‘What’s the second best after retinoic acid: retinaldehyde or retinol? Which should I go for?’

‘What’s the second best after retinoic acid: retinaldehyde or retinol? Which should I go for?’ - @elena.reversinghealthj

Neither.

Stick with a prescription retinoid.

There is no unbiased good clinical evidence to suggest any retinol works ‘better’ or is more effective than retinoic acid.

Plus a prescription retinoid is definitely cheaper in the short and longterm than any of those over the counter cosmetic products that claim to have retinol in them. Since retinols are not considered drugs products that have retinol in them are not regulated in the way prescription medicines are so really you have no idea when you buy those types of retinol products what you are actually buying.

It might say retinaldehyde on the label but that doesn’t mean that’s what you are getting.

Plus they are blended with all sorts of other stuff that can potentially lead to lots of irritation. Stick to a high quality prescription retinoid and stay away from over the counter retinols.