Acne.org Products
"What's the difference between Retin-A and retinol?
Both are retinoids. They're both made from vitamin A and promote faster skin cell turnover. And they're some of the most proven, effective, and powerful options for treating skin issues ranging from acne to signs of aging.
Retinoids come in prescription form and in a range of over-the-counter products. Prescription-level retinoids fall into these groups:
-Tretinoin, including the brands Atralin, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, and Renova
-Tazarotene, such as the brand Tazorac
-Adapalene, such as the brand Differin
All three groups prevent the buildup of dead cells in the skin's pores and follicles, and all three promote the growth of healthy cells. Common side effects include dryness, redness, irritation, and skin peeling as well as making skin more sensitive to the sun.
Retinol is found in many products that don't require a prescription. Retinols are much weaker than prescription retinoids. Unless vitamin A is listed as one of the top five ingredients and the product is packaged in an airtight opaque bottle, what you're getting might not be all that effective. Neither retinoids nor retinols should be used by breastfeeding or pregnant women."
I believe this is the answer you're looking for 
I believe this is the answer you're looking for
Actually, no. This info. I already knew. But I now realize that I could've been more clear in my original post. 
I'd like to know if a retinoid product is considered better for people who need both acne-fighting and anti-aging properties. OTC retinol products seem like they're not necessarily geared for the acne-prone person and could cause breakouts. For example, many of them seem to come in cream form, which makes me wary.
Retinoids are better for aging and acne than retinol. Retinol doesn't have much of an effect on acne at all.
That's what I've suspected. Thank you for confirming this information. I guess I should bite the bullet and start using a retinoid sooner, rather than later. (I've always feared the IB that everyone talks about. But if I start using a retinoid now, perhaps my skin will be calmer by the summertime.)
PI
Retinoids are better for aging and acne than retinol. Retinol doesn't have much of an effect on acne at all.
That's what I've suspected. Thank you for confirming this information. I guess I should bite the bullet and start using a retinoid sooner, rather than later. (I've always feared the IB that everyone talks about. But if I start using a retinoid now, perhaps my skin will be calmer by the summertime.)
PI
Yeah the IB can be pretty bad. For me it was 3 months before I started seeing improvement, and even then it was mild at best. But many have had good success with topical retinoids. Good luck to you
That's what I've suspected. Thank you for confirming this information. I guess I should bite the bullet and start using a retinoid sooner, rather than later. (I've always feared the IB that everyone talks about. But if I start using a retinoid now, perhaps my skin will be calmer by the summertime.)
Yeah the IB can be pretty bad. For me it was 3 months before I started seeing improvement, and even then it was mild at best. But many have had good success with topical retinoids. Good luck to you.
Three months! I'd figured an IB might last up to 6 weeks, tops. 
So the retinoid you tried did nothing for you and you stopped using it (and never tried another retinoid)?
Many moons ago, I used Differin and didn't experience an IB from it. But I've read that someone my age (mid-30's) should use Retin-A Micro or Tazorac, if both acne and fine lines are an issue.
Three months! I'd figured an IB might last up to 6 weeks, tops. So the retinoid you tried did nothing for you and you stopped using it (and never tried another retinoid)?
Many moons ago, I used Differin and didn't experience an IB from it. But I've read that someone my age (mid-30's) should use Retin-A Micro or Tazorac, if both acne and fine lines are an issue.
The IB didn't really last 3 months. The IB for me was just a couple weeks. But getting over the IB, healing the red marks, and getting rid of some of the little bumps took much longer.
I've used several retinoids at different strengths. The one I found most useful was tretinoin 0.1%, though it was pretty harsh on my skin. Depending on what type of acne you have, retinoids could help you, or they might not.
The IB didn't really last 3 months. The IB for me was just a couple weeks. But getting over the IB, healing the red marks, and getting rid of some of the little bumps took much longer.
Ahhh... Well, that's a bit more heartening. I would think, though, that a retinoid would help prevent--or rather quickly heal--red marks left by breakouts. Granted, I've red marks that have lasted for years, and many have them have morphed from red marks into actual (depressed) scars; to me, even a few months to remove hyperpigmentation would be considered fast.
I've used several retinoids at different strengths. The one I found most useful was tretinoin 0.1%, though it was pretty harsh on my skin. Depending on what type of acne you have, retinoids could help you, or they might not.
Do you mean that it was harsh in the sense that it dried the living daylights out of your skin? Or was it harsh in another/other way(s)?
I have basically all types of acne: the more superficial stuff, like blackheads (all over my face) and occasional whiteheads, as well as nudulocystic acne, which seems to be driven by hormones and certain foods. (I believe that the aforementioned certain foods interact with my hormones, leading to undesirable breakouts.)