Tretinoin has long been touted as the ultimate anti-aging skin care product. With years of research behind it and growing popularity on social media, you may be wondering, “Do I need tretinoin?” Or is retinol enough?
If you’re wondering whether tretinoin should be part of your skin care routine, you’re not alone. To answer that question, we consulted: certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang.
About tretinoin and retinol
“Tretinoin is one of the most studied and effective ingredients in dermatology,” says Dr. Farhan.
Simply put, “Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoic acid. It’s powerful and, in addition to anti-aging, it’s also used to treat acne.” It stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover.
Retinol, on the other hand, is a weak over-the-counter product that takes longer to see results, but is much more tolerable for people with sensitive skin.
One of the big myths that discourages many people from using tretinoin is that it “thins the skin.” Dr. Farhan says it’s likely due to the infamous “purge” phase brought about by accelerated cell turnover. However, Dr. Farhan says this stage is temporary and should last only a few weeks. She recommends starting with a low concentration of tretinoin several times a week, avoiding the use of other active or exfoliating ingredients, and doubling up on moisturizer.
