What is the difference between tretinoin and Retin-A?

Author: Araceli Bins  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Retin-A is the brand name for the medication Tretinoin. Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A and it's available only through prescription. Tretinoin is retinoic acid and is considered an active ingredient.

What is better Retin-A or tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a more potent retinoid than retinol and will show results faster. While these active ingredients both combat signs of photoaging (aka wrinkles, rough skin, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores), tretinoin-based products like Night Shift are more effective for fighting acne.

Is generic tretinoin as effective as Retin-A?

Retin-A is a brand name for the medication tretinoin. When a doctor prescribes Retin-A, the pharmacist may fill it with generic tretinoin since it's less expensive. Both brand-name and generic tretinoin have the same effects, including keeping pores clear, softening fine lines, and fading discolorations.

What percent tretinoin is Retin-A?

RETIN-A Liquid, 0.05%, and RETIN-A Gel, 0.025% and 0.01%: store below 86°F.

Should you use retinol or tretinoin?

Given that they both are designed to create peeling in the skin, retinol is usually the better option for those with very dry and/or sensitive skin. Those with serious cases of acne that require more substantial interventions may want to opt for tretinoin.

Which is Better? Retinol and Retin A? Which Should You Pick? - Dr. Anthony Youn

Is retinol stronger than tretinoin?

For the purposes of skin care, tretinoin can be thought of as a more concentrated version of retinol. This means that tretinoin is stronger than retinol. This difference in strength can help guide your decision-making when it comes to choosing a skin care product. Your skin is affected by more than what you put on it.

Why is tretinoin prescription only?

Tretinoin gel, cream, or lotion requires a prescription because it's more powerful than retinol. Doctors prescribe tretinoin to treat skin conditions like: Acne. Psoriasis.

Which tretinoin is the strongest?

1% tretinoin, or one unit of tretinoin per 100 units. The weakest cream contains . 005% tretinoin, or approximately 5% as much tretinoin as the strongest . 1% cream.

Which tretinoin is best for wrinkles?

1% tretinoin. Most anti-aging studies show that the best results usually come from moderate strength tretinoin creams, such as those that contain . 05% tretinoin.

Is tretinoin 0.025 effective for wrinkles?

Tretinoin is a medication used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin. It can't erase deep wrinkles, but it can help improve the appearance of surface wrinkles, fine lines, and darks spots.

Is retinol or tretinoin better for wrinkles?

In addition, several over-the-counter products containing retinoids, such as retinol, are available. Because they're not as strong (and thus less irritating), they are not as effective in reducing wrinkles as tretinoin; but they do improve the appearance of photo-aged skin.

Is Altreno the same as tretinoin?

Altreno (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat people with acne (blackheads, whiteheads, and other pimples). It is not known if Altreno is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age. Altreno is for use on the skin only.

Can I use tretinoin forever?

"You can use tretinoin or [over-the-counter] retinols forever."

Which form of retinol is best?

Retinoic Acid. As mentioned earlier, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoids. “This is the end point molecule that is biologically active on skin, and is therefore the strongest,” says Dr. Rabach.

What happens when you stop using tretinoin?

If you stop using the medication or are inconsistent with your treatment, any improvements you see may disappear over time. Always use the product as prescribed by your healthcare provider (Rodan, 2016).

Why do my wrinkles look worse after retinol?

First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.

Does Retin-A tighten skin under eyes?

Used regularly, retinol will also firm and smooth the skin under and around your eye.

Can I put Retin-A under my eyes?

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once. Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers.

Is tretinoin better than Botox?

On the whole, it's best to think of botox as a treatment for wrinkles that are apparent with moving facial muscles (smiling, furrowing your brow, frowning) while tretinoin can help treat the fine lines and sun spots resulting from UV exposure.

Is tazarotene stronger than tretinoin?

Tazarotene 0.1% gel (once daily) is more effective than tretinoin 0.025% gel (once daily) in reducing the numbers of papules and open comedones, and achieves a more rapid reduction in pustules in mild to moderate facial acne. Alternate-day tazarotene 0.1% gel is as effective as once-daily adapalene 0.1% gel.

Does tretinoin lighten skin?

Tretinoin Does Not “Bleach” Your Skin

Contrary to popular belief, tretinoin is not a “bleaching agent” or medicine designed specifically to lighten your skin tone. While tretinoin can even out patches of hyperpigmentation and cause a mild change in your skin tone, it doesn't affect melanin synthesis.

Will tretinoin ever be OTC?

Currently, tretinoin is only available with a prescription. If you'd like to use tretinoin to treat acne or skin aging, you'll need to talk to your healthcare provider first. We use tretinoin as an ingredient in several of our prescription skin care products, including our Customized Acne Cream and Anti-Aging Cream.

Can I use tretinoin on my neck?

Use just a pea-sized portion.

This is enough for your face. Dab a bit from this portion onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin, then smooth it around. Use another pea-sized portion for your neck or chest if you need to apply in those areas, too.

Does tretinoin plump skin?

Retinoids help mitigate those issues in a variety of ways. They thicken the epidermis through increased cell proliferation at the top level. They increase the production of natural chemicals (such as hyaluronic acid) in your skin that keep it plump and moist.

Can I use retinol in the morning and tretinoin at night?

Absolutely. The skin should always be protected during the day and restored at night. Since retinol is reparative, you should apply at night.

Previous article
How can I be hotter?
Next article
How do you know if shampoo is bad for your hair?