Active · PM · Clear breakouts, Brighten
Retinol and retinal
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps skin renew itself faster, which softens the look of fine lines, rough texture and clogged pores.
Retinol and retinal at a glance
- What it does
- Skin converts retinol to retinoic acid in steps. Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one step closer, so it works at lower strengths. Results build over 8 to 12 weeks of steady use.
- Who it suits
- Normal, oily and combination skin, and anyone focused on texture or signs of ageing.
- Who should be careful
- Dryness, flaking and stinging are common at first, so start 2 or 3 nights a week. Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding, and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
- AM or PM
- Night only. Light breaks it down, and it makes daily sunscreen more important.
- Don’t layer with
- Glycolic and lactic acid (AHA): Not recommended in the same routine. Retinol and an AHA in the same PM routine can irritate. Try alternate nights.
- Salicylic acid (BHA): Not recommended in the same routine. Retinol and BHA in one routine can over-dry and sting. Use them on alternate nights.
- Vitamin C: Best split AM and PM, or on different nights. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
- PHA (gluconolactone): Best split AM and PM, or on different nights. PHA is gentle, but keep it to different nights while your skin adjusts to retinol.
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