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So I've been trying to figure out exactly how tretinoin works in the skin, in lots of detail. All I have been able to find so far is that it quickens cell turnover. I was reading about alpha and beta hydroxy acids and I was like, so what is the difference between tretinoin and the hydroxy acids? Tretinoin is a drug but the acids are not, so tretinoin must be more intense/dangerous than the acids. Does anyone have any info on this? Thanks.
I think retinoids modulate keratinocyte differentiation whereas alpha hydroxy works to break down intra cellular keratinocyte bonds. Beta hydroxy is totally different being lipid soluble it works to dissolve sebum.
But it's a good question, I ask myself the same thing, maybe an expert can shed more light...