The Anti-Aging Pro®

Skincare Ingredient Course: Retinoids

Name: Skincare Ingredient Course: Retinoids
Brand: The Anti-Aging Pro
Price: 29.0 USD
Availability: InStock

5-Hour Online Course

Skincare Ingredient Course: Retinoids is a 5-hour, brand-neutral, self-paced online course designed to help skincare professionals and ingredient-focused learners better understand retinoids in skincare.

This course goes beyond product recommendations into the cellular science behind how retinoids actually work in the skin. It provides in-depth education on different retinoid types, including retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, adapalene, and retinyl esters, along with retinization, irritation, and skin barrier support. You’ll also learn how to choose the right retinoid for the right skin type and skin goals, and how to properly incorporate retinoids into a skincare routine. Developed by aesthetic registered nurse Jen Copfer, RN.

*Full course details are listed below.

$29.00

~~$39.00~~ $29.00

SUMMER SALE! SUMMER SALE!

Quantity

Educational use only: This course is for ingredient education and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or clinical treatment recommendations, and does not replace guidance from a qualified licensed healthcare provider. This course discusses over-the-counter and prescription-only retinoids for educational purposes only; we do not sell, prescribe, dispense, or provide access to prescription medications. Prescription retinoids require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Students and clients should consult a qualified medical professional before initiating, recommending, or adjusting any prescription retinoid regimen.

By purchasing, you agree to our Terms of Service and course disclaimers.

View full details

Retinoids are some of the most researched and effective ingredients in skincare, yet they are still one of the most misunderstood and misused.

I created this course to help bridge this educational gap, so you can better understand how retinoids work, how to guide clients through use, and how to maximize their benefits more safely and confidently.

Laptop displaying an educational diagram of skin anatomy on a black background

Retinoids, Retinol & Tretinoin in Skincare Online Course

★★★★★

Read reviews from
our students below

Retinoids in Skincare

Course Details

About the Course

5-Hour Retinoids
Skincare Ingredient Course

Learn the science behind retinoids,
how they work in the skin, retinization,
“retinol uglies,” & how to choose the right retinoid.

If you're looking for an in-depth retinoids course that goes beyond basic product recommendations, you are in the right place.

Retinoids are some of the most researched and effective ingredients in skincare, but they are also one of the most misunderstood and misused. Between retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, adapalene, retinyl esters, retinization, purging, irritation, and skin barrier concerns, it is easy to see why this ingredient category can feel confusing.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for beginners who are new to retinoids, as well as experienced skincare professionals who want a refresher or a more in-depth understanding of retinoid types, retinization, irritation, skin barrier support, client education, and product selection.

It is also helpful for non-professionals who want to better understand retinoids in their own skincare routine, including how to choose the right type, how to minimize irritation, and how to use them more consistently.

Ideal for beginners with no experience, as well as
a refresher course for those with some prior knowledge.

What Makes This Course Different

As an Aesthetic Registered Nurse and skincare educator, I created this course to include the kind of retinoid education I wish more professionals had access to from the beginning, including the deeper understanding that usually takes years of research, client questions, product comparisons, and trial-and-error to piece together on your own.

A lot of retinoid education focuses on simple product recommendations, but not always the deeper science behind how retinoids work, why irritation happens, or why one retinoid may be a better option than another depending on the skin.

This course goes into the science behind retinoids on a cellular level, including how they influence cell turnover, collagen production, acne, texture, pigmentation, and visible signs of aging.

You’ll also learn about different retinoid types, including tretinoin, retinaldehyde, retinol, retinyl esters, retinoic acid esters, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene, along with how they differ in strength, irritation potential, ideal use, and availability.

My Goal for You

My goal is for you to leave this course with a stronger understanding of retinoids, so you feel more confident answering client questions, explaining retinization, choosing appropriate retinoid options, and helping clients use retinoids more safely and effectively.

Whether you are guiding clients professionally or learning how to better understand your own skincare routine, this course was created to help make retinoids feel less confusing and more approachable.

What are Retinoids?

What Are Retinoids?

Retinoids are a family of vitamin A derivatives used in skincare for acne, visible signs of aging, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation.

Retinol is one type of retinoid, but it is only one part of the larger retinoid family. Other retinoids include tretinoin, retinaldehyde, adapalene, retinyl esters, tazarotene, trifarotene, and more. Some are available over the counter, while others are prescription-only.

