There’s no denying that retinal is an all-star ingredient in skincare. Found in Youth To The People’s Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, the formula is clinically evaluated to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is the closest dose of retinoid available next to a prescription version like Retin-A.
When should you start using retinal?
Technically you can start using retinal any time of year, but according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, winter can be an especially apt time to incorporate retinal into your routine.
“For those worried about the photosensitivity that comes with retinoid use, the wintertime may be an easier time to get started since many of us aren’t going outside nearly as much as we do during the spring and summer months,” she explains. “With that said, regardless of the time of year, it is always incredibly important to wear sunscreen.” You’ll need a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher—and remember to reapply as needed.
Regarding the photosensitivity Dr. Garshick mentioned, it’s important to note that retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. So even in the dead of winter when we’re getting less exposure to the sun, it’s important to apply SPF as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
Whether you’re incorporating retinal into your routine in the winter or any other time of year, read on to get up to snuff on retinal FAQ and learn how to use it in your skincare routine.
How does retinal work and who should use it?
“Retinaldehyde is considered more potent than retinol because retinaldehyde requires fewer steps to be converted to retinoic acid as compared to retinol, and it only requires one step to be converted to retinoid acid in order for it to have its effect on the skin,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It is especially great for someone who’s unable to tolerate a prescription retinoid, as may be the case for someone with dry or sensitive skin.”
It’s also excellent for anyone who’s new to retinoids. As Garshick says, “Retinaldehyde is a great option for someone who can tolerate a retinol but isn’t seeing their desired results and wants to try something more potent.”
As with other retinoids, retinal works to increase skin cell turnover, which improves overall skin tone and texture while also preventing pores from getting clogged. In the nighttime Youth Serum, this results in smoothed skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and brighter, more even skin tone.
How should I use retinal in my routine?
To use the Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, apply a pea-sized amount to clean and dry face and neck, but be sure to avoid the delicate eye area. To see how your skin responds, start by using the Youth Serum one night per week, gradually increasing usage to every night as tolerated by your skin. Avoid using retinal on the same night as exfoliants and toners containing AHAs due to the risk for increased sensitivity. Follow it up with a moisturizer, like the soothing Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, and always use a broad-spectrum SPF as the last step in your morning routine the next day.
The bottom line?
Using a retinal like YTTP’s Youth Serum is a surefire way to enhance the look and feel of your skin overall, so if you’ve yet to give it a go, definitely consider adding it to your skincare rotation. Just remember: SPF every day no matter what!
Written by Kaleigh Fasanella for Youth To The People
When should you start using retinal?
Technically you can start using retinal any time of year, but according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, winter can be an especially apt time to incorporate retinal into your routine.
“For those worried about the photosensitivity that comes with retinoid use, the wintertime may be an easier time to get started since many of us aren’t going outside nearly as much as we do during the spring and summer months,” she explains. “With that said, regardless of the time of year, it is always incredibly important to wear sunscreen.” You’ll need a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher—and remember to reapply as needed.
Regarding the photosensitivity Dr. Garshick mentioned, it’s important to note that retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. So even in the dead of winter when we’re getting less exposure to the sun, it’s important to apply SPF as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
Whether you’re incorporating retinal into your routine in the winter or any other time of year, read on to get up to snuff on retinal FAQ and learn how to use it in your skincare routine.
How does retinal work and who should use it?
“Retinaldehyde is considered more potent than retinol because retinaldehyde requires fewer steps to be converted to retinoic acid as compared to retinol, and it only requires one step to be converted to retinoid acid in order for it to have its effect on the skin,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It is especially great for someone who’s unable to tolerate a prescription retinoid, as may be the case for someone with dry or sensitive skin.”
It’s also excellent for anyone who’s new to retinoids. As Garshick says, “Retinaldehyde is a great option for someone who can tolerate a retinol but isn’t seeing their desired results and wants to try something more potent.”
As with other retinoids, retinal works to increase skin cell turnover, which improves overall skin tone and texture while also preventing pores from getting clogged. In the nighttime Youth Serum, this results in smoothed skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and brighter, more even skin tone.
How should I use retinal in my routine?
To use the Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, apply a pea-sized amount to clean and dry face and neck, but be sure to avoid the delicate eye area. To see how your skin responds, start by using the Youth Serum one night per week, gradually increasing usage to every night as tolerated by your skin. Avoid using retinal on the same night as exfoliants and toners containing AHAs due to the risk for increased sensitivity. Follow it up with a moisturizer, like the soothing Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, and always use a broad-spectrum SPF as the last step in your morning routine the next day.
The bottom line?
Using a retinal like YTTP’s Youth Serum is a surefire way to enhance the look and feel of your skin overall, so if you’ve yet to give it a go, definitely consider adding it to your skincare rotation. Just remember: SPF every day no matter what!
Written by Kaleigh Fasanella for Youth To The People
