Retinal

What is retinal?

Retinal – or retinaldehyde – is the fast-paced member of the vitamin A family. Just like retinol, it works with the skin's cell renewal, but it is one conversion step closer to the skin's active form of vitamin A. The result? Many experience that retinal provides a visible effect in a shorter time, resulting in a more even skin tone and softer lines.

Ready to try it yourself? Our Retinal 0.1% Night Cream is built around exactly this ingredient, in a concentration that is gentle enough for you who are new to retinal but still provides an effect.

Retinal vs retinol – what is the difference?

This is the question everyone asks, so let's sort it out. When vitamin A lands on the skin, it must be converted into retinoic acid to do its job. Retinol needs two conversion steps – retinal only needs one.

• Retinal – faster path to effect, good for you who are already used to vitamin A
• Retinol – the classic, well-documented choice and a milder start for the beginner
• The effect on the skin is the same type – increased cell renewal, more even tone, softer lines – it is the pace that differs

Do you want to start with the basics? Read our article about retinol first.

Benefits: Powerful anti-aging, Fast-acting, Antibacterial, Improves skin texture
Categories: Anti-aging, Acne, Uneven skin tone.
Skin types: Mature skin, Acne-prone skin, Normal skin, Oily skin

Imagine an upgraded version of retinol. An ingredient that provides all the fantastic benefits of Vitamin A, but works faster and more effectively. That is retinal. It is one of the most potent retinoids you can find without a prescription, perfect for you who want to see real results on signs of aging and impurities.

Retinal (also called retinaldehyde) is an advanced intermediate step between retinol and prescription retinoic acid. It only needs a single conversion step in the skin to become active. This makes it up to 11 times faster-acting than traditional retinol. It also has a unique, direct antibacterial effect, which makes it a superhero even for acne-prone skin.

Benefits of Retinal

Retinal is a highly active and results-oriented ingredient for you who are ready to take your skincare to the next level. It is scientifically proven to deliver impressive results. Here are its most important benefits:

• Powerfully accelerates cell renewal: Retinal is an expert at increasing the pace at which the skin renews itself. It helps to quickly replace old, damaged skin cells with new and healthy ones, which provides a smoother and more radiant skin surface.
• Stimulates collagen for reduced wrinkles: By effectively stimulating the skin's collagen production, retinal helps to "fill out" fine lines and wrinkles from within. The result is skin that looks firmer, plumper, and more youthful.
• Fights acne and impurities: This is retinal's unique bonus. Unlike other retinoids, it has a direct antibacterial effect on the bacteria that causes acne. It also helps to keep pores clean and regulate oil production.
• Evens out skin tone and texture: Through the rapid cell renewal, retinal helps to effectively reduce the visibility of sun damage, pigmentation spots, and unevenness in the skin's texture.

Skin types and areas of use

Retinal is an advanced ingredient that is best suited for skin that is used to active ingredients, or for you who want maximum effect. It is ideal for treating several problems at the same time.

• For mature skin that wants a powerful cosmetic treatment against wrinkles and lost firmness.
• For adult, acne-prone skin struggling with both breakouts and signs of aging.
• For you who have used retinol for a while and feel ready for the next, more potent step.
• To treat an uneven skin tone and texture caused by sun damage.

How to use Retinal

This is a very potent ingredient that requires respect and smart usage. Getting used to it correctly is crucial – especially if you use a high-potency formula like our Retinal 0.1% Night Cream. Here are our most important tips:

• Application: Use a pea-sized amount on cleansed and completely dry skin. Apply all over the face, but avoid the sensitive skin directly around the eyes and mouth.
• Frequency: Start very slowly. Use the product only 1-2 evenings a week for the first few weeks. If the skin feels good, gradually increase to every other evening, and eventually every evening if your skin tolerates it.
• Timing: Always, always use in the evening. Retinal makes the skin very sensitive to the sun. It is absolutely necessary that you use a sunscreen with high SPF (at least 30) every morning.
• Combine with: Always follow up with a rich, soothing, and repairing moisturizer. Avoid using retinal in the same routine as other strong exfoliating products like AHA/BHA acids.

FAQ

My skin gets dry and flakes, am I doing it wrong?

No, it is usually a normal part of the adjustment process, called "retinization". It is a sign that cell renewal is increasing. If this happens, back down in frequency (e.g., go back to every third evening) and make sure you use a really good moisturizer. Patience is key.

Can I use Retinal when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. As a strict safety rule, all types of retinoids, including retinal, should be completely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Why is my retinal product yellow?

The yellow color is completely natural and a sign of quality! The retinal molecule itself has a clear, yellow color. If your product is yellow, it means that it contains an effective amount of the active ingredient.