Retinol vs Retinal. Let´s explain the difference
Navigating the world of skincare can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle, especially when it comes to retinoids. Among these, retinol and retinal often steal the spotlight. Both are powerful ingredients known for their anti-aging and skin-renewing properties, but they are not identical. Understanding the key differences between retinol and retinal can help you make informed decisions for your skin care routine. Let's dive into what sets these two compounds apart and how they can each benefit your skin.
Retinal or Retinol. Key Differences
When it comes to retinoids, retinol and retinal are often mentioned interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, and they are widely praised for their ability to promote skin renewal, improve texture, and reduce the signs of aging. Among retinoids, retinol and retinal are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter skincare products. Here's a closer look at their key differences:
- Chemical Structure and Potency: Retinol is an alcohol form of vitamin A, while retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is an aldehyde form. Retinal is considered to be more potent than retinol because it is one step closer to retinoic acid in the conversion process within the complexion skin.
- Conversion Process: Both retinol and retinal must be converted into retinoic acid to be effective. Retinol undergoes a two-step conversion: first to retinal and then to retinoic acid. Retinal, being one step closer, requires only one conversion to become retinoic acid. This makes retinal faster and more efficient in delivering results.
- Effectiveness: Due to its closer proximity to retinoic acid, retinal tends to work faster and might show quicker results compared to retinol. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to see improvements in a shorter time frame.
- Stability: Retinal is generally less stable than retinol, which means it can degrade more quickly if not formulated properly. This requires more sophisticated formulations to ensure its efficacy over time.
- Irritation Potential: Retinoids are known for their potential to irritate, and this varies between retinol and retinal. Retinal, due to its potency, can sometimes cause more irritation compared to retinol, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin, is the active form of vitamin A that directly interacts with skin cells. It does not require any conversion within the skin, making it the most potent form of retinoid. Retinoic acid is typically available only by prescription due to its strength and potential side effects. It works by promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin elasticity, making it highly effective for treating acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that retinoic acid can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture when used consistently over time.
How do retinoids work?
Retinoids, including retinol and retinal, function by influencing cellular processes in the skin. They are renowned for their multi-faceted benefits, from treating acne to reducing signs of aging. Here’s a closer look at how they work:
- Cellular Turnover: Retinoids accelerate the turnover of skin cells. This means they help shed old, damaged skin cells and promote the generation of new, healthy ones. This process can lead to a smoother and more even skin texture.
- Collagen Production: One of the standout benefits of retinoids is their ability to boost collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Retinoids stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, helping to maintain firmer, more youthful skin.
- Unclogging Pores: Retinoids help to prevent and treat acne by unclogging pores. They reduce the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and minimize the likelihood of breakouts. This makes retinoids particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Reducing Hyperpigmentation: Retinoids can lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation by promoting even skin cell turnover. This helps fade age spots, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Retinoids possess anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin. This is beneficial for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
- Regulation of Sebum Production: By normalizing the production of sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores, retinoids help to keep the skin balanced and less prone to acne.
Scientific studies support these mechanisms. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology highlighted that retinoids significantly increase the production of new skin cells and collagen, leading to visible improvements in skin texture and elasticity (Varani et al., 2000).
Understanding these mechanisms helps illustrate why retinoids, including retinol and retinal, are considered gold-standard ingredients in skincare for their transformative effects.
Retinal in Skincare
Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is a potent form of vitamin A that has garnered attention in the skincare industry for its remarkable efficacy. Here’s what you need to know about using retinal in skincare:
- Efficacy: Retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, making it more potent and faster-acting. This means that retinal can deliver visible results in a shorter time frame, particularly in improving fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
- Conversion: Retinal only needs to undergo one conversion step to become retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A. This single-step conversion allows it to work more efficiently compared to retinol, which requires two steps.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Studies have shown that retinal can significantly improve the signs of aging. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that retinal improves skin texture, reduces the depth of wrinkles, and increases skin elasticity (Kim et al., 2019).
- Acne Treatment: Retinal is effective in treating acne due to its ability to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It can also help prevent future breakouts by regulating sebum production.
- Skin Brightening: By promoting cellular turnover, retinal helps to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. This makes it a valuable ingredient for those dealing with age spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks
Risks When Using Retinal Products
While retinal is highly effective, it’s also important to be aware of potential risks:
- Irritation: Due to its potency, retinal can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when first introduced to your skincare routine. Starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage can help mitigate these effects.
- Sensitivity: Retinal can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It’s crucial to use sunscreen daily when incorporating retinal into your skincare regimen to protect your skin from UV damage.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Individuals with very sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, may find retinal too harsh. Consulting with a dermatologist before starting retinal is advisable for those with sensitive skin.
