Retinol has long been a favorite ingredient for treating acne, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. But did you know it’s just one in a family of vitamin A-derived products known as retinoids?  Many people assume that retinol, retinal, retinoid, and retinoic acid are all the same thing, but while they’re all in the same family, they’re all different. Here’s a simplified overview:

Retinoid

Retinoid is the umbrella term for all of the vitamin-A-derived skincare products.

Retinoic acid

Retinoic acid is the most potent form. It’s the molecule that’s biologically active on the skin. All other forms get eventually converted into retinoic acid.

Retinaldehyde

Retinaldehyde has to undergo a step to convert to retinoic acid and start working its magic on the skin cells.

Retinol

Retinol has to undergo two steps to convert to retinoic acid before it begins to work on the skin cells.

Differentiating between the terms can be a little confusing, especially retinol and retinaldehyde. Retinaldehyde is often used in its short form (retinal) on product labels, which looks just like retinol if you’re not paying attention. While they’re both retinoids and essentially have the same end goals, retinaldehyde works more quickly and more efficiently to provide anti-aging, anti-blemish, and skin-enhancing benefits. Read on for more information about what retinaldehyde does for your skin.

Promotes cell turnover

Retinaldehyde increases blood circulation, speeding up cell turnover on the surface of the skin as well as in the deeper layers of the dermis.

Brightens skin tone

By breaking up the dead top layer of skin, retinaldehyde helps to remove blemishes, dull skin, and dark spots, to reveal a brighter, more radiant skin tone.

Rejuvenates complexion

Retinaldehyde has antibacterial properties. By reducing the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts, it helps to improve overall skin tone and texture.

Thickens dermis

The small molecule size of retinaldehyde allows it to penetrate deep into the dermis, where it thickens skin by stimulating the natural production of collagen, elastin and blood vessels.

Tightens skin

As retinaldehyde repairs connective tissue in the deeper layers of the dermis, the upper layers of skin become firmer and more supple, and the lines and wrinkles become less visible, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Safe for day and night use

Retinaldehyde will not over-exfoliate your skin and cause sun-sensitivity the way other vitamin A products can sun, so it’s safe to use day and night. But it’s still important to use your sunscreen every day.

Quick, powerful results

Retinaldehyde works 11 times faster and packs a more powerful punch than retinol.

Retinaldehyde products aren’t for everyone. The potency can cause some irritation for those with sensitive skin. Most dermatologists reserve the retinaldehyde products for patients who have not seen sufficient results with retinol products. 

Anti-aging, anti-blemish, skin-enhancing products at Siti Med Spa

Whether you’re struggling to fight the signs of aging or stop acne breakouts from blemishing your beautiful skin, Siti Med Spa can help. In addition to retinoid products by SkinMedica, we offer a broad range of anti-aging, anti-blemish, and skin rejuvenating services and products designed to help you look and feel gorgeous in the skin you’re in. Our highly trained staff of Nurse Practitioners take pride in providing the best possible service to help each patient achieve a radiant, natural-looking, ageless appearance. Give us a call at (619) 717-8484 to schedule a consultation today.