RETINOL vs RETINOIDS | The what, why and how

More on skin care tips, tricks and hacks

Prescription ‘retinoids’ are much more powerful compared to retinol. The flipside of retinoid use are the side effects that are frequently seen with application. First gen retinoids (tretinoin) & second gen retinoids (adapalene) have less skin irritation than third generation retinoids (tazarotene).
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🔬Skin Science: Both molecules are analogues of vitamin A, however retinols require oxidation / conversion to form ‘retinoic acid’. Retinoic acid is the active compound that provides the collagen building reputation of ‘retinoids’. The question of which one to use is more complex than picking the most powerful analogue (prescription retinoids), as clinically, skin irritation is commonly encountered with retinoids cf. retinol. Refer to my previous ‘#Skincaretip” for an in depth explanation .
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🧐Who should use retinol / retinoids?: Start in your 20s as part of your skincare routine. Retinoids are; anti-acne,#antiaging, #antiwrinkle, treats pigmentation / #melasma
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🌔When to apply?: PM. Moisturise 30min before if you have sensitive skin. Combinations below a guide only
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🤹🏻‍♀️Plays well with: #Niacinamide, Vitamin E, #Arbutin, #hydroquinone, #Hyaluronicacid, #ferulicacid
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🏹Does not play well with: #skincareacids including #AHAs, #lacticacid, #salicylicacid, #ascorbicacid (high concentrations)
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⚠️Caution: Sensitive skin, #rosacea, conception / pregnancy
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🛒Recommended Products: Retinol products include #obagi, #theinkeylist, #environ,
#laroche 0.3% Retinol+B3, #skinceuticals 0.3% Retinol. Prescription #retinoids include
#tretinoin, #adapelene / #Differin (OTC in the US), compounded #tazoretene. Consult a physician for prescriptions
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😎Davin’s Protip: Start your vitamin A journey slowly. I believe in a ‘step up’ program, namely with good over the counter products, then graduate to prescription retinoids- unless initiated by a physician . As retinol products are classed as cosmeceuticals, there are no studies comparing different brands, hence the open ended recommendation list
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Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist, Brisbane. Australia

[NicePerson]

I use tretinoin 0.025 %. I've used it 2 times already. It's recommended by dr. Dray who says that tretinoin can actually increase the thickness of dermis layer and stimulate collagen production. She also says that tretinoin is the gold standard of anti aging, besides sun protection. Tretinoin worth your money. If you can master the use of it, you can steer clear from skin stuff such as peptide, Vit C etc which can sometimes be super duper expensive. And from the previous video of Dr Davin's, he says that you can use tretinoin by mixing it with other moisturizer to dilute the consentration, to make your skin a little tolerable. So, I decided to buy it. And now my journey of tretinoin still goes on. Thank you, Dr. Lim

[alisonjetmar]

As a teen my dermatologist prescribed retinol that I wiped my face with nightly. I can recall my face tingling all night long and my complexion being flushed looking all the time. The dermatologist never spoke about using sunscreen along with the prescription. I guess he missed that class. Sun damage isn't a new concept!

[MeMe-hthd]

You should be at a million subscribers, this is extremely superior advice on skin. Let's spread the word on his channel all people need this advice.

[ntombizanelejob]

I love how he says 'yeah' a lot.

[leahsegura]

I was certain I knew everything there was to know regarding retinoids and retinol. Little did I know, this video would prove me wrong in a big way. Loved the content in this one.

[amnashakil]

This explains SO much. I went to various doctors and dermatologists over the years and the acne creams they’d prescribe me would all irritate my skin and make it worse. I tried over the counter retinal and my skin has improved tremendously. I don’t know why doctors won’t just tell parents to try over the counter when prescription medicine is clearly too harsh for them.

[erinvekic]

I just started a retinoid a few weeks ago and I find it really helpful to a) use a thicker moisturizer at night and b) apply moisturizer and let it dry before applying the retinoid, then apply a second layer of moisturizer over top. Feels really good!

[attractedtomusic]

43 years old and I’ve been using it from the ordinary, no irritation so far!!!

[barbarawatanabe]

You are amazing❤🧡💛💚🖤🤎💜💙 Your videos have helped me much more than all the visits to dermatologists (Poland). And I've also learned so much. Thank you thank you thank you for what you do and the way you do it, you are truly inspiring.

[Blondie]

Now that Dr. Lim has a good microphone; he should start an ASMR channel. I’d listen...👂😉
On a serious note, this video was very informative per usual.

[maddyg]

What i have found useful to counter the side effect is moisturizing well. I apply aquaphore in the night all over my face and during the daytime i use Weleda skin food and sunscreen. Literally holy grail to counter the side effects!

[raheemam]

Dr.Davin Lin I enjoy watching your videos so much! They’re so informative and easy to understand and on top of that your Australian accent is just a plus

[Rheanie]

Clicked on this video so fast when I seen it 😂 love your videos, thank you 😊❤

[Seaotters.and.smiles]

Most informative channel on skin care I've seen 💙 Bonus: The way he says 'yeah' at the end of his sentences with his Australian 🇦🇺 accent, awesome ❤️

[sukhamJKgill]

can you please make a video on dark eye circles? that'd be great!

[appellationsobriquet]

Such a useful video - THANK YOU. You have literally saved my skin.

[heathmeizer]

Love your channel. Educational and informative . Greatly appreciate you sharing your educated opinions and knowledge. Always click as soon as I see it in my feed. 🙏🇦🇺

[tirzahahlbrand]

you beautiful man! I have been watching tons of videos trying to figure out the difference between retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, ect...and only you have been able to answer my questions, I now know want I want to look for. Thank you!

[colleenobrien]

can you do a video on the difference of the strengths of retinoids/retin a? i.e .025 vs .05 vs. 1? and why you would go to a higher one?

[ratsters]

Informative as always. The voice of reason! A question though: Does that mean The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoids are more potent (in theory) than their standard retinols?