Are there any disadvantages in using products (creams, moisturizers) that contain RETINOL or RETIN-A?are they?

are they the same? the retinol and retin-A?





can an 18 year old female use this already to prevent wrinkle formation?Are there any disadvantages in using products (creams, moisturizers) that contain RETINOL or RETIN-A?are they?
Retin-A is the only topical agent approved by FDA and is available in prescription form (Avita, Renova, Differin). It's claimed to reduce fine and large wrinkles, liver spots, and surface roughness. And may help prevent more serious effects of ultraviolet radiation. Can be applied to face, neck, chest, hands, and forearm . Noticeable improvement takes from two to six months. Retin-A increases a person's sensitivity to the sun, so best apply a thin coat at bedtime. Sunblock should be worn during the day as overexposure to the sun can be harmful. Almost all patients experience redness, scaling, burning, and itching after two or three days that can last up to three months. a low-dose corticosteroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, may help.reduce irritations .Overuse may cause excessive skin thinness. Low concentrations can produce improvements in wrinkles, skin color, with less irritation than at higher doses.


Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A. In the right concentrations, retinol may be as effective as Retin-A with fewer side effects. The FDA warns that over-the-counter retinol skin products are unregulated; the amount of active ingredients is unknown, and some preparations, in fact, may contain almost no retinol.


They are both developed to help those with aging skins and those suffering from photo chemical skin damage.


Products are expensive and will cost a great deal for continued use. There are natural products/treatments that can ward off skin aging and greatly diminish wrinkles, lines, crows feet and reduce skin roughness etc. with no side effects.





SOURCE(S): 20+ years research/experimentation - safe, natural treatments %26amp; cures of skin, scalp and hair conditions and anti aging, rejuvenation treatmentsAre there any disadvantages in using products (creams, moisturizers) that contain RETINOL or RETIN-A?are they?
This is good for an 18 yr old to use, so you will be way ahead the anti-aging craze. You need to use a very good sunscreen every day, though, or you can further damage your skin, and you must start slow, because retinol (all of them) cause sesitive skin, redness, and sometimes peeling. Go very slow and don't use it every night, just a dab a couple times a week to start.





There is a difference. Retinol is a weaker form of the vitamin a acid. Your body has to work to convert it to a form it can use. Retin - a is a prescription cream. It is the strongest form you can get, but your skin absorbs it and uses it in that form.





Retinol is cheaper and available over the counter, but may not be as effective. Retin-a is serious skin care, and will work, but can be expensive, you need a dermatologist, and may cause a lot of sensitivity in your skin. Hope that helps!!