kisszael
Iron
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Both are topical retinoids, but they differ a lot in targeting, efficacy, side effects, and tolerability.
1. Selectivity & Precision
Tretinoin → A first-generation retinoid. It activates all three retinoic acid receptors (RAR-α, RAR-β, RAR-γ).
Trifarotene → A fourth-generation retinoid and the first RAR-γ selective retinoid.
Since RAR-γ is the most abundant receptor in facial skin, trifarotene works more precisely where it's needed.
This means better efficacy at lower concentrations and potentially fewer side effects.
2. Better for Body & Back Acne:
Tretinoin mainly focuses on facial acne, and its effectiveness on thicker body skin is limited.
Trifarotene was specifically designed and clinically tested for both face and trunk (chest, back, shoulders).
Studies show significant improvements in body acne within 12 weeks.
3. Faster, Smoother Results:
Because trifarotene targets RAR-γ directly, it promotes:
Faster skin turnover
More efficient clogged pore clearing
Better collagen stimulation
Users often report seeing initial improvements in 6–8 weeks vs 10–12 weeks for tretinoin.
4. Reduced Irritation & Dryness:
Tretinoin’s broad receptor activation often causes redness, peeling, stinging, especially in the first 4–6 weeks.
Trifarotene, being RAR-γ selective, tends to cause less dryness and irritation while still delivering strong results.
Ideal for sensitive skin users or those who struggled with tretinoin purging.
5. Photostability Advantage:
Tretinoin degrades quickly in sunlight, meaning it must be used at night and loses potency if exposed.
Trifarotene has better photostability → meaning it holds up better against light exposure.
Still recommended at night, but you get stronger, more consistent results.
6. Better for Pigmentation & Texture:
Trifarotene’s precise activity stimulates even collagen remodeling, making it better for:
1. Post-acne marks
2. Uneven texture
3. Mild scars
It also has a slightly stronger depigmenting effect compared to tretinoin.
Only con I've experienced so far is the pricing of this thing but it can be handled by using it carefully
QUICK NOTE:
PLS ASK YOUR DOCTOR/DERMATOLOGIST BEFORE USING ANY TOPICAL CREAMS AND RETINOIDS!
IK this thread isnchat gpt ahh but alright its not bs!!
Thank you for reading this thread!
1. Selectivity & Precision
Tretinoin → A first-generation retinoid. It activates all three retinoic acid receptors (RAR-α, RAR-β, RAR-γ).
Trifarotene → A fourth-generation retinoid and the first RAR-γ selective retinoid.
Since RAR-γ is the most abundant receptor in facial skin, trifarotene works more precisely where it's needed.
This means better efficacy at lower concentrations and potentially fewer side effects.
2. Better for Body & Back Acne:
Tretinoin mainly focuses on facial acne, and its effectiveness on thicker body skin is limited.
Trifarotene was specifically designed and clinically tested for both face and trunk (chest, back, shoulders).
Studies show significant improvements in body acne within 12 weeks.
3. Faster, Smoother Results:
Because trifarotene targets RAR-γ directly, it promotes:
Faster skin turnover
More efficient clogged pore clearing
Better collagen stimulation
Users often report seeing initial improvements in 6–8 weeks vs 10–12 weeks for tretinoin.
4. Reduced Irritation & Dryness:
Tretinoin’s broad receptor activation often causes redness, peeling, stinging, especially in the first 4–6 weeks.
Trifarotene, being RAR-γ selective, tends to cause less dryness and irritation while still delivering strong results.
Ideal for sensitive skin users or those who struggled with tretinoin purging.
5. Photostability Advantage:
Tretinoin degrades quickly in sunlight, meaning it must be used at night and loses potency if exposed.
Trifarotene has better photostability → meaning it holds up better against light exposure.
Still recommended at night, but you get stronger, more consistent results.
6. Better for Pigmentation & Texture:
Trifarotene’s precise activity stimulates even collagen remodeling, making it better for:
1. Post-acne marks
2. Uneven texture
3. Mild scars
It also has a slightly stronger depigmenting effect compared to tretinoin.
Only con I've experienced so far is the pricing of this thing but it can be handled by using it carefully
QUICK NOTE:
PLS ASK YOUR DOCTOR/DERMATOLOGIST BEFORE USING ANY TOPICAL CREAMS AND RETINOIDS!
IK this thread isnchat gpt ahh but alright its not bs!!
Thank you for reading this thread!
