Difference between retin a and retinol?

[Walnutcakelover]

Thats it really, I'm guessing retin a is better and stronger.

[lurkingaround]

Yes, Retin-A is stronger, and the delivery system of the active product is pretty much guaranteed. Both are Vit A derivatives, retinol is a much weaker derivative. Both cause increased cell turnover but Retin A is prescription, and the ingredients are stable. With Retinol, the ingredients are not so stable, and by the time you get to putting it on your face, you really don't know how much active ingredient is in the product.

That's my understanding of it.

[Walnutcakelover]

Thanks lurking it's just I read somewhere that retinol is better for you long term then retin a.

[lurkingaround]

That's interesting, I wonder what that was Walnut? Can you remember the logic behind it?

[Walnutcakelover]

This one, was the one I read, but I have read another article saying the same thing lurking sorry for the late reply.
ncnskincare.com/blog/2012/05/retinol-or-retin-a-whats-the-difference

[lurkingaround]

Interesting, I haven't come across that theory before. I wonder is there any evidence to back up her claim. If I get time later I'll have a look around. I'm not convinced tho.

[Walnutcakelover]

Let us know if you find anything interesting lurking I am interested aswell. I have been using retin a for the last three days, but I have also ordered 0.5 retinol cream from the skinceuticals range, the way my skin feels, I think i will give the retin a rest. I will probably use it once a week and use the retinol on the other days, as it is not so strong.

[lurkingaround]

Have only managed to get around to having a look around. I really can't find anything to confirm that theory about Retinol being better longterm. Someone else here might know more but I can find nothing except that Retinol is not as effective as retin-a.

I am re-trying retin-a. I dilute it with my moisturiser I:4 initially, for as long as it takes to get used to it. Then I:2, and hopefully full strength. It'll prob take a few months, and I think (given my last attempt at trying it) that I may not ever be able to use it more than 3 or 4 times a week. I gave up on it last time.

[Walnutcakelover]

lurking I am giving up on it, and giving the skinceuticals 0.5% retinol a go. I only used the retin a for about 4-5 days, and my skin is super sensitive, extremely dry and it stings everytime i put moisturiser on it, it's a horrible feeling, i don't really want to ruin my face, maybe i am being abit negative about it.

[lurkingaround]

I found it impossible to get used to last time, so I know where you are Walnut. I'm not sure I'll tolerate it this time, but I'm going to take it really slowly and give it up to May/June. I really think I might get no more use than twice or 3 times a week at best. But apparently that still has a good effect.

Maybe let your skin recover and try again?

[Walnutcakelover]

Yes I probably will try again in the winter, my skin is super sensitive spring/summer.x