Is there an age to switch from retinol to Retin-A?

Hi, I know retinol works slower than Retin-A. Assuming it takes X years for retinol to show results, you have aged another X years. Can the effect of your aging outpace the effect of the cream, then? (The retinol is labeled with its strength, like 1%.) I’m not sure if it’s worth getting an appointment for a prescription! Thanks!