Retinol vs Retinal- What's the Difference?

You have probably heard of countless retinol skin care products for it's amazing anti-aging benefits. Retinol is a derivative to Vitamin A that was originally brought into the skin care world for being an effective acne solution. throughout the years, scientists found that retinol not only prevented breakouts, it also smooths skin texture, brightens skin and boosts collagen production. Most beauty brands have produced a retinol product for anti-aging and have began creating products using the stronger of the two, retinal.

Retinal

Retinal is most potent form of Vitamin A that you can get, increasing anti-aging benefits eleven times faster than retinol. With the extra potency comes heighten sensitivity. Retinol has more research conducted than retinal, due to the instability of retinal until now. It is safe to use retinal products but you should be wary of irritation and skin sensitivity.

Both Vitamin A derivatives have the same anti-aging assistance except retinal works at a much faster rate. Retinol converts into retinal, then retinoic acid before it can be absorbed by your skin. Retinal is absorbed quicker, making it's anti-aging results stronger. Retinal use is more beneficial for mature skin and retinol is better for younger/acne prone skin.

Incorporating Vitamin A into your Skin Care Routine

Introduce Vitamin A slowly into your skin care routine. Start with a low dosage of retinol and apply it consistently for two weeks at night. Continue without any irritation before trying retinal. Both Vitamin A derivatives have the same impact on skin so the determining factor on which one to use is your skin's sensitivity. The skin around your eyes is most fragile so avoid using retinal on that area. Popular anti-aging products for eyes include caffeine solutions and Vitamin E. Everyone should incorporate this anti-aging and acne preventing vitamin into their skincare routine.

Retinol Products to Try

• The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

• Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream

• Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

Retinal Products to Try

• Youth to the People Retinal + Niacinamide

• Peach & Lily Retinal for all Renewing Skin

• Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum