Retinaldehyde in Skincare: A Complete Guide

Retinoids have been ruling the anti-ageing skincare for years, and retinol, being the most popular among retinoids, has been used and discussed the most among the vitamin A derivatives. But recently, retinaldehyde has started dominating the skincare industry as a gentler derivative of retinol, imparting similar and quicker effects.

If you have retinol throughout these years, it’s a good time to switch. Retinaldehyde is a more potent and milder option than retinol. Keep reading to explore retinaldehyde, its benefits and uses, and how to find the right product for you. 

What is Retinaldehyde?

Retinaldehyde is a vitamin A derivative and a retinoid family member. Retinal is another name for retinaldehyde and offers similar benefits to retinol. Then why has it suddenly been used so much? Retinaldehyde requires only one step to turn into retinoic acid. This retinoic acid binds to the cell receptors and stimulates action in the skin. This phenomenon makes it more potent and a stronger retinoid compared to its counterparts. 

The more steps a retinoid needs to get converted into retinoic acid, the lower its efficiency and strength become. Hence, retinaldehyde can give you a little quicker result. But that's not the case every time. How retinaldehyde behaves with your skin depends on a lot of other factors, too. 

Retinal Vs Retinol

Retinaldehyde is milder than retinol and contains anti-bacterial properties. This is why it acts well for acne scars and acne-prone skin. Retinol can irritate the skin and can be a little harsh, while retinaldehyde is a gentler derivative and has a higher potency. Experts suggest individuals with sensitive skin may rely on retinaldehyde instead of retinol. Moreover, it is more stable than retinol and sustains its effectiveness when exposed to air and light. 

To learn more about how retinal differs from retinol, you can read this blog: Retinol vs Retinaldehyde

Retinal vs Other Retinoids

Retinaldehyde is the closest to retinoic acid compared to all other retinoids. Other vitamin A derivatives like retinyl esters require three steps to become retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the most potent, but it may cause skin sensitivity, making people hesitant to use it. 

Owing to its similar yet distinctive characteristics, retinaldehyde stands out among its family. 

Mildness and Potency

Retinaldehyde is more potent than retinol, and you can expect faster results. At the same time, this is milder on your skin than retinol and retinoic acid. 

This characteristic feature of retinaldehyde strikes a perfect balance between mildness and potency, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Having less potential for irritation, it’s easier for your skin to tolerate retinaldehyde.

Stability

It is much more stable than retinol. This indicates lower chances of the product degradation when exposed to external environmental factors, including light and air. Your retinal serum product can naturally sustain its efficacy over time. 

Conversion Efficiency

Retinaldehyde produces outcomes more rapidly than retinyl palmitate or retinol. So if you are impatient with skincare, you can explore this option. 

While other retinoids have powerful characteristics, like retinyl retinoate is eight times stronger than retinol and day-use compatible, retinaldehyde is still less irritating and beginner-friendly, and recommended by many doctors as a better alternative to retinol and other retinoids. 

Benefits of Retinaldehyde for Skin

Those looking for an age-defying retinoid can choose retinaldehyde and stay consistent with it for effective results. But retinaldehyde goes beyond simply being an anti-ageing ingredient for your skin. This can complement your skin in the following ways;

Fights Acne: 

Retinaldehyde can soothe inflammation, serving the acne-prone skin right. It can clean your pores to prevent further acne blemishes. 

Balances Sebum Production: 

It has antibacterial properties to aid skin congestion, helps with balancing oil or sebum production, and rejuvenates the acne-prone skin from within. 

Fades Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation: 

It can restrict the activity of an enzyme responsible for melanin production, tyrosinase. Increased melanin can cause pigmentation, dark spots, and discolouration. For conditions like post-acne hyperpigmentation and associated scarring, you can rely on retinal and can expect positive results.

Smooths Wrinkles and Fine Lines: 

Wrinkles have a depth that eventually makes them appear intense on the skin. Our skin needs collagen, a vital protein to maintain its structure and firmness, and elasticity. Retinaldehyde, being a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, can promote collagen production. 

Refines Tone and Texture: 

Retinaldehyde can help shed dead skin cells and reduce rough patches, promoting brighter skin and smoother texture. It can speed up the cellular turnover.

Incorporating Retinaldehyde into Your Skincare Routine

Integrating retinaldehyde into your skincare routine requires careful consideration to ensure optimal and long-term results. Explore these concise tips;

Source: Freepik

Tip 1: Conduct a patch test: Start with testing a product on a small region of your skin to check the potential allergic reactions you might be prone to. Try with a little amount on your inner arm or behind your ear. 

Tip 2: Select the right concentration: A beginner’s skin requires a low concentration until its tolerance for the ingredient grows. This is different for advanced-level retinaldehyde users. 

Tip 3: Apply it in the evening: Apply retinaldehyde in the evening, as it can make your skin more sensitive towards sunlight. 

Tip 4: Use after a cleanser: Cleanse your skin with any of the suitable cleansers, and take two to three drops of your retinal serum and apply it all over the face and neck. This allows the maximum absorption of your retinaldehyde serum.

