4 Benefits Of Retinaldehyde For Your Skin You Should Know

Vitamin A helps reduce wrinkles, prevent hyperpigmentation and premature aging, and improve skin tone (1). As a derivative of vitamin A, you can also use retinaldehyde for skin issues. It is one of the best solutions to minimize your skincare woes. Using it daily may help improve your skin health and improve aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.

Due to its fewer side effects, retinaldehyde is considered a better alternative to retinol (another derivative of vitamin A) (2). This article discusses the benefits of retinaldehyde for the skin, how to use it, and the precautions to keep in mind. Read on.

Know Your Ingredient: Retinaldehyde

What Is It?
A vitamin A derivative with anti-aging properties.

What Are Its Benefits?
Stimulates skin cell turnover, improves skin firmness and elasticity, and decreases the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and rough skin.

Who Can Use It?
People who want to reduce wrinkles, even their skin tone, and treat acne.

How Often?
Begin by using it two to three times a week. Once your skin becomes accustomed to it, you can even use it daily.

Caution
It may result in inflammation, scaly skin, dryness, and redness. Avoid using it with products containing vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs, as this can make your skin more sensitive and irritated.

Retinaldehyde is a stabilized form of vitamin A that converts to retinoic acid when applied topically. Retinoids like retinyl palmitate, retinol, and retinaldehyde convert to retinoic acid for the skin to make use of them. Their potency and efficacy depend on this conversion process. The retinoid gets weaker as the number of steps for its conversion increases. Retinaldehyde forms retinoic acid in just one conversion process and is more potent than other retinoids.

Retinaldehyde products may help treat acne. They may also reduce the signs of premature aging.

Trivia

As per the FDA, the usage of retinaldehyde does not require a prescription. Instead, you can procure it over the counter.

What Are The Benefits Of Retinaldehyde For The Skin?

Among all the antioxidants for the skin, retinaldehyde is the one gentle enough for sensitive skin. It causes less irritation compared to its counterparts. It helps reduce wrinkles, lighten skin tone, rejuvenate skin, and treat acne. Retinaldehyde also speeds up skin cell turnover, reduces hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen production.

1. May Improve Skin Tone

The production of new skin cells to replace the existing ones (called skin cell turnover) slows down with age. Retinaldehyde (tretinoin) accelerates skin cell turnover and can make skin smooth and even-toned (3). A study shows that the use of cosmetic cream with retinaldehyde in it has improved the melanin index of the group (4).

2. May Improve Skin Texture And Hydration

Retinol, retinal and retinoic acid have the same biological features as vitamin A (3). Like retinoic acid, retinaldehyde is a retinoid that helps boost the production of epidermal proteins with less irritability. This may improve skin texture and hydration. A study shows that the ingredient is well tolerated and improves skin hydration and texture (4).

3. May Reduce Acne

To treat acne issues, usually one can do retinoid treatments that reduce sebum production and antibiotics that fight bacterial infections. Since retinaldehyde is a retinoid that has antibacterial properties, it may help reduce acne. A study shows that daily application of retinaldehyde has reduced the density of propionibacterium acnesⁱ  The bacteria that causes acne that is most common around the sebaceous glands (nose, chin, forehead, and back). (5).

Ashley Worsham, a blogger, shared her experience of using tretinoin for cystic acne in her blog. She said, “I woke up Sunday morning after applying it directly to my skin and all was well. I didn’t notice any irritation, just a little dryness, and I made sure to apply extra moisturizer and sunscreen while on a hike that day (i).”

4. May Reduce Aging And Photoaging Signs

Use of retinaldehyde increases epidermal thickness and cutaneous elasticity (6). This makes the skin thicker and more elastic, helping in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Thus, it benefits the skin against aging signs. Studies also show it is an effective topical agent against

Did You Know?

Initially called retinene, retinaldehyde is also referred to as retinal and vitamin A aldehyde.

photoagingⁱ  Premature aging of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing wrinkles, sun spots, and loose skin to appear. signs (7).

Retinaldehyde appears to be superior to other retinoids. But how do they compare?

