Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction questions
What’s the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are both types of retinoids or ingredients that are often used in anti-aging products. Retinol requires 2 conversions before it can be used by the skin, while retinal requires only 1 conversion. This means that retinal is more potent than retinol. However, retinal can also more irritating than retinol.
What is the strongest retinoid?
Tretinoin is the strongest natural retinoid available. It is the only retinoid that the skin can use directly, while other retinoids require at least 1 step of conversion before they can be absorbed by the skin.
Tazarotene, a synthetic retinoid that isn’t talked about as much as tretinoin, is actually more potent than tretinoin. However, because it is newer, there is less research on its anti-aging benefits. It gets converted after being absorbed in the skin.
What are the side effects of retinoids?
Retinoids can cause side effects such as redness, peeling, and irritation. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed by using the product less frequently or using a lower concentration of the retinoid.
Can retinoids help with acne?
Yes, retinoids can help with acne by increasing cell turnover and reducing inflammation.
Are retinoids taken orally or applied topically?
Retinoids can be taken orally or applied topically. Oral retinoids are often used to treat severe acne, while topical retinoids are used in anti-aging products and acne treatments. An example of an oral retinoid is Accutane and an example of a topical retinoid is tretinoin.
Which retinoids require a prescription in the EU?
Each country of the European Union has its own rules regarding which retinoids require a prescription. In most countries in the European Union, retinoids are regulated as followed:
Natural retinoids
- Retinoic acid (tretinoin) — requires a prescription, except in Greece, Poland, Romania
- Retinaldehyde (retinal) — no prescription required
- Retinol (vitamin A) — no prescription required
Synthetic retinoids
- Tazarotene — requires a prescription, except in Greece, Poland, Spain
- Adapalene (Differin) — requires a prescription
Using retinoids
Can I use benzoyl peroxide with retinoids?
Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic agent that is used to treat acne by killing bacteria. When combined with a retinoid, it can increase skin sentivity and lead to dryness and irritation. So it is not recommended to combine benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid.
Can I use salicylic acid with retinoids?
Salicylic acid is best absorbed by the skin at lower pH levels. By combining it with a retinoid, the pH level of the skin can increase, making the salicylic acid less effective. The side effects of retinoids can also be increased when being used with salicylic acid.
Can I use vitamin C with retinoids?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from free radicals. When combined with a retinoid, the pH level of the skin can increase, making the vitamin C less effective. The side effects of retinoids can also be increased when being used with vitamin C.
Should I use retinoids in the morning or at night?
Retinoids should be used at night because they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Using retinoids at night and sunscreen during the day is the best way to use retinoids.
Do I need to use sunscreen when using retinoids?
Yes, it is important to use sunscreen when using retinoids because they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Using sunscreen can help protect the skin from sun damage.
Can I use retinoids on damp skin or wet skin?
Many dermatologists recommend applying retinoids to dry skin instead of damp or wet skin. When washing your face or cleansing your skin, your pores are open and can absorb more of the retinoid. This can increase the risk of irritation. Applying retinoids to dry skin can help reduce the risk of irritation.
