whats the difference between retinol and tretinoin

[low.inhib]

Never understood the difference between these two

 

[slightlycarried]

both are forms of vitamin a, tret is retinoic acid and works instantly typically (prescription needed + stronger ), retinol is otc, and a more mild version, plus needs to be converted still (unlike tret)

 

[sirmimbing]

A simple google search will tell you. Tretinoin is stronger which means more effectiveness but also more potential sensitivity, which makes it available only as a prescription. Retinol needs to be converted twice until its the active form of retinoic acid to actually work on your skin, which makes it less potent and slower.

Practically this means start with retinol if you haven't tried a retinoid before, or if you have a mild acne/skin issues. If you have a lot of acne you might wanna contact a doctor to get tretinoin or even something oral like an oral antibiotic or accutane.

 

[low.inhib]

A simple google search will tell you. Tretinoin is stronger which means more effectiveness but also more potential sensitivity, which makes it available only as a prescription. Retinol needs to be converted twice until its the active form of retinoic acid to actually work on your skin, which makes it less potent and slower.

Practically this means start with retinol if you haven't tried a retinoid before, or if you have a mild acne/skin issues. If you have a lot of acne you might wanna contact a doctor to get tretinoin or even something oral like an oral antibiotic or accutane.

I was just wondering if I could start with retinol while im waiting for tretinoin to arrive or if I had to pick one

 

[sirmimbing]

I was just wondering if I could start with retinol while im waiting for tretinoin to arrive or if I had to pick one

If you've already ordered tretinoin it'd be a waste to buy retinol. Just stick to tret.