Retinal vs. Retinol vs. Retinoid: A Closer Look at the Topical Solutions for Wrinkles

Confused about the differences in retinoids, retinol, retinal, and Retin-A? Well, with the popularity of these ingredients in anti-aging products, you wouldn’t be my first patient to ask what sets them apart. Basically, the term “retinoids” describes a range of vitamin-A derivatives, including Retin-A (aka tretinoin), retinoic acid, retinol, and retinal, among other retinoids. Of course, retinoids are great for treating acne due to their amazing ability to unclog pores. But they can also work miracles when it comes to diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles since they’re proven to boost collagen production and increase cell turnover. This is exactly why I encourage just about everyone to start using one by the time they’re in their 20s. Including retinoids or other retinal products in …