What’s the difference between retinal and retinol?
You’ve probably heard about retinol, and may even use it as part of your skincare regime. But have you heard about retinal? Both retinol and retinal come from the same family of retinoids, however despite their almost identical names, each has some different actions and benefits.
keep reading to discover the benefits that both bring to the skin.
RETINOL
Retinol is a very concentrated form of vitamin A. Vitamin A speeds up the rate of skin cell renewal and therefore has a multitude of benefits for the skin. Retinol comes in many different forms, from creams, to serums, to gels. The strength of retinol depends on the percentage. 0.05 is usually the best percentage to start on, as the skin needs to slowly acclimatise to it. 1 % is the strongest percentage and can be used once the skin has built up enough tolerance. It can be purchased over the counter, however stronger forms require a prescription.
And with the strongest percentage there can be more negative side effects experienced. These include redness, inflammation, pigmentation damage from increase in UV sensitivity, flakiness and dryness.
Tip: We recommend not to use retinol during the summer months.
Here are some of the benefits of using Retinol:
- Strong exfoliating action – skin cell renewal leads to dead skin cells being shed at a much quicker rate. This helps to smoothen and soften the skin.
- Radiant skin – because of the rapid turnover of cells, fresh cells are being brought to the surface of the skin quicker. This leads to a fresher, brighter appearance to the skin.
- Anti-aging – Retinol helps to stimulate collage production, increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Fine lines are reduced and the skin looks more youthful.
- Anti-pigmentation – Quicker skin cell renewal leads to the sloughing off of damaged skin cells that contribute to pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is reduced, and the skin looks clearer.
- Anti-blemish – Retinol helps to remove impurities and blockages in the skin. Because the skin is being renewed at a faster rate, blemishes stuck deep in the pores are released more efficiently, and breakouts are less common.

RETINAL
Retinal, short for Retinaldehyde, works in a similar way to retinol, however it is actually more potent than retinol! Just like retinol, retinal works to reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pigmentation, boosts radiance and hydration and reduces breakouts.
Retinal also comes in different percentages ranging from 0.05 to 1%. However, whilst retinal is stronger than retinol, it has a more gentle action on the skin. This is because retinal is a purer form of vitamin A than retinol and more easily processed by the skin. This means that it is much better for sensitive skin, and doesn’t cause as much redness, irritation or flaking in the same way that retinol does when the skin is getting used to it.
Another big difference between the two is that retinal has been proven to be 11x faster acting than retinol. This makes it a popular choice for people with concerns over signs of aging, as retinal will get to work faster on reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting elasticity and firmness.
Unlike retinol, retinal can be derived from natural means. Retinal can be extracted from a remarkable microorganism called Halobacterium Salinarum, which grows naturally in solar salt lakes and ponds around the world.

So it’s clear to see both retinol and retinal have a wide variety of great benefits for the skin. However, if you’re looking for a fast acting ingredient that will help to actively fight signs of aging, whilst still being gentle on the skin, then retinal seems to be the way to go!
New Centella Product Coming Soon!
If you like the sound of the wonderful age-fighting benefits that retinal has to offer, then we think you’re going to love Centella’s new ultra luxurious anti-age serum that will be available very soon! Keep your eye’s peeled to see what will be in-store for your skin!
Here’s a little hint! It pairs very well with Centella’s Precious Orchid anti-age cream!

Start your skincare journey with us today: book your facial or purchase our products at www.vclairenaturalbeauty.ie , or call us at 01 497 8833 or Book Online
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