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If you have reached the age where a lot of focus is placed on your skin care routine anti aging content, so chances are you’ve heard about it retinolIf you are familiar with retinol, you probably also know about retinaRetinol’s stronger cousin.
Retinol and retinol are both derivatives of vitamin A, which means they work to promote cell turnover, increasing collagen production and, in turn, improving the appearance of wrinkles, pores, acne and skin texture. But, while these ingredients may be part of the same family – and, often, people don’t even notice the -ol and -el variation on their skin care packaging – there are some key differences between them.
I wanted to get this knowledge from an expert, talking to someone in the same profession who is an expert in all things skin related: a dermatologist. Below, Dr Conal Perrett reveals everything you need to know about these beauty terms, from suitability for skin types to usage advice. Here’s what he had to say.
meet the expert
- Dr. Conal Perrett is a consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, and completed his medical training 20 years ago in 2001. With a PhD in skin cancer, Dr Perrett is also a leading consultant in a London-based practice. Devonshire Clinic.
What is the difference between retinol and retinal?
“Retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid are all forms of vitamin A that are used in skin care, but they differ in potency, conversion pathways, and clinical use,” Dr. Perret tells me.
Breaking it down in layman’s terms, he explains that these three types of vitamin A are called ‘retinoids’, with retinol being the most common. Describing how it works he says, “Once implemented, [retinol] Before it can have an effect on the skin, it must be converted twice, first into retinal, then into retinoic acid.’ By comparison, “retinal is only one conversion step away from retinoic acid, so it works faster.” This, they concluded, makes retinol more gentle and retinal “more powerful.” While retinoic acid is the strongest and fastest-acting of the three, Dr. Perret cautions that it is “prescription only.”
“No conversion is required, so results are quicker and more dramatic, but the risk of irritation is higher.”
What can retinol and retinal be used for?
Below, Dr. Perret lists a series of skin care questions for which it may be appropriate to use retinol or retinal, highlighting in each case which formula would be better suited:
- acne – Use retinol for acne “because it’s antibacterial and more powerful.”
- wrinkles – “Either can help, but Retinal works faster.”
- sensitive skin – Use retinol “because it’s gentler and less irritating.”
- hyperpigmentation – Use Retinal “for quick results”.
- lower eyes – In this example, “use a lower dose of retinol, as it is gentle on such delicate skin.”
Is Retinal stronger than retinol?
,[Retinol] It is typically estimated to be about 10-11 times more potent at equivalent percentages, as it requires only one conversion step to become retinoic acid, compared to two for retinol, explains Dr. Perret. Clarifying this with real-world percentages, he says, “The concentration of 1 percent retinol is significantly stronger than 1 percent retinol, and the two are not equivalent.
“In fact, studies show that 0.1 percent retinol can produce similar or faster results than 1 percent retinol.”
Is Retinal better than retinol?
In short, Dr. Perrett argues that “where [retinol or retinal] Recovery depends on skin type, experience and tolerance.”
He praises Retinal for its ability to “provide faster, more visible results for acne, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation”, and says its antibacterial properties aid in its progress with acne sufferers. That said, he warns that retinal is “more difficult to find in well-formulated products because of its instability and cost.”
under his guidance best retinol and Retina, beauty editor lucy partington There are several effective retinal formulas recommended, including the products below.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment
Medic8 Crystal Retinal 10
Is Retinal more expensive than retinol?
“Generally speaking, yes, retinal is more expensive,” confirms Dr. Perret. This is because, as mentioned above, it is difficult to create an effective formulation. Dr. Perret also told me that retinal formulas need to be stabilized, meaning that “commercial retinal products typically cost more and are packaged in advanced containers to maintain efficacy.”
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Should you start with Retinol instead of Retinal?
In short, yes, according to Dr. Perret. “We recommend starting with retinol, especially for beginners or those with sensitive skin, given its gentle profile. If retinol is well tolerated and stronger results are desired, retinol can be introduced,” he advises.
However, in specific circumstances—for example, says Dr. Perret, “for more aggressive treatment of acne or anti-aging”—he suggests that lower doses of retinal may prove helpful if recommended by a medical professional.
Can retinol and retinal be used together?
Yes, they technically can, but Dr. Perret cautions, “[using them together] is generally unnecessary and may increase irritation without providing additional benefits.” Her top tip? “[Choose] “Based on skin needs and tolerance.”
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