Retinal (Retinaldehyde)
A strong non-prescription retinoid, one conversion step from retinoic acid, that refines texture, softens the look of lines and evens tone.
retinal, retinaldehyde, vitamin A aldehyde, retinoid
Ageing skin · Texture & large pores · Blemish-prone skin · Pigmentation & dark spots
What it does
Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is a form of vitamin A and one of the strongest retinoids available without a prescription. Used consistently, it refines texture and the look of pores, softens the look of fine lines, helps keep congestion at bay and evens the look of pigmentation and dark spots. It is a natural next step for skin that has adapted to retinol and wants more, and it is increasingly found in encapsulated night creams and serums.
How it works
Every retinoid must be converted in the skin to retinoic acid, the form that binds to receptors in skin cells and is behind retinoids' effects on texture, lines and tone. Retinol needs two conversion steps; retinal needs only one, which is why it acts faster and more strongly than retinol, while generally being gentler than prescription tretinoin. Retinal is unstable in light and air, so modern formulas often microencapsulate it for a slower, steadier release that is kinder to the skin.
MG says
Eighth Day's The Reparative Night Cream harnesses microencapsulated retinal with a sophisticated delivery system, and it packs a punch. Because of its potency, I recommend applying it every other night to begin with, eventually building up to each evening.
Cautions
Avoid retinal, like all retinoids, during pregnancy; prescription retinoids in particular should not be used. If you're trying to conceive or breastfeeding, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it. Introduce it slowly, two or three nights a week, and expect some dryness, flaking or redness while your skin adapts; applying moisturiser before and after can help. Retinoids increase sun sensitivity, so apply retinal at night and wear SPF daily. Don't use it on the same night as AHAs, BHAs or strong vitamin C.
