Retinol

[Hys347]

Topical or oral retinol?

 

[Zeekie]

You mean retinoid. RetiNOL is a topical type of retiNOID.

Anyway, topical or oral retinoids? Topical retinols are relatively less effective and will cause some degree of irritation to the skin, which is an issue, so oral retinoids are better since the effect is systematic, they do the job much better and won't cause irritation.

The issue with an oral retinoid like isotretinoin is the fact that they're more expensive and are usually prescription-only. Mind you, a good bunch of topical retinoids also require prescription, but at least you have over-the-counter retinoids, you don't have that with orals, you will need to see a dermatologist to take an oral retinoid.

If you can't afford the oral retinoid or can't get a prescription then just stick to topical options, they will grow, but take much longer and very consistent use. The strongest topical retinoid that is over-the-counter is adapalene (usually 0.1%), there are other options such as retinaldehyde or retinol, but these are much weaker than adapalene and frankly, not worth the money.

There are stronger topical retinoids too, like tretinoin or tazarotene, but of course, just like isotretinoin they're prescription-only. Luckily, a prescription for this is much easier to get.

 

[Hys347]

You mean retinoid. RetiNOL is a topical type of retiNOID.

Anyway, topical or oral retinoids? Topical retinols are relatively less effective and will cause some degree of irritation to the skin, which is an issue, so oral retinoids are better since the effect is systematic, they do the job much better and won't cause irritation.

The issue with an oral retinoid like isotretinoin is the fact that they're more expensive and are usually prescription-only. Mind you, a good bunch of topical retinoids also require prescription, but at least you have over-the-counter retinoids, you don't have that with orals, you will need to see a dermatologist to take an oral retinoid.

If you can't afford the oral retinoid or can't get a prescription then just stick to topical options, they will grow, but take much longer and very consistent use. The strongest topical retinoid that is over-the-counter is adapalene (usually 0.1%), there are other options such as retinaldehyde or retinol, but these are much weaker than adapalene and frankly, not worth the money.

There are stronger topical retinoids too, like tretinoin or tazarotene, but of course, just like isotretinoin they're prescription-only. Luckily, a prescription for this is much easier to get.

appreciate it