You've probably heard a lot about this miracle anti-wrinkle treatment — but how much of it is actually true? These derms set the records straight on retinol.
This was true until recently, but now that prescription-strength retinol is available over-the-counter, you can find products that are equally effective. "Adapalene, which up until last year required a prescription, is the active ingredient in certain over-the-counter brands, and can be used to treat acne and acts as an anti-aging product," says Dr. Nazarian. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, $11.19, is one such product that's easily available (and pretty darn effective to boot).
Retinols are for older women who need to get rid of wrinkles
"This myth probably came about from advertising campaigns showing older women using retinols for their aging skin, but the reality is that retinol can be used in teenagers, young adults and people of all ages," says Dr. Nazarian. "It helps dissolve blackheads, fights the formation of pimples and softens signs of aging." Given its many positive attributes, you may just want to consider making retinol a central player in your skin care routine (unless you're pregnant or breastfeeding, of course).
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Retin A is the same as retinol
While retinol, retinoids and Retin-A are all forms of vitamin A, they work differently. "Retinol is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that is found in over-the-counter treatments," explains Dr. Schlessinger. "In order to work effectively, retinol must be converted to retinoic acid by the skin." Retin-A, on the other hand, is the name brand of tretinoin, or prescription-strength retinol. It already contains retinoic acid and begins to work immediately in skin for faster results — no conversion necessary.