Tip 5: Hold On Before Applying Other Products: Let the retinaldehyde serum be absorbed by your skin before you layer some other product to reduce the chances of potential interaction that may irritate. 

Tip 6: Lock the Benefits: After applying the retinaldehyde, lock the benefits with a lightweight moisturiser. It will soothe the skin as well.

Seek your doctor for the best advice. Every skin is unique and requires personal attention and care. Your expert can guide you in a comprehensive direction.

How to Find the Right Retinaldehyde Product?

To choose the ideal retinaldehyde product, beginning with a lower-strength formula is important, but that alone is not enough. You must pay attention to other factors, including;

• If your skin is oily or has any type of acne, a non-comedogenic formulation is a must. Salicylic acid and zinc could do wonders alongside retinaldehyde. 
• Reactive or sensitive skin may have to choose a lower-strength formulation infused with aloe vera or ceramides to soothe skin and prevent inflammation. 
• Dry or mature skin can try options like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to get the nutrient-deficient skin the required combination. 
• Consider additional benefits like hydration, rejuvenation, brightening, and barrier repair properties. 
• Look for the opaque and air-tight packaging only while buying a retinal product. It's crucial to environmental elements like air and light. 
• Buy from a reputable brand whose products are dermatologically tested and cruelty-free. Check the ingredient list if it's transparent. 

Potential Side Effects    

Using retinaldehyde in high concentrations can make your skin flaky, scaly, and irritated, but you can experience the same side effects with other topical retinoids, too. Flakiness or peeling might be a part of the exfoliation process. In most cases, this effect is temporary. 

Some individuals may also experience redness, itching or a burning sensation. These effects are commonly experienced during the initial stages of using retinaldehyde. Slowly, your skin starts accepting the ingredient’s formula. 

Retinaldehyde can be sensitive to the sun. It’s advisable to go for proper sun protection. 

DRSQ’s Retinaldehyde Serums 

DRSQ has retinaldehyde serums in 3 strengths for beginners, intermediate and advanced users. Our retinaldehyde serums are made with retinaldehyde infused with niacinamide to combat hyperpigmentation, tetrapeptide-30 to target uneven skin tone and dark spots, ultra-low-weight hyaluronic acid for intense moisture, and Coq10 for preventing premature ageing, along with other actives. 

• Starter Vitamin A serum with 0.25% retinaldehyde for skin never exposed to vitamin A. This helps you build your skin's tolerance for the ingredient gradually. 

• Miracle Provitamin A serum with 0.5% retinaldehyde is for the skin that has already been accustomed to lower-strength vitamin A. 

• Advanced Vitamin A serum with 1% retinaldehyde is for individuals who can tolerate this high-strength vitamin A and have been using the ingredient for a healthy period. 

Conclusion

Add retinaldehyde to your skincare regimen in the early years of youth, 20s, maybe. Begin with a lower-strength formula and increase the strength over time. A skin expert may give you a skilled perspective on the right usage to enhance the vitality of the skin while combating existing concerns. Retinaldehyde holds significant potential in caring for your skin's well-being, from fighting acne to wrinkles and fine lines. 

FAQs

How soon does retinaldehyde show results?

It depends on a few factors, including your concern, skin type, strength of your product, and how consistent you are. In general, retinaldehyde can take from a few weeks to months to show visible results. 

Can I use retinaldehyde on my sensitive skin?

Yes, retinaldehyde is a mild member of the retinoid family, and it can be well-tolerated by sensitive skin types. However, you can contact your doctor for the best advice. Retinaldehyde doesn't irritate or inflame the skin under normal circumstances and is used by people suffering from skin conditions like dermatitis and rosacea. 

What is the best way to use retinal?

It's best to begin with a lower concentration and apply it twice a week. You can keep doing this for the first few weeks. If your skin behaves well with retinaldehyde, then you can increase the frequency up to every alternate night. At last, you can use it every night when your skin becomes accustomed to it. 

When should I begin using retinoids?

Start early, finish better. But there is no fixed age for you to start using retinaldehyde or other retinoids. It ideally depends on your skin type and concerns. The age can be different for everyone. 

• Start in your early 20s to cleanse pores and manage acne.
• Start in your early 30s to combat premature ageing signs like crow's feet and smile lines. 
• Start in your 40s to stimulate collagen production, deep rejuvenation from within, and increase cellular turnover. 

References:

Sorg, O., & Antille, C., & Kaya, G., & Saurat, J.H. (2006). Retinoids in cosmeceuticals. Dermatologic Therapy, 19(5), 289–296. 

Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H.C., Roeder, A., & Weindl, G. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), 327–348. 

Zasada, M., Budzisz, E. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 36(4), 392–397.

Fluhr, J.W., Darlenski, R., & Angelova-Fischer, I. (2010). Skin benefits of retinoids: Safety and efficacy of over-the-counter products. Dermatologic Therapy, 23(3), 261–268.