Retinol / Retinal

Retinal & Retinol Products: The best selection with the active ingredient

Retinol is considered a real power ingredient and is celebrated by dermatologists and beauty experts alike. The ingredient is considered effective for various skin problems and is available over the counter in smaller concentrations, but requires a prescription in higher concentrations.

What is retinol?

Retinol belongs to the retinoid family, a group of vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A is essential for skin health and plays an important role in cell renewal and collagen production.

Retinol is a milder form of vitamin A used in many over-the-counter skin care products.

The effect of retinol

Retinol (vitamin A) is a real all-rounder when it comes to skin care. Here are some of its most important benefits:

• Anti-Aging: Retinol stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, pigment spots and acne scars.
• Acne Treatment: Retinol can help reduce inflammation and regulate sebum production, thereby preventing acne and blackheads.
• Improving skin tone: Retinol can help lighten pigment spots and make the complexion appear more even.
• Refining pores: By promoting cell renewal, retinol can help shrink pores and refine the skin's appearance.

Different types of products with retinol

Retinol is available in many different skin care products, including:

• Serums: Serums are highly concentrated and are quickly absorbed into the skin. They are particularly suitable for the targeted treatment of wrinkles and pigment spots.
• Creams: Creams are usually richer and offer moisturizing care in addition to retinol.
• Eye Creams: Eye creams with retinol are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes and can help reduce crow's feet and dark circles.

Application of retinol (vitamin A)

To achieve optimal results and avoid side effects, it is important to use retinol correctly:

1. Start low, go slow: Start with a low concentration and slowly increase it once your skin gets used to the retinol.
2. Apply in the evening: Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to light, so it is best applied in the evening.
3. Sun protection: Always use a high SPF sunscreen during the day when using retinol.
4. Combine with moisturizer: Retinol can dry out the skin, so it is important to use a moisturizer.
5. Have patience: It may take a few weeks before you see the first results.

If your skin is rather sensitive, you can also use barrier-strengthening creams and toners, for example with a high proportion of ceramides.

There are actually retinol medications in the form of tablets that you can take, but you can only get them prescribed by a doctor. Of course, you only use cosmetics such as creams, serums, etc. on your skin.

Alternatives to Retinol

Bakuchiol is considered the plant-based alternative to retinol and is also said to stimulate collagen production, thus having a great anti-aging effect. At the same time, it improves the skin structure and reduces unevenness and pigment spots. It is also considered to be more tolerable than retinol.

Retinal is also one of the retinoids - but is much more effective and better tolerated than retinol. Its effect is very similar to retinol: it promotes skin regeneration, smoothes the skin and reduces wrinkles and pigment spots.

The best brands for products with retinol, retinal and bakuchiol:

Geek & Gorgeous | Transparent Lab | Paula's Choice | minimalist | Skintegra | facetheory | ondo Beauty 36.5 | Nø Cosmetics | Hanskin | Lumene | Cosrx | meisani | Beauty of Joseon | The Purest Solutions