Retinoids are extremely popular because of how effective they can be when chosen and used correctly. They can help support smoother-looking texture, clearer-looking skin, improved tone, and healthy, glowing skin.

Common Types of Retinoids

Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid
Retinaldehyde, also known as retinal
Retinol
Retinyl esters
Retinoic acid esters
Adapalene
Tazarotene
Trifarotene

Each retinoid can vary in strength, irritation potential, availability, ideal use, and how it works in the skin. This is one reason retinoids can feel so confusing, even for skincare professionals.

This course helps you understand the retinoid family more clearly, so you can better compare different retinoids, understand retinization and irritation, and choose the right retinoid for the right skin type & skin goals.

What’s Included in the Course

Our Retinoid Training Includes:

Retinoid family chart from the online retinoids course

Retinoid Types & Strengths
Learn the differences between retinoid types, including tretinoin, retinaldehyde, retinol, retinyl esters, retinoic acid esters, tazarotene, adapalene, and trifarotene, along with how they can differ in strength, irritation potential, availability, and ideal use.
How Retinoids Work in the Skin
Learn how retinoids function in the skin on a cellular level, including how they influence cell turnover, acne, collagen production, texture, pigmentation, and visible signs of aging.
Introducing Retinoids Into a Skincare Routine
Retinoids can be irritating when they are introduced too quickly or used incorrectly. This course covers how to slowly introduce retinoids, build tolerance, support the skin barrier, and help clients use them more consistently.
Minimizing the Retinoid Uglies
Learn ways to minimize dryness, peeling, irritation, sensitivity, and other common side effects that can happen during the retinization period.
Retinoids & Aesthetic Treatments
Learn how to think through retinoid use before and after aesthetic treatments, including when retinoids may need to be paused, adjusted, or reintroduced.
Multiple Learning Formats
Designed for different learning styles, whether you learn best through visuals, written explanations, or narrated video lessons.
For All Experience Levels
Designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of retinoids, as well as experienced skincare professionals who want a refresher or a more in-depth understanding.
Brand-Neutral Retinoid Education
This course is not focused on one specific skincare brand or product line. You’ll learn the foundation and science behind retinoids so you can apply your knowledge to any retinoid product or brand you choose to use.
Self-Paced & Flexible
You can start the course when you like and finish at your own pace. You can pause to take notes, re-listen to lessons, and start, stop, and resume whenever it works with your schedule.
Lifetime Access to the Course
You receive lifetime access to the course so you can come back and review the material whenever you need a refresher.

Lesson Plan

Course Content: What You Will Learn

This course is incredibly in-depth and covers:

Science-backed education; Citing 63 peer-reviewed studies and clinical resources

The science behind retinoids on a cellular level (so you can confidently educate your clients)

The different types of retinoids available (both Rx & over the counter)

The differences & characteristics between the different types

Which retinoid is best for each specific skin concern & skin type

How to correctly incorporate them into your client’s routine

How to minimize the acclimation period side effects

And much more!

Retinoids course lesson plan shown on laptop

Retinoids
LESSON PLAN:

Course length: 5 hours

Part I: The Science

Lesson 1: What Are Retinoids?
Lesson 2: Anatomy: The Epidermis
Lesson 3: The Skin Barrier
Lesson 4: Anatomy: The Dermis
Lesson 5: How Do Retinoids Work?

Part II: Retinoids

Lesson 6: Retinoid Characteristics
Lesson 7: Types of Retinoids

Part III: Skincare Routine

Lesson 8: Retinoid Uglies:
'Retinization'
Lesson 9: Retinoids & Skin Barrier
Lesson 10: Minimize 'Retinization'
Lesson 11: A Retinoid Burn
Lesson 12: Retinoid Uglies:
"The Purge"
Lesson 13: Minimize "The Purge"
Lesson 14: Retinoids &
Darker Skin Tones
Lesson 15: Starting Retinoids
Lesson 16: Post-Retinization

Part IV: Treatments

Lesson 17: With Aesthetic Txs
Lesson 18: Myths/ Questions
Lesson 19: Recap

Downloadable Resources

Downloadable Course Material

Downloadable retinoids course material PDF preview

Retinoids Material Downloads:

