Lipstick was once a girl’s best friend. Today, however, the spot is reserved for retinol, skincare’s answer to Superwoman. When it comes to defence against fine lines, stimulating collagen production, and maintaining a healthy glow, there’s no ingredient in skincare more lauded. So if your skincare routine doesn’t include a retinol product, your skin is seriously missing out. They are like the gold standard in anti-ageing skincare.
Once you start looking into adding retinol into your skincare routine, however, things can start to get confusing. Some people throw around the words ‘retinol’ and ‘retinoic acid’ like they’re interchangeable, but these are not the same. Think of them as cousins, not clones – they are related but different. The two have led to more head-scratching than Kylie Jenner’s actual next worth, and that is understandable. So how are you supposed to know the difference between retinol and retinoic acid, and how do you know which one is right for you? Keep swiping for your download on the two superstar ingredients.
What Is Retinoic Acid?
At its core, retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A derivatives are also known as retinoids, and they have many functions in the body, including immune function, visual function, and cell growth. In form of retinoic acid, retinoids are key to smoother skin. They lead to increased cell turnover, speed up the elimination of sebum from the skin, loosen the connection between cells, and prevent Keratosis. It also inhibits the degradation of collagen while stimulating collagen production.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is similar to that retinoic acid and offers the same skin benefits, but it’s not biologically active.
Retinol Vs Retinoic Acid: What’s The Difference?
As retinol is a few chemical reactions away from the biologically active form of retinoid aka retinoic acid, its action is slower and gentle as compared to retinoic acid. The tradeoff is that it’s less potent than retinoic acid but is gentler on the skin. In contrast to retinol, retinoic acid requires a prescription, so retinol is much easier to try out if you want to mix in a retinoid. There are a plethora of powerhouse retinol out there to try if you’re retinoid-curious. Keep scrolling for superstar products that might be your ticket to supple, smooth, and even-textured skin.
For Out-Of-This-World Skin, We Recommend These Retinol Products
This Retinol Serum Is OMG!
MyGlamm has quickly gained a cult following for selling effective ingredients at pocket-friendly prices. This is a brand that prides itself on its eco-friendly and consumer honesty, something they proved when they launched their Retinol Serum which gives better results against signs of ageing without aggravating the skin. You’ll love the lightweight consistency, and you’ll see major results.
Truly Worth-The-Money
It may be pricey, but fans of this clean, nourishing retinol oil are willing to spend – so much that it’s sold out on multiple occasions. This beloved oil uses trans-retinoic acid ester, a gentler form of retinol that’s super effective at softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s legit a cocktail for even-toned, smoother, and all-around glowing skin.
All We Can Say Is WOW!
Leave it to St. Botanica to have high-powered retinol that delivers noticeable results. This cream is formulated with high concentrations of retinol along with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, which means you get tons of benefits from it, including exfoliation, anti-ageing, and more even skin tone.
You glow girl!
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