Both tretinoin and retinol come from vitamin A. They improve cell turnover, smooth texture, and boost collagen. But which one suits you best depends on your skin analysis.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is prescription-only. It is already in its active form, so it works quickly. Dermatologists often recommend it for acne, pigmentation, and fine lines. If your skin tolerates it, tretinoin delivers fast, noticeable results.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is gentler and available without prescription. It requires conversion in the skin before becoming active. This makes it less intense than tretinoin but still highly effective. We often recommend Obagi as excellent starting points. Retinol helps you build tolerance before progressing to prescription-strength tretinoin if needed.
Why Barrier Health Matters
Before introducing any retinoid, we always check for barrier dysfunction. Signs include dryness, flaking, redness, or heightened sensitivity. If the barrier is weak, we focus first on repair. Products such as Obagi Hydrate, Hydrate Luxe, and Daily Hydro-Drops strengthen the barrier and restore balance. Only once the skin is healthy do we introduce retinol or tretinoin. This staged approach minimises irritation and maximises results.
Choosing the Right Option
The difference between tretinoin and retinol lies in strength, speed, and tolerance. Tretinoin works faster but requires prescription and resilience. Retinol offers a more gradual introduction and suits sensitive skin. A professional skin analysis will help determine which product is right for your goals.
With expert guidance, both tretinoin and retinol can transform skin. The key is starting at the right level, protecting the barrier, and progressing safely.
If you want bespoke skincare advice from Dr Jessica, book in an Advanced Skincare Consultation with her and get your treatment journey started.
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