Skin Barrier Cheat Sheet
Retinoid Family Tree
Best Retinoids for Each Skin Concern
Pros & Cons for Each Retinoid Type
Retinoids Cheat Sheet
Nourishing the Skin Barrier
Minimize Side Effects
Buffer Methods
Treating a Retinoid Burn
Tips for Skin Purging
Retinoids for Darker Skin Tones
Routine Checklist
Retinoids for Skin Types
Tips Before You Begin Use
Sample Retinoid Routine
Tips for Choosing a Retinoid Product/Brand
Using Actives with Retinoids
Cited Resources (63 citations)

Meet Your Instructor

Meet Jen Copfer, RN

Jen Copfer, RN, founder of The Anti-Aging Pro and aesthetic skincare educator

This course was created and is taught by Jen Copfer, RN, an Aesthetic Registered Nurse, skincare educator, and founder of The Anti-Aging Pro®.

Jen specializes in advanced corrective, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation treatments, with experience working alongside plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, CA.

She created The Anti-Aging Pro® to help skincare professionals build a stronger understanding of the skin, treatment safety, and the science behind advanced aesthetic treatments.

Learn more about Jen Copfer, RN →

Retinoids Ingredient Expert course certificate of completion

Receive a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that you can include on your resume, add to your professional portfolio, or showcase it to your clients and display it in your practice.

Questions about access, topics, prescription retinoids, or CE credits? Jump to FAQs →

Included in the Course:

Inclusive Protocols for All Skin Tones

Includes education and protocol considerations for treating darker skin tones and higher Fitzpatrick skin types, an area that is often limited or overlooked in traditional esthetics training.

Image of a generic skincare product tube

Unbiased Education

You won't be restricted to learning about only one specific brand or product line. You will learn science-backed education that you can apply to ANY product line you choose to use.

Receive a Certificate of Completion

You can include on your resume, add to your professional portfolio, or showcase it to your clients and display it in your practice.

Downloadable Resources

Including: step-by-step guides, cheat sheets, which type of retinoids are best for each skin type, tips to avoid purging and retinization side effects, incorporating into your routine, & much more.

Self-paced | Lifetime Access

Designed to fit busy schedules, our courses provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace while also allowing you to access them from anywhere at any time (as long as you have wifi).

Important Course Disclaimer: This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or clinical treatment recommendations. No content on this page, including lesson materials, scientific references, or downloadable resources, constitutes the promotion, endorsement, or recommendation of any specific medical treatment, therapy, or prescription medication. Scientific references and research cited throughout this course are included for educational context only and do not represent endorsement of any specific product, ingredient, or protocol. Some topics discussed, including prescription retinoids, may be subject to evolving regulations and prescribing guidelines and are covered for informational awareness only. Regulatory status, evidence standards, and best practices in skincare may change. Professionals are responsible for staying current with applicable guidelines and applying their own clinical judgment in all client recommendations and care decisions.

Our courses are for educational purposes only. By using our courses, you agree that you are solely responsible for ensuring that you are working within your scope of practice and in compliance with all local laws, rules, and regulations related to the use and application of the information contained in our courses. We are not responsible for any consequences resulting from your use of the information contained in our courses. By purchasing and using our courses, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer, as well as the Terms of Service, and agree to release us from any liability or claims arising from your use of our courses.

Retinoids in Skincare Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Details FAQs

Who is this retinoids course for?

This course is designed for skincare professionals, medical professionals, students, and ingredient-focused learners who want a deeper understanding of retinoids in skincare.

It is ideal for beginners who are new to retinoids, experienced skincare professionals who want a refresher, and non-professionals who want to better understand retinoids in their own skincare routine.

The course was created to help you better understand different retinoid types, how retinoids work in the skin, retinization, irritation, skin barrier support, product selection, and how to use retinoids more safely and effectively.

Is this course only for skincare professionals?

No. This course is not only for skincare professionals.

It is designed for skincare professionals, medical professionals, students, and non-professionals who want to better understand retinoids, how they work in the skin, and how to use them more safely and effectively.

Professionals may use this course to strengthen their ingredient knowledge and client education, while non-professionals can use it to better understand retinoid types, irritation, retinization, product selection, and how retinoids may fit into a skincare routine. This course is educational and does not provide medical advice, prescribing authority, or treatment instructions for a specific medical condition.

