Retinoid Vs Retinol: Which Of The Two Do You Actually Need?
Vitamin A is a source of retinol and retinoids, both of which are beneficial for skin. But retinol and retinoids are two different ingredients in skin care. This differentiation is because some skin types can benefit more from one of these two active ingredients and vice versa. So what exactly is a retinoid and how is it different from retinol? Here’s everything you need to know about the difference between retinol and retinoid.
What Is A Retinoid?
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A just like retinol. But retinoids are more potent. Retinoids are prescribed by dermatologists to treat various skin concerns and only weaker forms of retinoids are available over the counter without the need of a prescription. Retinoids that are super potent which are recommended by doctors can treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, pigmentation, acne and more. Lesser powerful retinoids can also be used to treat clogged pores, wrinkles, inflammation and so on.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is derived from vitamin A. Retinol is a form of retinoid that is gentle on the skin and less potent than retinoids. Retinol is commonly used in skincare products like face serums and cleansers as they are safe to be used without needing a doctor's prescription. Retinol is a beginner-friendly form of retinoid which can be used to reverse signs of ageing, heal acne scars, and improve overall skin texture and tone.
Difference between Retinoid Vs Retinol
Which To Choose: Retinoid Vs Retinol
Retinoid and retinol aren’t the exact same thing but they aren’t entirely different too. Since retinol is easily available and safe to use even by a beginner, it is suitable to be used by all skin types to get effective anti ageing results with improvement in overall skin texture and skin tone. Anyone over the age of 25 years can use retinol at night for healthy skin.
Retinoids on the other hand are more potent and can be used to treat more troublesome skin conditions. Since retinoids should be prescribed by doctors because they are too potent to be available over the counter, consult a dermatologist for skin concerns like adult acne or pigmentation and ageing and they will most likely prescribe a retinoid product suited for your skin type and needs.
MyGlamm Recommends Product
MyGlamm 1% Retinol Age-Defying Serum
This is an amazing retinol face serum that has no side effects, only skincare benefits. Enriched with soothing aloe vera and invigorating caffeine, this 1% retinol face serum gets absorbed by the skin super quickly and penetrates deep within the skin to treat skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, pigmentation and more. It’s a miracle skincare product that is a must-have in a night skincare routine.
The difference between retinol and retinoid is distinctive yet both of these vitamin A derivatives are effective in treating most of your skin problems. Choose retinol for simple and effective treatment of common skin concerns or consult a dermat for retinoids to treat bigger skin concerns.
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