Both retinol and retinal are derivatives of Vitamin A, helping to address visible signs of ageing, but how they work on and in the skin is quite different. Let’s get straight to it.
Retinol can stimulate cell renewal and boost collagen production, enhancing the skin’s radiance, tone, and texture, for a more youthful appearance. Vitamin A—in any and every form—will move through several stages of (what is dubbed) the ‘Vitamin A Pathway’, after it is applied to the skin. Retinol converts to retinal, which converts to retinoic acid, and it is at this final stage only that retinoids become active and can start to transform the skin.
Retinal (often known as retinaldehyde) can also stimulate cell renewal and boost collagen production, and is a go-to ingredient for smoothing, firming, and plumping skin. It sits further along the Vitamin A Pathway, one step closer to retinoic acid when compared to retinol, which means it can act much faster and deliver more visible results.
This is entirely dependent on your skin type, skin experience, and skin needs.
Retinol may be the ingredient for you if:
You are a first-time retinoid user
You are looking for flexibility and range in retinoid strength
Retinal may be the ingredient for you if:
You are wanting to graduate from retinol products
You want a strong retinoid (without a prescription)
You want quicker and more visible skin results
The directive will always be to start slow. In the beginning, use your retinoid just 2-3 times per week so your skin has a chance to build tolerance between each application.
Closely monitor for signs of irritation or discomfort, sandwich your retinoid between two layers of moisturiser (moisturiser-retinoid-moisturiser) to minimise potential irritation, and ensure routine use of SPF during the day as Vitamin A will make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. .
Only increase your frequency of use when you feel confident doing so.
We’re so glad you asked! This is a breakthrough formula, unlike any other on the market. Our Midnight Retinal Eye Cream pushes results further and delivers them faster, thanks to a unique ingredient complex of Encapsulated Retinal, Algae Polysaccharides, and GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid).
This is the perfect gateway retinal because it is encapsulated; additional ‘coating’ around the active ingredient means it is released into the skin at a much slower pace, helping to prevent potential redness, dryness, or irritation.
But avid retinal users are welcome too, because we know you’ll see and love the results. 91% of users saw a significant improvement in the appearance of crows feet and 87% of users reported an improvement in the appearance of sagging around the eye contour*.
*After 6 weeks use during a consumer perception study, with 24 participants.
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