The age-old question
RETINAL, RETINOL AND RETINOIDS
What is the difference?
Like many of us, you might have been mistaken for thinking Retinal is another name for Retinol. But contrary to popular belief, they are quite different. Especially when it comes to achieving the ever-desired youthful glowy skin glass looking skin that so many of us long for.
Retinal works up to 11x faster than Retinol and accelerates the skins nightly repair cycle.
Retinal is the closest thing you can get to prescription- strength Vitamin A which Boosts the skins natural production of collogen, infusing the skin with hydration. All while building the skins luminosity.
Retinal VS Retinol
Although Vitamin A comes in many different forms, there is the tried and tested Retinol and Retinoic acid. However, the discussion goes back to the next generation molecules such as Retinaldehyde (better known as Retinal) and its high exfoliation rate compared to Retinol.
The main difference between Retinal and Retinol is the amount of time taken to make an impact.
When retinol is applied to the skin, they join the vitamin A cycle. These two processes must begin in order to turn into Retinoic acid (Retinoic acid, an active form of Vitamin A)
Retinol becomes retinal, then retinal to retinoic acid. However, Retinal just needs one conversion (Retinal to retinoic acid) – meaning you’ll see results rapidly.
So, what are the benefits ?
Retinoids – Retinoids are derived from vitamin A. They contribute towards the skin’s immunity and health. Tackling issues such as inflammation, unclogging of pores, wrinkles, fading of age spots, softening of rough patches and support of procollagen production to combat anti-aging by stimulating the production of new blood vessels.
Retinol – Rejuvenates skin by stimulating natural collogen production. Helping to reduce dark spots, regulate oily skin, minimizes breakouts and the appearance of pores. All while brightening and hydrating the skin for 24 hours.
Retinal – Clinically proven to work 11 times faster than retinol, while producing a higher exfoliation rate. Retinal carries anti-bacterial properties helping to treat acne resulting in even-toned radiant skin.
Our retinal, retinol and retinoid best sellers:
Neogen Bakuchiol Firming Serum
Neogen Bakuchiol Firming Serum is a Collagen boosting serum that focuses on the skin’s elasticity. The refreshing, non-sticky texture bursts with moisture when applied to skin leaving the skin hydrated. Bakuchiol can be used as an alternative to Retinol as it is less likely to cause irritation. Tightly lifting the skin, Bakuchiol contains 3 types of skin elasticity enhancing ingredients to promote smooth, moist and radiant skin. Working well as a Retinol alternative!
REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil
Fight the signs of ageing with new Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate!
To refresh your complexion with new and exclusive ingredients that reveal firmer, smoother, younger looking skin.
With a combination of Vitamin, A, Pro Vitamin A and a retinoid analogue, this concentrated oil will smooth out the skin leaving face feeling fresh and bright.
Made using all natural ingredients, this product increases collagen production and creates an even skin tone.
Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Firming Mask
Reveal a more youthful-looking complexion with the Dr.Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Firming Mask. This nourishing cream mask dries to a unique rubberised finish that acts as a barrier over the skin to lock in hydration and promote maximum absorption.
This face mask will leave your skin feeling firm and supple, with improved elasticity. The DIY mixing formula to allow for maximum freshness and potency.
The mask is infused with anti-ageing superstar ingredient Retinol, to stimulate cell turnover, promoting a more radiant complexion with a smoother and more even appearance. The face mask leaves an antioxidant barrier over the skin to reinforce the skin’s natural defences against environmental aggressors such as pollution and harsh weather conditions. This fun rubber mask will leave your complexion looking smooth and revitalized.
PIXI Retinol Tonic
Smooth and firm your facial contours with PIXI Retinol Tonic, a weightless toner that helps to create a radiant complexion.
Enriched with Jasmine Flower to soothe sensitive skin, the treatment absorbs instantly to deliver a rich combination of antioxidants and peptides, which work to plump and lift skin whilst protecting against environmental aggressors.
Time-release Retinol minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an anti-ageing effect. After use, skin feels soft and supple and is infused with a luminous glow.
Let’s dive in:
What exactly is an alpha hydroxy acid (aha)?
Alpha-hydroxy acids are a group of plant and animal derived acids used to produce anti-aging skincare products such as creams, toners and serums.
AHA’S can be intense, so start of by limiting usage to one or twice a week. (Depending on product concentration) AHA’s are water soluble acids derived from plant sources.
There are around 7 different AHA’s commonly found in products throughout skincare.
Citrus acid – Fruits
Glycolic acid – Sugar Cane
Hydroxycaproic acid – Royal Jelly
Hydroxycaprylic acid – Animals
Lactic acid – Lactose Malic acid – Fruits
Tartaric – Grapes
Alpha Hydroxy acid better known as AHA are a mixture of synthetic and natural acids made to gently exfoliate the first layer of skin. Exfoliation of the skin often increases your chances of having healthy and dewy skin. Leaving you with brighter, even toned youthful skin.
There are several AHA’s often found in skincare products. This could be included in everyday products such as toners, scrubs, masks serums and creams.
AHA’S are gentle on the skin while exfoliating. They do so in a slightly different way than others… They mainly work by nibbling away at skin cells to reveal more glowy skin hiding underneath.
