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Retinal as a "well-aging" active ingredient for skin health

Skincare with retinal—spelled with an "a" instead of an "o"—is better than retinol. The effectiveness of this form of vitamin A against signs of aging and blemishes is evidence-based, especially in encapsulated form. DR. EMI ARPA SKIN tells you everything you need to know about how retinal works and how to use it in skincare products.

Contents

WHAT IS RETINAL?

Retinaldehyde, better known as retinal, belongs to the vitamin A derivatives(retinoids). Retinal is a natural precursor of retinoic acid. In contrast to retinol, it therefore only requires a single conversion stage to be oxidized into its active form. In current studies, retinal is considered to be the most effective over-the-counter retinoid with an optimal ratio of activity and tolerability.

<p>WAS IST RETINAL?</p>
<p>WAS IST RETINAL?</p>

Evidence-based modes of action of retinal on the skin

Retinal is a very well-tolerated well-aging active ingredient for reducing the signs of skin aging (especially caused by UV radiation). 

Concentrations from 0.05 % retinal for external (topical application):

  • reduce wrinkle depth
  • promote collagen synthesis
  • increase skin elasticity
  • improve the skin texture
  • free the pores
  • have an antibacterial effect
  • inhibit the breakdown of collagen
  • refine the pores
  • increase skin thickness and make the skin more resistant
  • reduce hyperpigmentation (from 0.1% retinal)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETINAL AND ENCAPSULATED RETINAL?

The retinal in the DR. EMI ARPA SKIN Absolute A and Absolute A+ serums is present as an active ingredient encapsulated in liposomes. This encapsulation technique is used for several reasons: to protect the retinal and preserve its stability and efficacy. This is because retinal is sensitive to light and air, which can cause it to oxidize and thus reduce its efficacy. Encapsulation protects retinal from these environmental influences and preserves its stability. As a result, products containing encapsulated retinal have a longer shelf life and their efficacy is better preserved compared to those containing non-encapsulated retinal. Furthermore, encapsulated retinal can be delivered to the skin in a more targeted manner, which increases its effectiveness: The capsule ensures that the active ingredients of the retinal only take effect after penetrating the skin. Another advantage of encapsulated retinal is that it tends to be less irritating to the skin than non-encapsulated retinal.

Can Retinal be used during pregnancy/breastfeeding?

All forms of retinoids (retinol/retinal) should generally be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they could potentially have negative consequences during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

Fewer side effects with (encapsulated) retinal

Because retinoic acid is delivered in a controlled manner in the form of retinal, retinal is generally better tolerated. Encapsulated retinal, in particular, tends to be less irritating to the skin than non-encapsulated retinal, which is beneficial for those with sensitive skin who wish to enjoy the aforementioned benefits of this active ingredient. People with sensitive skin or skin prone to redness should start with a lower frequency of use and a lower concentration of retinal—for example, with the Absolute A Retinal Serum by DR. EMI ARPA SKIN.

WHEN SHOULD RETINAL BE USED?

Depending on the skin condition and target, retinoids can cover a wide range of different skin concerns. Retinal improves the skin structure - and therefore also the skin quality - by stimulating collagen synthesis. Retinal has this effect like no other active ingredient in the field of skin care. On the one hand, it helps to improve the appearance of the skin: pores become finer, the skin structure is smoothed and pigmentation spots are reduced. On the other hand, or precisely because of this effect, retinal also serves as an excellent active ingredient against ageing processes and sun damage. Retinal therefore accelerates cell division, stimulates collagen synthesis and promotes skin elasticity. These factors slow down or decrease the older we get. Cell division and the comedolytic, antibacterial properties of retinal also have a positive effect on blemish-prone skin.

As a dermatologist, Dr. Emi Arpa advises integrating retinoids (retinol/retinal) into your evening skincare routine. The advantage of using them in the evening is that skincare products with retinal, such as DR. EMI ARPA SKIN Absolute A and Absolute A+ serums can optimally support skin regeneration and work undisturbed. In the morning, the antioxidant properties of retinal protect against the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, the high photosensitivity of the high-dose retinoids used in such medications reacts. A must when using retinal products: UV protection during the day - ideally with sun protection factor 50.