weeks), the skin appears brighter and radiant. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>Various 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\nRetinol vs tretinoin <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you take tretinoin and retinol together? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\nWhich one should you use? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n