What’s the difference between A313 and Medik8 3TR?

[TheWindRises]

I have A313 but the Medik8 one has been recommended to me. I am easily confused when it comes to retinols, please can someone explain if/how they are different?!

Thank you!

They're different derivative types of the active ingredient tretinoic acid. All derivatives require at least one conversion step to become tretinoic acid (losing strength at each step). Retinaldehyde (Medik8 also does a good version of that, I'd go for that over the classic retinol, personally, provided you're not super sensitive) requires the least steps (one), retinol requires two iirc and the derivative in A313 requires at least 3 iirc. The more steps the less irritating therefore gentler and easier to tolerate it is but it also loses some efficacy along the way.

Conversely, I always found A313 a good 'excavator' so effective if pore size and gunk getting stuck them are an issue but it lacked the other benefits retinoids are known for. Retinols tend to be an in between, good overall results but difficult to distinguish as the improvement is slow and you get used to them so you don't see very drastic differences in a short period of time.

Ahh ok that makes sense! Yes I do think the A313 is mild but I have been scared of having a reaction as I used to have very sensitive facial skin when I was younger. Thank you!