Retinol vs Retinal: Which Vitamin A Is Right for Your Skin?

Vitamin A is the most researched ingredient in skincare for smoothing fine lines, improving texture and evening skin tone. But walk into any skincare aisle and you will see retinol, retinal, retinyl retinoate and more. Here is what each one does, and how to choose the right one for you.

How vitamin A works

Skin can only use vitamin A in the form of retinoic acid. Cosmetic forms of vitamin A must be converted into retinoic acid within the skin, and the fewer conversion steps needed, the faster and more effective the ingredient.

• Retinol needs two conversion steps. It is effective but works more gradually.
• Retinal (retinaldehyde) needs only one step, which is why it works up to 11 times faster than retinol.
• Retinyl retinoate is an advanced hybrid retinoid that is photo-stable, so it can be used morning and night.

Which one should you choose?

New to vitamin A

Start low and slow. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 are ideal first steps, or Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR if you prefer a time-release retinol.

Already using vitamin A

Once your skin is comfortable, move up the strengths, for example to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and then Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10.

Mature skin or advanced users

Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night offers high-performance vitamin A that can be used twice daily.

Sensitive skin

If vitamin A has irritated your skin in the past, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides is a gentle, plant-based alternative.

How to use vitamin A safely

• Apply in the evening to clean, dry skin, two to three nights a week to begin with.
• Increase to nightly use over four to six weeks as your skin adjusts.
• Some dryness or flaking in the first weeks is normal. Support your skin barrier with a nourishing moisturiser such as Medik8 Advanced Night Restore.
• Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning, such as Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+.
• Avoid vitamin A if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, and stop use a few days before in-clinic treatments such as peels or microneedling unless advised otherwise.

Not sure which product is right for you?

Every skin is different. Book a skin consultation at SkinVitál Clinic in Banstead and I will recommend a personalised home routine that works alongside your in-clinic treatments. Book a consultation or browse the shop.

Jolanta Rusakoviene, RGN, Independent Nurse Prescriber