The gold standard of anti-aging. Understand conversion pathways, strength equivalents, and how to choose the right retinoid for your skin.
"Retinoids" is the umbrella term for all Vitamin A derivatives. They're the most well-researched anti-aging ingredients we have—decades of clinical studies prove they increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen, and treat acne. But not all retinoids are equal.
Key concept: All retinoids must convert to retinoic acid to work. The fewer conversions needed, the stronger (and more irritating) the retinoid.
Each arrow = one conversion step in your skin. More steps = gentler but slower results.
2
Over-the-counter
0.25% - 1%
1
Over-the-counter
0.025% - 0.1%
Retinaldehyde is just one conversion step from retinoic acid—making it up to 11x more potent than retinol in some studies. Yet it tends to be better tolerated than tretinoin. It also has direct antibacterial effects against acne bacteria.
0
Prescription only
0.025% - 0.1%
Tretinoin is the active form—no conversion needed. It has the most clinical evidence of any retinoid for treating photoaging, acne, and hyperpigmentation. But with great power comes great irritation potential.
Research shows 0.025% tretinoin can be as effective as 0.1% for anti-aging with less irritation—higher isn't always better.
"Retinization" is the adjustment period when your skin adapts to retinoids. It's not damage—it's your skin recalibrating its cell turnover rate. Symptoms typically include:
Redness
Peeling
Dryness
Sensitivity
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information presented is based on generally accepted skincare science, but individual results may vary. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine, especially if you have existing skin conditions.
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