Retinaldehyde is a relatively new vitamin A ingredient but still has significant published studies proving its efficacy: in particular, it is proven to be 11 times faster acting than traditional retinol. Read: faster results. However, it is notoriously difficult to stabilise.
“Because every step reduces the effectiveness of the retinoid, this means retinal can deliver more retinoic acid into the skin than retinol,” says Harman. One published clinical study showed that the rate of this conversion is 11 times faster than that of retinol.
Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but they are not the same thing. Think of it like this–both broccoli and cauliflower are vegetables with florets but one isn't the other. Adapalene is stronger and more potent than retinol because it contains active retinoic acid.
The Active Ingredient is Not Powerful Enough
The strength of non-prescription, over-the-counter retinoids (referred to as retinols) is generally insufficient to treat acne.
Tazarotene. The strongest of topical retinoids is tazarotene (also known as Tazorac), a retinoid that binds to both the beta and gamma retinoic acid receptors in the skin.
The overpowered one: Retinoic acid
Retinoic acid is the most powerful retinoid because it acts on the skin's retinoic acid without the need for conversion. It's available by prescription only, usually as “tretinoin.” Since it's a pharmaceutical medication, its effects are well-documented and clear.
Discontinue use if you have negative side effects after a few weeks of use and contact your physician to help reassess your skin type and find a solution that will protect your skin barrier . Consider using moisturizing and soothing topical skin care products with retinol to counteract its negative side effects.
Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months.
Don't: Combine Retinol With Incompatible Ingredients
Some ingredients cause an adverse reaction when combined with retinol, so it's important not to use them at the same time. Don't use retinol with Vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid, which are other common skincare ingredients.
Deciding when to start using retinol and wearing sunscreen are two halves of the same whole—sunscreen protects your skin, while retinol rejuvenates it at a dermal level. The only way retinol is going to make you age faster is if you use it without sunscreen.
Crystal Retinal 20 sits at the top of the Crystal Retinal ladder, featuring 0.2% retinal. The powerful serum is exclusively for advanced customers who have comfortably used Crystal Retinal 10 and want to move up on the Crystal Retinal Ladder.
Retinaldehydes are retinoids up to 20 times more powerful than retinol due to its closer proximity to retinoic acid. And even though it's still a bit rare in many skin care products, it may be the key ingredient to fighting photoaging.
In addition to sun protection, one of the most effective ways to stay younger looking is with retinol-based skin care. It's a form of Vitamin A, and its versatility lies in the way it works. Retinol aids surface skin cell turnover for healthier-looking, brighter skin.
The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.
Botox is a renowned treatment for deep wrinkles on the face; many consider it the best treatment there is! This method focuses on relaxing the facial muscles, preventing future wrinkles from forming. It takes minutes to complete and leaves a significant difference on your skin.
Retinol serves an age reversing purpose, Koreans use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants instead.
Dr. Alex Lief, MD Harvard Medical School has said and I quote: “Exercise is the closest thing we have to an anti-aging pill.” Regular physical activity has been a way of life for virtually every person who has reached the age of 100 years in sound condition. Exercise is medicine.
Yes, because both collagen and retinol have anti-aging properties. However, retinol is a more potent anti-aging product, so it's better for those with deep-set wrinkles. Collagen is better for those with fewer and finer wrinkles. You can also use either collagen or retinol for the bags under your eyes.
You can use retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Retinol tends to cause dryness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin and maintain your skin's function as a protective barrier. Do not combine retinol with AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
While you're better off not mixing retinol with AHAs and BHAs (like glycolic and salicylic acid), retinol and hyaluronic acid are a perfect match. Combining these two actives can mean less fine lines and dry skin — which is a win-win, #letsbefrank.