Retinol lekarna

Customer question:

What is the difference between retinol and retinoid? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Both retinol and retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and are widely used in skin care for their anti-aging and acne-fighting properties. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but essential differences exist.

Retinol is a unique form of vitamin A and is used to advantage in over-the-counter products. It is a less potent derivative of vitamin A compared to retinoids and is often found in many cosmetic skin care products. Because it is milder, it is often recommended to those new to vitamin A products or people with sensitive skin. Retinoids include all derivatives of vitamin A, including retinol.

Retinol is generally less potent and may take longer to see results than retinoids, which are often prescribed. Different retinol concentrations are available, with higher concentrations having more potent effects. Retinoids are more potent and often provide faster and more dramatic results. Still, they can also carry an increased risk of side effects such as skin irritation, dryness, and increased sensitivity to the sun.

As an over-the-counter product, you can start using over-the-counter retinol-based creams or serums. It is often recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it as the skin develops a tolerance. Retinoids are generally available by prescription. A dermatologist can advise the best type and concentration according to the needs of individual skin.

Once applied, retinol undergoes a two-step conversion process to retinoic acid, the active form that the skin can use. It is first converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid. Prescription retinoids, like tretinoin, are or are closer to a form of retinoic acid, so they are more robust and provide faster results. When considering taking retinol or a retinoid, it is essential to consult a dermatologist.

What is the difference between tretinoin and retinoid?

But all tretinoins are retinoids, but not all retinoids are tretinoin. Tretinoin is a specific, intense form of retinoid that requires a prescription.

Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are derivatives of vitamin A or are chemically related to it. They are used in medicine and skin care for their ability to alter the growth of epithelial cells. This broad class includes over-the-counter products (such as retinol) and prescription drugs (such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene).

Tretinoin is a particular type of retinoid. This is the generic name for prescription synthetic retinoic acid. Tretinoin is directly active when applied to the skin because it is already in retinoic acid. This makes it more robust than other retinoids, such as retinol, which the skin must convert to retinoic acid to become active.

Can retinol be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription?

Yes, retinol can usually be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription. It is available in many skin care products, such as creams, serums, and lotions.

You can see our range of products with retinol at the link below:

https://www.moja-lekarna.com/iskanje?q=retinol

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