Retinol may increase photosensitivity. For this reaosn is it important to always use a high-protection, broad spectrum sunscreen when using this product.

A retinoid is any chemical compound derived or chemically related to vitamin A that binds to retinoic acid receptors. Retinoid represents a class of ingredients derived from Vitamin A and may refer to both prescription and dermocosmetic forms. Retinol is technically also a retinoid, but its pathway to retinoic acid is a bit different. As the -ol ending in the name suggests, retinol is chemically the alcohol form of vitamin A. Applied topically, retinol will eventually convert to the more active retinoic acid in the skin, but retinol must first undergo two conversion steps. This conversion process slows and lessens the intensity of the retinoid making retinol one of the more well-tolerated and popular over-the-counter retinoids for wrinkles.

A retinoid will have different side effects depending upon the form of vitamin A and the concentration or activity of the formula. For example, for prescription retinoids such as creams with tretinoin, the skin may sting or itch, become red and/or become unusually dry. Peeling of the skin may occur after just a few days of use with prescription retinoids. For this reason, a dermatologist may suggest mixing prescription retinoids with a cream or applying the retinoid in a staggered schedule to allow the skin to adjust.

For dermocosmetic formulas of retinoid, there may be a spectrum of side effects ranging from no side effects to lesser forms of the same side effects seen in use of prescription retinoids.⁴ Formulas containing retinol are generally stronger in the skin than a retinoid cream or serum containing only vitamin A esters, such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate and retinyl linoleate. However, because retinol, the alcohol form of vitamin A, is very unstable and prone to oxidation, the formula and packaging of a retinol product is important to the efficacy of the retinoid cream or serum. Although it’s difficult to assess a competent delivery system simply by reading an ingredient label, it is easy to spot packaging that does not protect a retinoid product from oxidation and UV exposure. When selecting retinoids for wrinkles or a retinoid for acne choose products in a UV-protective tube or pump.

Typically, retinoids are incorporated into a nighttime skincare regimen. Some formulations, such as retinoid for acne will be more efficacious if applied at night when the skin undergoes a renewal cycle. Prescription retinoids are quite active in the skin and may cause additional sensitivity if combined with sun exposure in the morning.

Retinol is the alcohol form of vitamin A, hence the “-ol” at the end of the word retinol. It is a form of vitamin A, but is also used as a synonym for vitamin A which creates some confusion. The important factor to remember when it comes to retinoid use for the skin is that all forms of vitamin A must be converted by the body into the most active form, retinoic acid, in order to be used. The amount of conversion steps it takes to reach retinoic acid is an accurate way to judge the intensity of a retinoid. For example, prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are already in the most active, acidic form, retinoic acid, which accounts for the aggressive action in the skin. Retinol, on the other hand, undergoes two conversions in the skin before becoming retinoic acid, making it less prone to irritating the skin. Even more gentle are the vitamin A esters, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate and retinyl linoleate, all of which must undergo a 3-part conversion process in the skin. It’s important to also acknowledge the role of a skincare formulation in the efficacy of a product. For example, a product with a high percentage of retinol, but formulated with subpar delivery and stability, will not be as “strong” on the skin as a well formulated product with a lower percentage of retinol.

When considering any active skincare product, it’s best to consult with a skincare professional who can accurately assess the skin. However, sometimes that is not possible. In these cases, it’s best to start by choosing a formula appropriate for your skin type that contains concentrated forms of vitamin A esters (retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate or retinyl linoleate), or is a blend of vitamin A esters with retinol. In the beginning, use the retinoid product every 3 nights and slowly increase the frequency according to the skin’s tolerance. After 4-6 months, or when the skin is tolerating nightly use of a retinoid cream or serum, upgrade to a more concentrated retinol product and repeat the slow introduction process of staggered use. The final step may be the addition of prescription retinoids if perscribed by a medical professional which should also be introduced slowly to allow the skin to adjust.

The short answer is nothing. There is no negative side effect that occurs when you stop using retinol. However, the positive effects of the retinol will diminish and the return of the original conditions which prompted the use of retinol in the first place will return. For example, if retinol was used to manage mild breakouts or improve aging in the skin, those conditions may return.

The most common prescription retinoids contain tretinoin, the acidic form of vitamin A, or retinoic acid. The most common prescription retinoids in the US are Retin-A® and Renova®. More recently, newer forms of retinoid such as tazarotene and adapalene have become increasingly more popular. Now available over-the-counter under the name Differin®, adapalene offers a more gentle, but effective, retinoid for acne. Tazarotene, available as Tazorac® has been shown to perform as well as the prescription retinoids of tretinoin, but is also used in the treatment of psoriasis as it slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation. ⁵

Retinol can be layered with other products to augment a skincare routine. Using a moisturizer along with a retinol product will help address the dryness that often occurs when using a retinoid. For skin that is unaccustomed or sensitive to retinoid, a moisturizer may be used as a buffer by applying the moisturizer first, followed by the retinol or retinoid cream or product. This technique may also be applied to creams with tretinoin or any prescription retinoids.