Carma Aesthetics

Retinol confusing to you? 😵‍💫 Let’s break it down.

Retinol, retinal, tretinoin… wait, aren’t they all the same thing?! 👀

Not exactly. They’re all part of the vitamin A family, but they differ in strength, formulation, and how quickly your skin converts them into the active form.

✨ RETINOL
The popular over-the-counter option. Great for beginners and can help improve fine lines, uneven skin tone, texture, pigmentation + acne.

✨ RETINAL (RETINALDEHYDE)
One step closer to the active form than retinol, making it a more potent OTC option while still being accessible for many skincare routines.

✨ TRETINOIN
A prescription-strength retinoid that works directly in its active form. It’s commonly used for acne, fine lines, wrinkles and photoaging.

So… which one is BEST? 👇
That depends on your skin, your goals, and your tolerance.

💡 How to start retinol to avoid the harsh irritation:
• Start 2–3 nights per week
• Use a pea-sized amount for your entire face
• Apply at night
• Follow with a nourishing moisturizer
• Increase frequency gradually as your skin builds tolerance
• Wear SPF 30+ every morning ☀️

🚨 One more important note: Retinoids are not appropriate for everyone, including during pregnancy. If you have sensitive, irritated or reactive skin, it’s worth getting professional guidance before adding one to your routine.

𝙎𝘼𝙑𝙀 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥 & 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜, “𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙗𝙪𝙮?

📲 689-307-7000
📍15532 West Colonial Drive STE B Winter Garden, FL 34787
🌐 Book online: www.carmaaesthetics.com

Carma Aesthetics | Winter Garden Medical Spa | Retinol differences | Medical Grade Skincare | Acne specialist Winter Garden | Facials

We are going to miss you Paige! 27 months of PA school is no easy feat…and you did it with grace, humility, and compassion 💙

I’m truly humbled to have had the opportunity to be your professor…and then to be your clinical preceptor was a full circle moment 🥹. You are going to make a tremendous impact on so many patients and we are so excited for your next chapter!

Go out there and show ‘em what PAs can do!