What Are The Types Of Retinoid And Where To Start?

Retinol vs Retinal vs Tretinoin: Which Retinoid Is Right for Your Skin?

If you've ever stood in the skincare aisle (or scrolled online) thinking, okaywhat's the difference between retinol, retinal, and tretinoin?You're not alone. They're all part of the retinoid family (vitamin A derivatives), and they're some of the most useful ingredients we have for concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines/wrinkles, and rough texture.

The trick is choosing the right one for your skinespecially if you're sensitive.

In this guide, we'll break it down and give you simple ways to start (without wrecking your skin barrier).

First: what do retinoids actually do?

Retinoids help your skin behave a little more youthfully by:

• Increasing cell turnover (helps with clogged pores, breakouts, and dullness)

• Supporting collagen (helps with fine lines and wrinkles over time)

• Improving texture and tone (helps with roughness and uneven pigmentation)

They're not an overnight fixbut used consistently, they can be a game-changer.

The retinoid family tree(quick definitions):

• Retinoid: The umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives used in skincare (over-the-counter and prescription).

• Retinol (OTC): A common cosmetic retinoid. Your skin must convert it into the active form.

• Retinal / Retinaldehyde (OTC): Closer to the active form than retinol, so it often works faster and can feel stronger.

• Tretinoin (Rx): Also called retinoic acidthe active form your skin ultimately uses.

Why conversion stepsmatter (and why strength differs)

Here's the easiest way to understand strength: your skin's active retinoid is retinoic acid. Some retinoids need to be converted into that active form inside your skin.

The usual pathway looks like this:

Retinol --> Retinal (retinaldehyde) --> Retinoic acid (tretinoin)

So in general:

• Retinol: 2 steps away so usually gentler, slower results

• Retinal: 1 step away and typically stronger/faster than retinol

• Tretinoin: already active is strongest and most effective, but higher irritation potential for many

What you'll notice in real life (strength, speed, and irritation)

Strength and speed (rule of thumb)

• Retinol: Beginner-friendly, gradual improvements

• Retinal: A middle ground optionoften more noticeable results while still being OTC

• Tretinoin: The gold standard for acne and photoaging, with the most research behind it

Your experience can still vary a lot depending on the formula, percentage, your skin barrier, and how often you use it.

Irritation potential

In general:

Tretinoin > Retinal > Retinol

Common side effects (especially in the first 2-48 weeks):

• Dryness

• Peeling/flaking

• Redness

• Sensitivity or stinging

This adjustment period is often called retinization. It's normal, but it's also the #1 reason people quit too soonso we're big on starting slow.

Availability (OTC vs prescription)

• Retinol and retinal: Over-the-counter

• Tretinoin: Prescription (in Canada, typically Rx)

How to choose based on your skin concern

If your main concern is acne

Retinoids can help keep pores clearer and reduce breakouts over time.

• New to retinoids or sensitive: start with low-strength retinol

• Used retinol and want more results: consider retinal

• More persistent acne: ask a provider about tretinoin

If your main concern is hyperpigmentation

Retinoids can help fade the look of dark spots by encouraging fresher, more even-toned skin.

• Start with retinol if youre easily irritated

• Consider retinal if you want a stronger OTC option

• If pigmentation is stubborn (especially with acne), tretinoin may be worth discussing with a provider

If your main concern is wrinkles and fine lines

Retinoids support collagen and smoother texture over time.

• Retinol: great for beginners and maintenance

• Retinal: a solid step up if you want more noticeable changes

• Tretinoin: the most evidence-backed option for photoaging, but youll want a plan to manage irritation

If you have sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can absolutely use retinoidsyou just need a gentler approach.

• Choose retinol to start

• Use it less often (even 1-2 nights/week is fine)

• Focus on barrier support (moisturizer, gentle cleanser, no over-exfoliating)

Must-know retinoid rules (so you dont wreck your barrier)

1. Use at night

2. Start slow (2-3 nights/week) and increase only if your skin is tolerating it

3. Moisturize well (hydration helps reduce irritation)

4. Don't stack too many strong actives at first (give your skin time to adjust)

5. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable (retinoids increase sun sensitivity)

6. Avoid retinoids if pregnant or trying to conceive unless your clinician specifically advises otherwise

A simple starter routine (easy + beginner-friendly)

• AM: Gentle cleanser then moisturizer then broad-spectrum SPF 30+

• PM (retinoid nights): Gentle cleanser then retinoid (pea-sized amount) then moisturizer

• PM (non-retinoid nights): Gentle cleanser then moisturizer (barrier repair focus)

If you're prone to irritation, try the sandwichmethod: moisturizer thenretinoidthen moisturizer.

Need help choosing? Combining actives but don't know where to start? We've got you.

If you tell us your main goal (acne, pigmentation, texture, anti-aging) and how sensitive your skin is, we can suggest a simple starting plan and help you choose the right strength.

Aspen Aesthetics 7149 Winterburn Rd. NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4K2

(587) 200-8018

Online booking: https://aspen-aesthetics.janeapp.com/