Retinal: The Next-Generation Anti-Aging Active?

Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is a star active ingredient in the anti-aging field. Faster and more effective than retinol, it promises visible results on skin texture, wrinkles, and imperfections. But be aware: its powerful action can also make it more irritating, especially for sensitive skin. Here's a breakdown of this active ingredient.

Retinal vs. Retinol: What's the Difference?

Both retinal and retinol are vitamin A derivatives, but they don't convert in the skin in the same way:

Retinol must be converted to retinal, then to retinoic acid (the active form directly usable by the skin). This double conversion slows down its action, but also makes it gentler and more tolerable.

Retinal, on the other hand, only requires a single conversion to become retinoic acid, which makes it faster and more powerful, but also potentially more irritating for sensitive skin.

Conclusion? If you're a beginner or have reactive skin, it's best to start with retinol before moving on to retinal.

The Benefits of Retinal

When well-tolerated, retinal can offer impressive results:

Stimulates cell renewal for smoother, brighter skin
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production
Evens out skin tone and reduces pigmentation spots
Natural antibacterial action, useful for blemish-prone skin

Is Retinal "Clean"?

Retinal is a powerful and effective active ingredient, but can it be considered clean?

It is an active ingredient naturally derived from vitamin A
It can be formulated in skincare products without silicones, mineral oils, or endocrine disruptors
But it remains a potentially irritating active ingredient, requiring gradual adaptation and enhanced hydration

At Seasonly, we have decided to exclude it from our formulations due to its potential for skin irritation. We therefore prefer to choose alternatives such as bakuchiol to meet the needs of the most sensitive skin, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How to Incorporate Retinal into Your Routine?

If you want to try retinal, here are some tips:

Use it only in the evening (it is photosensitive)
Apply it 2 to 3 times a week initially, then gradually increase
Always combine it with intense hydration to limit irritation
Protect your skin with an SPF 50 every morning

So, Who is Retinal For?

Ideal if you are already used to retinoids and want faster results
To be avoided if you have very sensitive skin or are new to vitamin A

Retinal is a true skincare revolution, but it's not for everyone. The key is to listen to your skin and adopt a progressive approach to get the best out of it without compromising on comfort!