What is retinal and who should use it?

What is retinal and who should use it?

Retinaldehyde (retinal) is an active form of vitamin A from the retinoid family. It's one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients for slowing down the visible signs of skin ageing.

Why retinal?

• It sits one step between retinol and retinoic acid (tretinoin) in the conversion pathway. Inside the skin, it only needs a single conversion step to become retinoic acid, so it can work faster and with less loss of potency.
• Thanks to slow-release technologies (used, for example, in Ph.Doctor products), it tends to be gentler and less irritating than some other retinoids.
• Retinoids bind to receptors in skin cells and effectively fine-tune their renewal. They boost collagen production while slowing its breakdown, which helps reduce the signs of photoageing (sun-induced skin ageing).

How to start

With retinoids, the most important thing is to build up tolerance gradually. In the early stages, sensitive skin may experience temporary irritation. The formulation of our products reduces this risk, and any irritation usually subsides once your skin adjusts to the product. Don't give up after the first few days. The first visible changes typically appear after around 12 weeks of regular use.

Good to know:

• Retinal has a naturally deep yellow colour. That's completely normal.
• A well-stabilised formula retains its effectiveness for up to 12 months after opening.
• Autumn is the ideal time to start. During summer, it's better to take a break or use it very carefully alongside proper SPF protection.

What can retinal do?

• helps with acne
• has an anti-ageing effect (softer wrinkles, smoother skin texture)
• firms and tightens the skin
• evens out skin tone, reduces pigmentation spots
• may improve the appearance of fresh stretch marks
• supports hydration and the skin barrier (lower TEWL – transepidermal water loss)

It's a good choice if you're dealing with:

• acne and clogged pores (blackheads, comedones)
• wrinkles
• photoageing (sun-induced skin changes)
• pigmentation
• keratosis pilaris (sometimes called "strawberry skin")
• fresh stretch marks
  (for the body, FACE&BODY RetinALL 0.05% with a stable form of retinal is an excellent option)
• a weakened skin barrier / elevated TEWL
• mature skin

When to avoid retinal (contraindications):

• active or pronounced atopic dermatitis on the face
• pregnancy
• skin infections
• open wounds or fresh scratches
• severely irritated or extremely dry skin