I use Retin-A prescribed by my doctor. Isn’t that the same as retinol?

There are a number of retinoids or vitamin A derivatives. The two most popular are retinol and retinoic acid. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A and is formed in the body by the hydrolysis of retinyl esters, and converted by enzymes into retinoic acid as the skin needs it. Retin-A (and other prescription products) is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A derived from retinoic acid. Both improve signs of skin aging, but because retinol converts to retinoic acid the results are slower to manifest than with Retin-A. On the other hand, Retin-A has a strong effect on cell differentiation often produces side effects such as redness, peeling, dryness, and flaking of the skin. Retinol has a much milder effect on the skin, so adverse reactions are rare. Bottom line—you achieve the same results with both, but retinol takes a bit longer.