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Retinol-A - Is It Safe?

asked 1 year ago by Stelle23 in new york
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 294 times
Tags: safety

Hi i hope you can answer my question about retino a is that the same as retin a? with same substances? and is it safe to use?

4 answers to Retinol-A - Is It Safe?

+2

Retinol is the Alcohol form of Retin A

Retinol is a very popular ingredient in skin care products. Since it is OTC, many companies that have hopped on the anti-aging bandwagon include it in their formulations. Like Retin A, it is a Vitamin A derivative. Basically Retinol, the alcohol, undergoes conversion to Retinoic acid( tretinoin), the acid form, popularly known as Retin A. In this transformation, there is some loss of potency. Retinol is only 1/4th the strength of Retin A. However, it is quite a bit less irritating,... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Retinol-A is not Retin-A

Retin- A is the effective prescription cream for wrinkles , tretinoin is the generic. In general any derivation of the name Retin A is an otc knock off and probably not as effective but does carry some similar risks of the more effective Retin A.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Retinol and Retin A are both forms of vitamin A

Retinol can be converted by the body to retinoic acid.  Retin A is one such retinoic acid, all-trans retinoic acid. The same precautions that apply to Retin A apply to retinol, although retinol is usually the weaker molecule when used on the skin.  Retinols are available over the counter, whereas Retin A is a prescription medication. Both can make you sun sensitive, so regular use of sunscreen is a must.  Both are decomposed by ultraviolet light, so it is best to... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Retin A Safety

Anything that is a derivation of the Retin A name is generally still retin A in some form or another.  Because of this, they all must be treated like Retin A and precautions must be taken.  Retin A causes serious birth defects in a fetus, so anyone attempting to or currently pregnant should not use it at all.  I would check with a physician before starting it since their are a host of other side effects as well.  A good plastic surgeon or dermatologist can examine... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon

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