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Retinol and retinal are often confused with each other. They’re pronounced and spelled nearly exactly the same, 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-ageing ingredient that can pack even more of a line-smoothing, skin tone-evening punch than retinol.
Let’s explore what each of these retinoid products does, the crucial differences between them, and which one is best suited for your skin type and concern.
Let's Talk Retinoids
Retinoids are a class of age-defying ingredients derived from vitamin A, renowned for their transformative effects on the skin. They work by binding to retinoic acid receptors on skin cells, influencing gene expression and leading to a variety of beneficial effects.
These powerful compounds are commonly used in skincare products to promote cell turnover, boost collagen production, improve skin texture, enhance skin elasticity, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are several types of retinoids, including retinol, retinal and tretinoin, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A. It’s a retinoid used in skincare for its anti-aging and skin rejuvenation properties.
When applied topically to the skin, retinol oxidises and converts to retinal, which then itself converts to retinoic acid. This is the “active” form of Vitamin A that your skin can absorb and use.
Retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines, as well as treats issues like acne, scarring, and dark spots. It also plays a crucial role in skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, helping to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
However, retinol can cause skin irritation and should be used cautiously, especially when combined with other potentially irritating ingredients.
What is Retinal?
Retinal is another retinoid, short for and otherwise known as retinaldehyde. In skincare products that contain retinol, the retinol converts into retinal after application. Retinal, however, is simply retinol that’s already oxidised, so it requires only one conversion step to become retinoic acid. This makes retinal a more powerful and faster-acting skincare ingredient than retinol.
Comparing Retinal vs. Retinol
When comparing retinal and retinol, it's essential to understand their differences in potency and effectiveness.
Retinal is a more potent form of vitamin A compared to retinol, and is more effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
It also takes less time to work. In a clinical trial that compared the two compounds against each other, retinal was found to work eleven times faster than retinol.
You might think that this would make retinal more likely to trigger skin irritation, but many people find retinal to be less irritating than retinol. This may have something to do with retinal not taking as long to convert into retinoic acid after application.
However, topical retinal is still at some risk of causing skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin, and/or your skin isn’t used to retinoids.
When using any type of retinoid, it's crucial to select high-quality products, start slowly, and work your way up to higher dosages over time. We also recommend using retinoids alongside hydration boosters like hyaluronic acid to minimise irritation.
Retinal Benefits for Skin
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Retinal has antibacterial properties. In a study of different retinoids, only retinal was found to be effective at killing bacteria. Retinal can therefore be beneficial for acne-prone skin, by fighting against the bacteria strains that cause acne vulgaris.
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Retinal can enhance 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.
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Retinal 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.
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Retinal is often less irritating. 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:
- Start Slow: One of the most common mistakes people make when starting to use retinol is using it every single night. Using retinal can also make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, so we recommend using it only at night. If you want to use it during the day, then sunscreen is essential.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Managing Common Side Effects
While retinoids can be highly effective in improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they can also cause common side effects such as redness, dryness, and flaking.
To manage these side effects, it’s essential to introduce retinoids gradually into your skincare routine. Start with a lower concentration and increase it slowly as your skin adjusts.
You can also try using a gentle cleanser and a rich moisturiser to help soothe and hydrate, leaving healthier looking skin. If you experience persistent irritation or allergic reactions, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Remember, patience is key when incorporating retinoids into your routine.
Tips for Choosing Retinoid Products
When choosing a retinoid product, consider the following tips:
- Look for products that contain a stable and effective form of retinoid, such as retinal or retinol.
- Choose products that are formulated for your skin type, whether it’s sensitive skin, more mature skin or younger skin.
- Consider the concentration of retinoid in the product, as higher concentrations may be more effective but also more irritating. You can increase this as your skin builds tolerance.
- Read reviews and do research to find products that have been tested on real people with proven results.
- Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid or other hydrating ingredients to help soothe and moisturise the skin.
- If you’d like to try incorporating a retinoid product into your daily skincare routine, then our Firming Serum is an excellent place to start.
A powerful but gentle serum made with natural retinal, hyaluronic acid and mānuka honey, ManukaRx’s Firming Serum is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone, texture and elasticity.
