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Retinoid Potency & Conversion Ladder Calculator

Compare enzymatic conversion steps, relative nuclear receptor potency, and generate a 4-week cross-tapering schedule when stepping up from Retinol to Retinal or Tretinoin.

1. Your Current Retinoid

Conversion Steps: 2 steps

Relative Potency: 25 / 100

2. Target Retinoid to Step Up To

Conversion Steps: 0 steps

Relative Potency: 80 / 100

Current Application FrequencyHow many nights per week do you apply your current active?

Relative Cellular Potency Differential

~3.2x Increase in Dermal Activity

Target is a direct bio-active retinoic acid. It requires ZERO enzymatic conversions, stimulating nuclear receptors instantly and requiring strict sandwich buffering.

Target Score80/ 100 Index

Recommended 4-Week Step-Up Schedule

Never switch cold-turkey to a higher potency retinoid. Cross-taper over 4 weeks to prevent peeling, retinoid dermatitis, and barrier breakdown:

WEEK 11 night / week

Apply target over moisturizer (sandwich method). Use current active on other 2 nights.

WEEK 22 nights / week

Separate by at least 72 hours (e.g. Tuesday & Friday). Keep recovery nights bland.

WEEK 33 nights / week

Discontinue old active completely. Target active applied on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

WEEK 4+Alternate Nights

Evaluate flaking. If zero stinging on plain water, maintain alternate evenings.