What Is Retinol?
Retinol is an over-the-counter vitamin A derivative commonly found in cosmetic skincare products. It must go through two conversion steps in the skin before becoming active.
Pros of Retinol:
- Widely available
- Gentle for beginners
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
Cons of Retinol:
- Results are slower
- Often under-dosed in cosmetic products
What Is Retinal (Retinaldehyde)?
Retinal sits one step closer to the active form than retinol, making it more potent but still available without prescription.
Pros of Retinal:
- Faster results than retinol
- Often better tolerated than stronger options
Cons of Retinal:
- Still not suitable for everyone
- Can cause irritation if misused
What Are Prescription Retinoids?
Prescription retinoids are the active form of vitamin A. They do not require conversion in the skin and therefore deliver more predictable results.
Used correctly, they can help with:
- Acne
- Pigmentation
- Texture
- Photo-ageing
However, stronger does not mean better for everyone. Incorrect use can disrupt the skin
barrier and worsen inflammation.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work
Skin type, age, acne history, rosacea, eczema, lifestyle, pregnancy plans all matter. This is why prescription retinoids in Ireland require medical oversight.
At Go & Glow, we prescribe only when appropriate, and just as importantly, we say no when it’s not. The best retinoid is the one your skin can tolerate consistently. That’s where results come from.
FAQs
Can I jump straight to prescription retinoids?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on your skin and goals.
Are prescription retinoids safe long-term?
Yes, when used correctly and supervised.
