What Are Retinoids? Understanding Retinol vs Retinoid Ingredients for Skincare

Have you heard a lot of buzz around retinoids lately? There's no doubt they're quickly becoming a staple in skincare routines everywhere. If you're wondering whether this is just another trend, it isn't. A retinoid is a great solution for anyone seeking more youthful or glowing skin. Better yet, their effectiveness in tackling everything from fine lines to severe acne is backed by science. 

Then when you throw retinol into the mix - which has a similar name and is also celebrated as a skincare hero - it's easy to get confused. At The Secret Skincare, we believe making clear, informed decisions is the key to achieving the skin of your dreams. That's why we're here to break down everything you need to know about retinol vs retinoids. 

Retinol vs Retinoids: So, what’s the difference?

Simply put, retinoids are the umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives, including retinol. While they share some similarities, they vary in strength and application.

What is Retinol

Retinol is the gentler, over-the-counter option, which makes it a popular choice if you're new to the world of vitamin A products. This is the one to reach for if you're looking to improve your skin texture, brighten your complexion, or reduce the appearance of fine lines.

What Are Retinoids

On the other hand, prescription-strength retinoids are meticulously crafted to tackle challenging skin conditions like severe acne or more advanced signs of ageing, however is also a great option for general skin health - the aim is for your skin to be working at optimal condition (meaning it doesn’t over-produce oil, causing breakouts, or melanin, causing pigmentation) and retinoids are most effective in doing so.

Retinol vs Retinoids 

Aspect	Retinol	Retinoid
Type	Over-the-counter vitamin A derivative	Prescription-strength vitamin A derivatives
Strength	Milder, suitable for beginners and sensitive skin	Stronger, suitable for more targeted treatments
Application	General anti-aging, brightening, improving texture	Treating severe acne, advanced anti-aging
Results timeline	Several weeks to months	Faster results, typically within weeks
Possible side effects	Mild irritation, dryness in some cases	Irritation, peeling, dryness
Recommended For	New users, sensitive skin, gradual improvement	Experienced users, those with specific concerns
Application Frequency	Start with 2-3 times per week, then gradually increase	Usually recommended to start slow, as directed by a skincare professional

 

How to properly use retinoids: Application tips and best practices

Incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine can lead to amazing results, however, it's important to use them correctly to avoid irritation and maximise the benefits. That may look a little something like this:

Start slowly

Begin by applying your Vitamin A cream every other night. This helps your skin gradually adjust to the active ingredient. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might even start with every third night. Your personalised treatment plan from The Secret Skincare will guide you on the best frequency.

Apply to clean, dry skin

A retinoid product like tretinoin works best when applied directly to clean, dry skin. Avoid layering other products with it to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimise the risk of reactions.

Use only a pea-sized amount

Trust us, a little goes a long way with retinoids. Even if you’re used to applying quite generous amounts of night cream, stick to a pea-sized amount to avoid overdoing it.

Support your skin with the right products

Retinoids can cause a little dryness, especially in the beginning. During the day, be sure to use hydrating serums, moisturisers, and non-stripping cleansers to maintain your skin’s moisture balance. And don’t forget—SPF 50+ is non-negotiable, as retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun!

Avoid combining them with certain ingredients

Make sure you stay away from products containing benzoyl peroxide, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) while you're using retinoids. These ingredients can be too harsh when used together, land can lead to excessive dryness or irritation.

Listen to your skin

Your skin’s needs can change over time. It's important to pay attention to how your skin responds to retinoids and adjust your routine accordingly. This allows you to make informed decisions and keep your complexion healthy and happy.

Products to avoid when using retinol or retinoids

When you're comparing retinol vs retinoid products, the main thing they have in common is that you need to avoid combining them with incompatible products. Retinoids can increase the sensitivity of the skin, so it's important to pair your retinoids with gentle, hydrating products and steer clear of these ingredients:

Exfoliants

Physical scrubs can irritate your skin when it's already trying to adjust to retinoids, causing redness and peeling

AHAs and BHAs

Ingredients such as glycolic and salicylic acid are too harsh when used in tandem with retinoids. This mix can cause dryness and irritation.

Benzoyl peroxide

This acne treatment can deactivate the good done by your retinoids and cause excessive dryness

The Secret Skincare’s Recommended Night Formulas

When integrating retinoids into your skincare routine, it’s essential to pair them with products that enhance their effectiveness while addressing your skin’s unique needs. At The Secret Skincare, we’ve developed medical-grade formulas with active ingredients that harmonise with the powerful effects of Vitamin A derivatives.

For those targeting pigmentation, fine lines, and signs of ageing, our Night Cream is expertly designed to synergistically reduce dark spots and even out skin tone, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion.

The delicate eye area often requires special attention. Incorporating an Eye Treatment is crucial to complement your overall skincare routine, reducing puffiness and smoothing fine lines—ensuring your eyes look refreshed and youthful by morning.

At The Secret Skincare, each formula is personalised for your own unique skin concerns and goals. 

FAQs about retinol vs retinoids

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about retinol vs retinoid products:

What are retinoids?

'Retinoids' is the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives, used in skincare to reduce wrinkles, treat acne, and improve overall skin texture. They work by stimulating the production of collagen and increasing cell turnover. Prescription retinoids are stronger and often used for severe acne and advanced signs of aging.

What is retinol?

Retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid that is milder than prescription retinoids. Due to its more gentle nature, Retinol is suitable for beginners or sensitive skin.

Which is better, retinol or retinoid?

On the matter of retinol vs retinoids, it really comes down to your specific skin concerns. Retinol is gentler and suitable for people new to vitamin A skincare, while stronger retinoids are better for more extreme cases of acne or deeper wrinkles.

Should I use retinol every night?

It's a good idea to begin using retinol 2-3 times per week and monitoring how your skin responds. You can then gradually increase it as it becomes clear that your skin can tolerate it.

Are retinoids safe to use, and how should I incorporate them into my skincare routine?

Retinoids are safe when used correctly. At The Secret Skincare, our doctors guide you on how to incorporate retinoids into your routine safely. They’ll provide tailored advice to help you use these powerful ingredients effectively while minimising the risk of irritation. Always follow the guidance of a professional to achieve the best results for your skin.

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So, there you have it. In the great debate of retinol vs retinoids, the right choice ultimately comes down to your skin type and what you're looking to achieve. Both product types have the power to play a valuable role in your skincare routine, whether you're seeking the gentle touch or you're in need of some more powerful ingredients.

Are you looking for retinoid cream in Australia? We welcome you to discover more about our brand; who we are and why we do. We'd even like to invite you to our Secret Society so you can stay in the loop with what we're up to. And, of course, be sure to check out our journal for tips and tricks on putting your best face forward every day. If you find yourself with any questions, take our skin quiz, consult our handy FAQs, or reach out to the friendly team today.