What will I learn in this retinoids course?

In this course, you’ll learn how retinoids work in the skin, how different types of retinoids compare, and why retinoids are commonly used for concerns like aging, acne-prone skin, texture, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin health.

The course covers retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, trifarotene, retinyl esters, retinoid strength, conversion pathways, retinization, irritation, purging, skin barrier support, product selection, darker skin tone considerations, and how retinoids may be used before or after aesthetic treatments.

This course is educational and is designed to help students better understand retinoid science, ingredient selection, and safe skincare decision-making. It does not provide medical advice, prescribe medications, or replace guidance from a qualified licensed healthcare provider.

What types of retinoids are covered?

This course covers both over-the-counter and prescription-only retinoids from an educational perspective.

You’ll learn about retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, retinoic acid, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, trifarotene, and other retinoid-related ingredients used in skincare and dermatology.

The course explains how different retinoids compare, how they convert in the skin, why some are stronger or more irritating than others, and how retinoid selection may vary based on skin goals, tolerance, barrier function, and professional guidance.

This course does not sell, prescribe, dispense, or provide access to prescription retinoids.

Does this course discuss prescription retinoids?

Yes. This course includes educational information about prescription-only retinoids, such as tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene, and trifarotene, so students can better understand how different retinoids work, how they compare, and why they may be used in skincare and dermatology.

This course does not sell, prescribe, dispense, or provide access to prescription medications. Prescription retinoids should only be used under the guidance of a qualified licensed healthcare provider when required by law.

Does this course cover retinization, irritation, and purging?

Yes. This course explains retinization, irritation, dryness, flaking, sensitivity, and purging, including why these reactions can happen when starting or increasing retinoid use.

You’ll also learn how retinoids may be incorporated into a skincare routine more gradually to help support the skin barrier and minimize common retinization-related side effects. The course discusses product selection, application frequency, barrier-supporting ingredients, when to adjust use, and how to recognize when irritation may be more than normal retinization.

This course is educational and does not replace medical advice. Anyone experiencing severe irritation, persistent reactions, or concerns related to prescription retinoids should speak with a qualified licensed healthcare provider.

Does this course cover retinoid considerations for darker skin tones?

Yes. This course discusses retinoid considerations for darker skin tones, including irritation, dryness, barrier disruption, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk, product selection, application frequency, and how retinoids may be introduced more gradually.

The course explains why darker skin tones may need a more cautious approach when starting or increasing retinoid use, especially if the skin is already sensitive, inflamed, acne-prone, or prone to hyperpigmentation.

You’ll also learn how barrier support, sunscreen, routine planning, and irritation management can help reduce unnecessary inflammation while using retinoids.

Is this course based on a specific skincare brand or product line?

No. This course is brand-neutral and is not based on one specific skincare brand, product line, or retailer.

Instead of teaching one company’s product protocol, the course focuses on retinoid science, ingredient differences, skin tolerance, barrier support, routine planning, and how to think through retinoid selection more carefully.

You’ll learn about different types of retinoids used in skincare and dermatology, but this course does not require or promote one specific product line.

Is this course online and self-paced?

Yes. This is a self-paced online retinoid ingredient course. You can start anytime, complete the lessons on your own schedule, and since you will have lifetime access to the course, you can return to the course material whenever you need to review it.

Are skincare products included with this course?

No. Skincare products, retinoids, prescription medications, samples, or product kits are not included with this course.

This course is brand-neutral and focuses on education, not product sales. You’ll learn how different retinoids work, how they compare, how irritation and retinization may occur, and how product selection can be approached more thoughtfully based on skin goals, tolerance, barrier function, and professional guidance.

This course does not sell, prescribe, dispense, or provide access to prescription retinoids or medications.

Does this course count toward CE credits?

No. This course does not currently count toward CE credits.

The course is educational and includes a Certificate of Completion, but it is not currently approved for continuing education credits or state-required CE hours. This may change in the future if the course is submitted for CE approval or additional continuing education options are added.

Before enrolling, you should verify any CE requirements with your licensing board, employer, professional organization, or other governing body to confirm whether a course will meet your specific requirements.

Country/region

Skincare Ingredient Course: Retinoids