Retinaldehyde Vs. Other Retinoids

Other retinoids include retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinoic acid, tazarotene, adapalene, and isotretinoin. However, retinoic acid is the purest form, and the other derivatives must get converted to it. Retinaldehyde has the most similar properties to retinoic acid and takes lesser time to convert and has a good tolerance profile (8). The metabolism of retinaldehyde to retinoic acid occurs only by keratinocytesⁱ  The cells found in the skin's outermost layer that form a protective layer to heal wounds and suppress inflammation. at an appropriate stage of differentiation. Hence, retinoic acid formed on the skin will be more controlled and shows no adverse effects (1).

People who used retinol and retinyl palmitate products may have had side effects like dry skin, sun sensitivity, flaky skin, peeling, etc. Retinaldehyde might help those with sensitive skin or those who have not seen good results after trying products containing other retinoids.

While retinaldehyde has fewer side effects compared to other retinoids, it is still important to know them. Keep reading.

Side effects Of Retinaldehyde

A common misconception is that retinaldehyde causes breakouts. But the chances are fewer as it helps unclog the pores. However, any other ingredient in a retinaldehyde product can cause breakouts. Retinaldehyde is less likely to have any other side effects. Use it with a moisturizer or minimize the quantity and frequency if you develop flaky skin or redness.

However, the safety of using topical retinoids during pregnancy is a controversial case as there have been cases of birth defects due to topical tretinoin use. Though it is not proved to be the reason for these defects, women are advised to not use topical retinoids, including retinaldehyde, during pregnancy (9).

Quick Tip

A moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid may be the best to apply after using retinaldehyde products, as it may calm skin irritation and dryness.

How To Use It?

It is important to observe your skin’s reaction after using a new product. Use retinaldehyde at the same frequency if you have already used other retinoid products. Otherwise, start using it twice a week. Apply it every night if the skin reacts positively. Minimize use a few times a week if the skin turns red or dry.

Apply only a pea-sized amount (0.25g) of the product for the whole face. Begin with a product whose retinaldehyde concentration is low. You may gradually use products of a higher retinaldehyde concentration if you do not experience any allergies.

The best products that contain retinaldehyde are face serums, anti-aging serums, eye creams, and face masks. A good retinaldehyde serum brightens the skin and maintains a moisture barrier. Retinaldehyde eye creams help reduce dark circles, fine lines around your eyes, and de-puff the face. Be consistent with your use. The best results may take more than six months.

Infographic: 4 Ways Retinaldehyde Is Great For Your Skin

Retinaldehyde, a derivative of vitamin A, is known for its anti-aging benefits. It is milder than retinol and more suitable for more sensitive skin types. It helps in treating issues like hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and the premature appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Check out the infographic below to learn more about retinaldehyde’s benefits.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use niacinamide with retinaldehyde?

Yes, you can use niacinamide with retinaldehyde. You can either buy a serum or cosmetic cream with both ingredients or use separate products for each.

Can I use retinaldehyde with vitamin C?

No, you should not use retinaldehyde with vitamin C together as it can over-exfoliate your skin, resulting in increased skin sensitivity. If you wish to incorporate both ingredients into your beauty and skincare routine, ensure that you use one ingredient in the morning and the other at night.

What is the highest concentration of retinaldehyde?

The highest concentration of retinaldehyde available in the market is 2%. However, it is recommended to use a lower concentration. As per a study, both 0.1% and 0.05% of retinaldehyde can help treat photoaged skin, and 0.1% retinaldehyde has better results on melanin index (4).

Can retinaldehyde be used in combination with other skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs, and what are the potential benefits or drawbacks of doing so?

No, retinaldehyde cannot be used in combination with other skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Since all these ingredients are highly potent, it is best to use them by themselves. You can use vitamin C in the morning and alternate between retinaldehyde and AHAs/BHAs in your night skincare routine. You may also use skin-soothing skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides in combination with retinaldehyde. Always do a patch test and refer to a dermatologist before trying any skincare activities.

Are you confused about which retinoid to use? Learn about the different types and percentages of retinol, tretinoin, retinaldehyde, and tazarotene in this helpful video!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr Ashok GundMBBS, CSD (Dermatology)

 

Dr. Ashok Gund is a dermatologist with 21 years of experience. He provides services like ultrasonic lipolysis, I-lipolysis treatments for fat loss and body reshaping treatments, along with esthetic PRP treatments in Kalyan and Dombivli, Maharashtra, India.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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