Retinol VS Retinal

Retinol and retinal can be easily mistaken for being the same ingredient. They sound nearly identical, they’re both retinoids and they both offer powerful anti-ageing and skin-enhancing benefits.

However, retinol is no longer the hottest vitamin A derivative in town. Meet retinal, another anti-aging ingredient that can pack even more line-smoothing, skin tone-evening punch than retinol.

Let's explore what retinal is and how it differs from retinol.

What is retinal?

Retinal is a type of Vitamin A derivative, otherwise known as retinaldehyde that belongs to the Retinoid family. It is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cell renewal, and in increasing the collagen production of the skin. It fights free radical damage and prevents signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. 

Compared to retinol, retinal is a stronger and more effective compound that has a shorter conversion sequence in the skin. It requires just one conversion step to become retinoic acid. This means it acts faster on the skin than retinol and offers additional benefits.

What are the benefits of retinal?

• It has a property that allows it to be antimicrobial and kill bacteria. Meaning it is beneficial for acne prone skin due to its exfoliating and pore-clearing properties.
• Enhances skin radiance. Retinal helps to promote cell turnover, which can lead to a brighter, more radiant complexion. This can also help to reduce the appearance of dull, tired-looking skin.
• It balances oil production. It helps in shrinking the size of your pores, thereby balances oil production. Those with oily skin will notice it will appear matte after prolonged use.
• It accelerates cell turnover. Enhanced cell turnover allows for the replacement of old, dead cells with new ones, giving the skin a youthful appearance. Retinal accelerates this process, helping to reduce the visible signs of aging.
• Despite being more potent, retinal is often better tolerated by the skin and may cause less irritation than retinol. This makes retinal a more suitable option for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

How to Get Started with Retinal

If you’re interested in adding retinal to you skincare routine, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Start Slow: One of the most common mistakes people make when starting to use retinol is using it every single night. “If you are using retinal for the first time, you should start using it at a very low concentration level. You can start with very little every alternate nights. Once your skin starts tolerating it, you can make it part of your night time skincare routine.” - Merve Samur, ManukaRx Cosmetic Chemist Consultant. Using retinal can also make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, so using it only at night is important.
2. Cleanse and Tone: Begin your nighttime skincare routine by using a gentle cleanser followed by a nourishing toner. This will help remove dirt and impurities from your skin and prepare it for the retinal.
3. Apply Retinal: Apply a pea-sized amount of your retinal serum to your face and gently massage it into your skin. It's important not to apply too much as this can cause irritation.
4. Moisturise: Because retinol can be drying, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a rich, hydrating moisturiser. Wait a few minutes before applying and, if desired, follow with face oil.

Retinal can be applied to various areas of the body, including your arms, legs, hands, and stomach. Regardless of where you use it, consider trying the "sandwich" or "buffering" method, especially if your skin tends to get dry. This technique involves applying a layer of moisturiser first, followed by the retinal, and then another layer of moisturiser. Alternatively, you can mix the retinal serum with moisturiser in the palm of your hand before applying it to your skin. This method helps to buffer the retinal, reducing its potency and minimising potential dryness.

Now that you know all about retinal and how to use it, why not incorporate it into your daily regimen. Our new Firming Serum is a powerful but gentle serum using natural retinal, scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone, texture and elasticity. It will help to firm and lift the skin, without irritation, thanks to its hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and mānuka honey. Shop it here.