This is known as a chemical exfoliation – the acid dissolves the attachments between the skin cells, encouraging an evenly pigmented skin tone. Think of it as AHA’s “unglues” all your dead skin cells.
Let’s dive in:
Your guide to BHA – will it work for me?
Both AHA’s and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy acid) are made to exfoliate the skin. BHA’s are best for those with oily, acne prone skin and blackheads. BHA’s have a lot of benefits and can be found to be great when combatting issues such as an oily T-zone and acne.
BHA’s are oil soluble and work by stripping dirt away from the first layer of skin and strip away the surface of your skin leaving it to peel and allowing new skin to emerge.
Additionally, most BHA’s have an anti-inflammatory and anti- bacterial property.
The most popular and recognisable BHA is salicylic acid, which can be found in a range of formulas targeted at spot treatments.
Let’s dive in:
Your guide to BHa – beta hydroxy acids – will it work for me?
General use, skin cleaning – As BHA’s remove excess oil from the face these cleaners can be used twice a week to improve skin tone and texture.
Acne therapy – The pores under the skin are plugged up, trapping the oil and dead skin cells underneath the skin. BHA, Salicylic acid can enter the pores and help to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.
Warts – Salicylic acid is also an effective and mild treatment for warts. Apply a thin layer of Salicylic acid over the wart to allow it to dry.
Wrinkles and age spots – Although this is completely normal and part of the aging process, skin becomes thinner and less elasticised. Hydroxy acid chemical peels can improve the appearance of skin. BHA’s and AHA’s will strip the top layer and replace with new skin cells, removing fine lines and wrinkles. Making the skin appear and feel a lot healthier.
Let’s dive in:
Your complete guide to polyhydroxy acids (pha)
Polyhydroxy acids (PHA)
Polyhydroxy acids (PHA) falls within the AHA family, as the latest acid to take over the beauty industry.
Although the benefits are similar to AHA. They are distinguishable by size, PHA’s have a much large molecule size compared to the more common AHA’s like glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Due to their larger structure, PHA’s do not penetrate as deeply into the skin, but rather settle on the outer layers of the skin. Resulting in a gentler exfoliation all while providing skin soothing, moisturising and anti-aging properties.
Perfect for those with sensitive skin, eczema and cannot tolerate AHA’s and BHA’s
AHA, BHA & PHA products we love
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Refine your complexion with the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner; a renewing, resurfacing treatment dedicated to improving skin tone and texture.
Harnessing the powers of White Willow Bark and Apple Water, an ingredient containing natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids, the lightweight toner expertly eliminates dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst minimising the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and blemishes to reveal a smooth, clear complexion.
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
REN Skincare’s super-effective AHA + BHA skin-resurfacing tonic is a REN Clean Skincare bestseller. Formulated for daily use, Ready Steady Glow brightens complexions, refines skin texture and minimises the look of pores.
AHA, Lactic Acid, to encourage cell turnover by dissolving the bonds that hold dull, dead skin on the surface.
Teamed with a BHA, Salicin, to exfoliate both the skin surface and inside the pore. Reducing oiliness and minimising the appearance of pores. All while brightening, hydrating with Azelaic Acid Precursors.
AHA, BHA & PHA products we love
Start your AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle trial with this essential and travel-friendly kit!
Containing the Miracle Cleansing Bar to deeply cleanse skin, Miracle Toner for gentle exfoliation, Miracle Serum to soothe irritated skin, and finish with the Miracle Cream to strengthen skin barrier. A 4-step solution containing effective ingredients that treats irritated and troubled skin.
Miracle Cleansing Bar: Provides deep cleansing to skin with naturally derived ingredients
Miracle Toner: A weak acid (pH5.5) toner contains AHA, BHA, PHA ingredients helps exfoliate skin effectively
Miracle Serum: Contains 10,000ppm of Tea Tree Leaves Water helps for trouble and inflammation care
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Natural BHA component (Betaine Salicylate 4%) removes dead skin cells, blackheads accumulated in pores and forms a moisturising layer.
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid gets rid of dead skin cells within the pores and prevents oxidized sebum from turning into blackheads.
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid has mixed a natural BHA ingredient, Betaine Salicylate, at 4%, and you can witness your skin get smoother and glossy as time goes by, as well as its light texture.
AHA, BHA & PHA products we love
COSRX Lip Plump AHA BHA Vitamin C Lip Pumper
An energizing, multi-tasking lip plumper that visibly volumizes, smooths and hydrates your lips.
The AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C work together to gently exfoliate and nourish lips to make them look healthier than ever.
Simply apply day and night, whenever needed, to create a smooth yet firm canvas for other lip products.
Gel textured lip treatment melts on your lips and leaves dry lips hydrated and dewy.
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
Infused with skin benefitting ingredients such as Aloe, 0.5% of salicylic acid and Snail Secretion Filtrate. BHA Skin Toner is great for all skin type especially acne-prone skin.
This award-winning toner soothes and hydrates your skin while gently exfoliates and prepares it for better absorption of the rest of skincare products in your skincare routine.
The formula helps to remove dead skin cells and blackheads to keep the skin remains clear when used daily
Aloe: Soothes and moisturising.
Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and sebum control
Snail Mucin: Add hydration and moisture to the skin
