What is Retinol?
Retinol is part of a group of compounds called retinoids. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A or similar to it, depending on the exact compound. They have long been known for their effects on the skin. Originally, it was used for acne, so if you’re looking for a product for anti-aging and acne, this might be the thing for you! Since that time, retinol has been used for other skin conditions, such as wrinkles and aging skin.
How does it work?
Retinol helps your skin in a variety of ways. It helps with new skin cell growth and thickens the layer of skin that is the start of wrinkles. For brown spots, it takes them off and helps prevent new ones.
What is the difference between Retinol and Retin A?
Retinol and Retin A are very similar products. You’ve likely seen the term Retinol A around, am I right? I know I have. Retinol A is the term that many people use when referring to Retin A, so don’t worry if Retin A sounded unfamiliar! Retin A is the name of a prescription strength retinoid. There are several prescription products and many different over-the-counter products so you can find the right one for you.
Which to choose?
A concern that you may have heard with retinol is that it causes irritation, which I know we all want to avoid. Retinol can cause some irritation, but that shouldn’t be something that occurs long term. Prescription strength retinoids are stronger, so they work quicker, but may be more likely to cause irritation. Over-the-counter varieties are less likely to cause irritation, but they take longer to see their effect. Retinoids should be used at night, so make this a part of your nightly routine. All recommendations I’ve seen say that we should add this retinol to our anti-aging routine in our 30s.
If you’re looking for a retinol cream to add to your anti-aging routine, check out our list of Best Anti-Aging Creams for 2016. Two of them are products with retinol and the rest are great, too!
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