By understanding both the benefits and risks, you can better decide if retinal is the right choice for your skincare needs.
Retinol in Skincare
Retinol is one of the most well-known and widely used retinoids in skincare. It is valued for its ability to deliver significant anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits with a relatively lower risk of irritation compared to stronger retinoids. Here’s what you need to know about using retinol in skincare:
- Efficacy: Retinol is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and promoting a more even skin tone. While it is less potent than retinal, it still provides substantial benefits with consistent use.
- Conversion: Retinol needs to undergo two conversion steps to become retinoic acid: first to retinal and then to retinoic acid. This gradual conversion process makes it less irritating and more suitable for a broader range of skin types, especially for those new to retinoids.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Retinol stimulates collagen production, which helps to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also promotes cellular turnover, leading to smoother and more radiant skin. According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, retinol significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and photodamage with regular use (Kafi et al., 2007).
- Acne Treatment: Like other retinoids, retinol helps to unclog pores and reduce acne outbreaks. It is particularly effective for mild to moderate acne and can prevent the formation of new blemishes by regulating oil production.
- Skin Brightening: Retinol can lighten dark spots and improve overall skin tone by accelerating the shedding of pigmented, damaged skin cells and encouraging the growth of new, healthy cells.
If you want to know more about Retinol, this article can help you to answer your question.
Side Effects When Using Retinol Products
While retinol is generally well-tolerated, it can still cause some side effects, especially when first introduced into a skincare routine:
- Initial Irritation: Common side effects include redness, dryness, and peeling, often referred to as “retinization.” These effects typically subside as the skin adjusts to retinol.
- Sensitivity to Sunlight: Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, making it essential to use sunscreen daily to protect the skin from sun damage and prevent further irritation.
- Not Suitable for Certain Skin Conditions: Individuals with very sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea may experience increased irritation when using retinol. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating retinol into the routine if you have sensitive skin.
By understanding how to use retinol effectively and being aware of potential side effects, you can incorporate this powerful ingredient into your skincare regimen safely and effectively.
Discover what are the best active ingredients for your skin
Preventing Side Effects
While both retinal and retinol offer impressive benefits, they can also cause side effects, particularly when first introduced to your skincare routine. Here’s how to prevent and manage these side effects effectively.
Retinal
- Start Slow: Introduce retinal gradually to your skincare routine. Begin with a lower concentration and use it only once or twice a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
- Moisturize: Use a good moisturizer to combat dryness and peeling. Apply it after retinal to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Use Sunscreen: Since retinal increases sun sensitivity, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning is crucial. This helps protect your skin from UV damage and further irritation.
- Avoid Other Irritants: When using retinal, avoid combining it with other potent ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and benzoyl peroxide, which can increase irritation.
Retinol
- Patch Test: Before fully incorporating retinol into your routine, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to a discreet area and observe for any adverse reactions over 24 hours.
- Begin Gradually: Start with a low concentration of retinol and apply it every other night. As your skin adjusts, you can increase the frequency and strength. If you are using Lesielle Adaptative System, you can start with our Retinol 0.3% and, once you feel your skin is ready, jump to Retinol 2%
- Hydration is Key: Similar to retinal, use a hydrating moisturizer to alleviate dryness and flakiness. This can also enhance the overall tolerance of your skin to retinol.
- Sun Protection: Always wear sunscreen during the day. Retinol makes your skin more susceptible to sunburn, so protecting your skin is essential to prevent damage and irritation.
- Be Patient: Give your skin time to adapt. It may take a few weeks for the side effects to subside and for your skin to start showing improvements.
By following these preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of side effects and enjoy the full benefits of retinal and retinol.
Choosing the right product: Retinal vs Retinol
Selecting between retinal and retinol depends on several factors, including your skin type, concerns, and tolerance. Here’s how to determine which is best for you.
Skin maturity
- Younger Skin: Individuals in their 20s and early 30s may benefit from starting with retinol. It provides effective anti-aging benefits without being overly harsh, making it suitable for preventive care.
- Mature Skin: For those with more pronounced signs of aging, such as deeper wrinkles and significant sun damage, retinal might be more effective due to its higher potency and faster results.
Skin type
- Sensitive Skin: Retinol is generally better tolerated by sensitive skin types. Its gradual conversion process makes it less likely to irritate. If you have conditions like rosacea or eczema, retinol might be a safer option.
- Resilient Skin: Those with normal to oily skin types, or skin that is less prone to irritation, may find retinal to be a good fit. Its stronger action can deliver quicker results without overwhelming resilient skin.
