Though retinoids and retinol have similar sounds, but there lies a huge difference between them. They are an important part of beauty and cosmetic products. Both of them are two different forms of vitamin A. They both provide the best results for anti-aging. But their time frame may differ. Retinoids are approved by FDA and they are only available with a prescription of doctor. The retinol can be easily accessible over the counters.
The main difference between retinoids and retinol is beneath:
• Vitamin A:-They both are derived from vitamin A. But they are different due to slight change in their molecular structures. When it comes to retinols, there molecular structure makes them convert a little slow. Long story short, all retinols can be termed as retinoids but not all retinoids can be called retinols.
• Time frame and strength:-Generally, retinols are weaker than retinoids. This is because in retinoids there is a higher concentration of the product and also their molecule structure of vitamin A makes them turn the skin cells at a faster pace than retinol.
Retinol can also produce the same results, with the exception that they have a lower concentration and also there molecular structure makes them take longer period of time then retinoids to turn over skin cells. Still, they tend to bear effective results.
• FDA approval:-Retinoids are approved by FDA, which stands for Food and Drug Administration. They have been proven best in treating acne. Their effectiveness has been tested in clinical trials. Most retinoids can only be accessed after the prescription of a doctor.
• OCT availability of retinol:- There are plethora of products in which retinol is present. But it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Still, it is easily available on the counter. Also, it is often suggested by dermatologists for the prevention and reversal of signs of aging and acne. Different products vary from each other regarding their concentrations. Less concentration of retinoids makes them less effective.
Which one wins the race: retinoids or retinol?
Generally, most people tend to be inclined for retinol but as it takes longer so they have to wait for the appearance of the anti-aging results. Retinoids may only be useful if a person is suffering from severe acne. This is because the high concentration can cause faster turnover of skin cells, which delivers faster results. Also, one has to visit a dermatologist in order to get access to retinoids. That’s why retinols are better, because they are easily available on the counter.
But no matter what, both of them are important for skincare. Both of them are proven clinically for best treatment of wrinkles, acne, and other skin issues. They can speed up skin cells’ turnover, stimulate growth of collagen fibers and decrease skin inflammation. Retinoids are known for their antioxidant property and hence they give stellar results when fighting wrinkles. Both of them are somewhat related, but they are not exactly clones of each other.
