Retinoids are gaining popularity and more and more people want to incorporate them into their skincare routines. You also want to add them to your regimen, but you're not sure which ingredient suits your skin's needs better?
We've prepared a quick guide to help you choose the best ingredient for yourself!
What are the differences between these ingredients?
Retinol is the most common, alcohol-based form of vitamin A. Upon contact with skin cells, it undergoes two conversions to transform into retinoic acid.
Retinal is an intermediate form between retinol and retinoic acid. Unlike retinol, it only needs one conversion to become retinoic acid.
When is it better to choose retinol?
Retinol is better suited for:
- Normal, oily, and combination skin types,
- Individuals with thicker facial skin with a distinct texture and enlarged pores,
- Skin with pigmentation issues, acne scars, enlarged pores and signs of aging.
When is it better to choose retinal?
Retinal is better suited for:
- Dry, sensitive, rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin types,
- Individuals with delicate and thin skin,
- Skin with pigmentation issues, signs of aging and enlarged pores,
- When the skin reacts poorly to retinol.
Is there a difference in using these ingredients?
NO - the rules for incorporating both of these ingredients into your skincare routine are the same.
You should:
- Gradually build tolerance,
- Daily apply sunscreen with high SPF 50 protection,
- Take care of the skin's hydrolipid barrier,
- Be patient,
- Observe the skin and respond to its current needs.
See our range of products with retinoids here.
Here are a few favorite product suggestions with retinoids from the VESA team:
