Vitamin A: Retinol or Retinal?

Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated fat-soluble nutritional organic compounds that include retinol, retinal and many carotenoid provitamins A.

Vitamin A and its derivatives

Vitamin A, after being absorbed by the body, is first broken down into retinol and then into retinal before finally becoming retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A. This last step takes place very quickly unlike the rest of the actions, which is why the Retinal is so immediately effective.

Retinol

When retinol comes into contact with skin enzymes, it turns into retinoic acid, giving impressive results.

• Recommended after acne treatment
• It reduces the signs of aging.
• Improves skin texture
• Gives an even tone

Retinol comes with the fear of side effects like peeling or itching. But all this mainly concerns sensitive skins. Science, however, has progressed in figuring out how much retinol each product needs to contain in order to avoid adverse reactions. However, it is recommended for each new product that is tested on our skin to control the amounts we use and to increase them gradually.

Retinol vs Retinal

Both work in a similar way, but have key differences that make them suitable for different skin conditions. More specifically:

1. Retinal works up to 11 times faster than retinol.
2. Retinal has a significantly higher exfoliation rate than retinol, which feeds a very even and glowing skin. This is why it is recommended for mature skin types that need significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as quickly as possible.
3. Retinal is the only retinoid that exhibits direct antibacterial properties. Therefore, those with acne-prone skin can definitely prefer it.

Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, Beauty of Joseon

Both retinal as well as retinol they are capable of causing mild irritation after the first contact, but these adverse effects are and appear mainly when vitamin A has been introduced too quickly or in too large a quantity suddenly.

Start using retinol and retinal with a product that is low in percentage. You can use it twice a week for the first 2 weeks and increase its application gradually. When you realize that your skin has developed a tolerance to the ingredient, you can move on to higher strength products.