Retin A, Retinol, Tretinoin, Retinoid, Vitamin A………sounds like a word scramble, right? What does this product do for our skin? Do I need to add this to my skin regimen? Here is a simple breakdown.
Why do we need this product?
In order to keep our skin smooth and looking healthy, it is important to promote skin cell turnover by speeding up cell death and cell renewal. What does this mean? The skin cells on our face need to ‘shed’ to encourage new skin cells to appear. This product encourages this cycle to happen quicker than our body naturally does it.
Why do we want this to happen quicker than normal?
If you are struggling with acne, brown spots (hyperpigmentation), sun damaged skin, wrinkles or lack collagen, incorporating this to your skin regimen is vital.
Now the difference between the ‘names’:
1. Retin A- this is the BRAND name for Tretinoin. Retin A is a prescription. It is stronger/more potent and works faster than Retinol.
2. Tretinoin- this is the GENERIC name for Retin-A. Tretinoin is a prescription. It is stronger/more potent than Retinol.
3. Retinol- this is a form of Vitamin A. It is available over the counter. This is not as strong as Retin A or Tretinoin.
4. Retinoid- this is a form of Vitamin A. This is a prescription. Examples of this: Retin A and Tretinoin.
Moral of the story – start on one of these 2-3 times a week, in the evening. If you get ‘too dry’ from using it, decrease the amount you put on your face and/or decrease it to 1-2 times a week, in the evening.
Hope you enjoyed your insight in aesthetic medicine with Higher Self Aesthetics
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