27/08/2026
Not all retinoids are created equal, and choosing the wrong one is exactly why people give up on them.
Here are the six types, ordered from weakest to strongest, and what each one is actually for:
01 Retinyl esters — gentle anti-aging, ideal for sensitive or retinoid-naive skin
02 Retinol — targets fine lines; start 2-3x per week and build up
03 Retinal (retinaldehyde) — one conversion step from retinoic acid; the most potent OTC option
04 Adapalene — dual-action for mild acne and anti-aging; prescription in SA and a good first Rx retinoid
05 Tretinoin — pure retinoic acid, the gold standard for acne and ageing
06 Trifarotene — 4th generation, most potent, targets stubborn acne
The right retinoid for you depends on your skin concern, tolerance and what else is in your routine. At Arca we prescribe these as part of a structured skin protocol, not guesswork.
📍 Sandton Gate, Sandton
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