Acne
- Mild to Moderate Acne: Retinol can effectively treat and prevent mild to moderate acne by unclogging pores and regulating sebum production. It’s also less likely to cause significant irritation, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Severe Acne: For more severe cases of acne, retinal may offer more robust results. Its quicker conversion to retinoic acid can provide more immediate improvements in acne symptoms and overall skin clarity.
Skin texture and tone
- Uneven Skin Tone: Both retinol and retinal can help with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. However, retinal’s faster action might be preferred if you are looking to see results more quickly.
- Rough Skin Texture: If your primary concern is improving skin texture, both retinoids can be effective. Retinal may offer faster results, but starting with retinol can help your skin gradually build tolerance.
How to introduce Retinoids in your skincare routine
Introducing retinoids like retinal and retinol into your skincare routine can be highly beneficial, but it needs to be done carefully to minimize potential irritation.
"When first starting a retinol or retinoid, I tell patients to start with a low dose once a week, and then slowly work up to twice a week and so on. This helps mitigate irritation and allows the skin to adjust gradually."
Dr. Zakia Rahman, Dermatologist at Stanford University
Here are some steps to help you incorporate these powerful ingredients effectively.
- Patch Test: Before applying retinoids to your face, conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, such as behind your ear or on your inner forearm. Wait 24-48 hours to check for any adverse reactions like redness, itching, or irritation.
- Start Slow: Begin with a low concentration of retinoids and apply them only once or twice a week. Gradually increase the frequency to every other night, and eventually to nightly use, as your skin builds tolerance.
- Nighttime Application: Retinoids should be applied at night, as they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Ensure your skin is clean and dry before application. Apply a pea-sized amount of the retinoid product to your face, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
- Moisturize: Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to help minimize dryness and peeling. This can also enhance the skin’s tolerance to retinoids. Prioritize those moisturizers with a pH of 4.7, the skin pH, which becomes relevant when speaking about taking care of your skin flora.
- Use Sunscreen: Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is crucial when using retinoids. This helps protect your skin from UV damage, which can be heightened by retinoid use.
- Avoid Combining with Irritants: Be cautious about using other potent skincare ingredients, such as AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide, alongside retinoids. These can increase the risk of irritation. Instead, alternate their use or consult a dermatologist for guidance.
- Monitor Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts. Mild redness, dryness, and peeling are common initially, but if severe irritation occurs, reduce the frequency of use or switch to a lower concentration.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, such as rosacea or severe acne, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist before starting retinoids. They can provide personalized advice and recommend suitable products.
In summary, understanding the distinct benefits and uses of retinal and retinol can significantly enhance your skincare routine. While retinal offers faster results and greater potency, retinol is generally more tolerable, especially for sensitive skin. By choosing the right product and introducing it gradually, you can effectively target signs of aging and acne, achieving healthier, more radiant skin.
Personalized & Adaptive skincare system
Create your own custom skincare and adapt it to your skin changes
Frequent asked questions about Retinal vs Retinol
Is retinal better than retinol?
The answer depends on your skin type and goals. Retinal is more potent than retinol and can deliver faster results, making it ideal for those with more significant skin concerns or those who have built up tolerance to retinoids. However, retinol is generally better tolerated, especially for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Retinoids and Pregnancy
Retinoids, including retinal and retinol, are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any retinoid products if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is Retin-a?
Retin-A is a brand name for tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoic acid. It is used to treat acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Retin-A is much more potent than over-the-counter retinoids like retinol and retinal, and it requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
What is stronger retinol or retinal?
Retinal is stronger than retinol. It is one step closer to the active form of retinoic acid, making it more potent and faster-acting.
Is retinoid the same as retinol
No, retinoid is a broad term that refers to a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, including retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and others. Retinol is a specific type of retinoid, commonly used in over-the-counter skincare products.
Studies
- Topical retinaldehyde increases skin content of retinoic acid and exerts biologic activity in mouse skin. (Didierjean et al., 1996).
- Plasma retinoids after topical use of retinaldehyde on human skin. (Sass et al., 1996).
- Penetration and Metabolism of Topical Retinoids in ex vivo Organ-Cultured Full-Thickness Human Skin Explants. (Antille et al., 2004).
- Metabolism of topical retinaldehyde and retinol by mouse skin in vivo: predominant formation of retinyl esters and identification of 14‐hydroxy‐4, 14‐retro‐retinol. (Sass et al., 1996).
- Tolerance Profile of Retinol, Retinaldehyde and Retinoic Acid under Maximized and Long-Term Clinical Conditions. (Fluhr et al., 1999).
Das beste Anti-Aging-Produkt: Retinol