Starting at the top- retinoic acid is the strongest form of vitamin A on the market. It works rapidly to significantly combat signs of ageing, but also comes with the unwanted side effects – excessive dryness, peeling, redness and irritation. For this reason, it is only available by prescription and not the most pleasant of Vitamin A’s on the skin.
What is important to note however, is all vitamin A’s used on the skin need to reach the form of retinoic acid to be beneficial in skincare. Weaker versions of Vitamin A will go through a conversion process on the skin to get to this active form. This process naturally slows down the effects of retinoic acid on the skin- meaning less irritation… but longer wait time for results.
Enter- the Vitamin A pathway to explain this a bit more.
In order to have an effect in the skin, vitamin A must be converted along the ‘vitamin A pathway’ to reach its biologically active form- retinoic acid. So whichever form you apply, it ultimately needs to reach retinoic acid before any of the benefits can happen. There are four steps to the conversion into retinoic acid; beginning with retinyl esters - the weakest form of vitamin A, into retinol, then to retinaldehyde, and then finally retinoic acid.
..whichever form you apply, it ultimately needs to reach retinoic acid before any of the benefits can happen
So when we compare retinol vs retinal- think of it in the number of steps it takes to convert to retinoic acid. Retinol is two conversion steps away from retinoic acid, whereas retinal (retinaldehyde) requires just ONE conversion step to retinoic acid.
The fewer conversions required, the more benefits delivered to the skin. Simple!
While retinol is the most popular form of over-the-counter vitamin A, and can provide significant anti-ageing results, it does require this two-step process of conversion, meaning a longer wait time for results. Retinal on the other hand, being the direct precursor to retinoic acid, is an even superior and faster acting form of vitamin A.
Retinol is two conversion steps away from retinoic acid, whereas retinal (retinaldehyde) requires just one conversion step to retinoic acid.
This exact reason is why Medik8’s Crystal Retinal range is a market leader when it comes to vitamin A.
Crystal Retinal in strength 3, 6, and 10 is a powerful anti-ageing cream serum- delivering results comparable to clinical grade retinoic acid, and up to 11x faster than most forms of retinol.
Even better- it remains as kind to the skin as traditional retinol thanks to its time release delivery via a crystal shaped encapsulation system. This release system means the formula remains stable, and distributed evenly and consistently while you sleep.
Crystal Retinal in strength 3, 6, and 10 is a powerful anti-ageing cream serum- delivering results comparable to clinical grade retinoic acid, and up to 11x faster than most forms of retinol.
With a blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acid, glycerine and Vit E- Crystal Retinal also deeply hydrates, taking care of the skin barrier while its works its magic. And lastly, unlike many other vitamin A's, retinal boasts powerful antibacterial proprieties, which is why we will always recommend this formula to those suffering blemish prone skin. Over time it will diminish the bacteria responsible for breakouts, promoting a healthy balanced complexion.
Crystal Retinal has a ladder system with strength- starting at 3 for those new to Vitamin A or with sensitive skin, and works all the way up to 10. We recommend starting low and slow, and powering up once your skin becomes comfortable with nightly use.
We are huge fans of Crystal Retinal at INÈS, and recommend this product to anyone interested in starting their journey with vitamin A
For questions or skincare advise- email us at info@inesstore.com