Retinal is a chemical compound that belongs to the retinoid family. It is an active form of vitamin A, the form that is used by the skin.
Retinal is found naturally in foods such as liver, eggs, milk, and yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. It can also be obtained from carotenoids, which are compounds found in plants.
In the skin, retinal is converted to retinoic acid, which is the active ingredient in many skin care products. Retinoic acid has a number of benefits for the skin, including:
- Improves collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkles and expression lines.
- Reduces melanin production, which helps lighten spots
dark - Reduces inflammation, which helps improve acne and rosacea.
- Improves skin texture, making it smoother and more even.
Retinal is an effective skin care ingredient, but it can be irritating to some people. It is important to start using it gradually and increase the concentration gradually over time.
The concentrations of retinal found in skin care products vary from product to product. Lower concentrations, such as 0.01%, are generally suitable for sensitive skin. Higher concentrations, such as 0.1%, are more suitable for more mature skin.
Retinal can be used anywhere on the face, but it is especially effective in treating wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
Here are some tips for using retinal safely:
- Start using it gradually. Apply a small amount to a small area of your face and see how your skin reacts for 24 hours. If there is no irritation, you can increase the amount and frequency of application.
- Use it at night. Retinal can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is best to use it at night, when you are not exposed to sunlight.
- Use sunscreen. If you use retinal, it is important to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from sun damage.
