Guide

Retinoids & Retinal

Retinol or retinal?

Both retinal and are forms of the powerhouse anti-ageing ingredient, vitamin A and, while retinol is the better-known and more widely-available option, retinal (aka retinaldehyde) is more potent and faster-acting when it comes to fighting visible signs of ageing.

Freddie’s take

Retinol is one of the most proven anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, but the challenge has always been making it effective enough to deliver results without irritating your skin in the process.

That’s why I’m always more interested in the delivery format and supporting ingredients than the itself. The best formulas are designed to make this potent active easier to incorporate into a nightly routine without treating the as an afterthought.

How to start without irritation

Start slowly

If you’re new to retinoids, start slowly. Higher-strength formulas are for experienced users, so build up gradually and let your skin adjust.

Use it at night, wear SPF the next day

Retinoids can cause sensitivity, particularly when the sun is involved. Always use a sunscreen the following day, even in autumn.

Autumn is a good time to begin

Introducing or increasing your usage in autumn can work well as UV levels are generally lower than they are in summer.

Keep it away from the eyes unless it’s made for them

Because the under-eye skin is so thin, it can become easily irritated by actives like vitamin A. Only use formulas around your eyes that are specifically intended for that use.

When to pause or swap

Pregnancy

The consensus among healthcare professionals and dermatologists is clear: avoid retinoid use throughout pregnancy. is one of the best substitutes, particularly for hormonal breakouts and uneven skin tone.

A big event less than six months away

I wouldn’t recommend starting retinoids if your wedding is less than 6 months away, as they can cause reactions and require a significant amount of time for the skin to adjust.

Check the expiry

Using products past their expiry date can result in reduced effectiveness and irritation, particularly with active ingredients like vitamin A. Pay attention to the PAO (period after opening) symbol.