Are Retinal Serums Really Better Than Retinol?

Editor’s tip: If you want more retinal punches, this formula is 0.05% version.

Important Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, peptides, ceramides, omega | Flegley Free: Yes| For who is it: All skin types, especially for dry skin

Perfect for oily skin: Youth Retina to Adolescents + Niacinamide Adolescence

Why do we love it: While great for most skin types, Dr. Berry especially loves youth serum of people’s retina + niacinamide for young people, for oily or combo skin. “It slips smoothly, sinks quickly, and balances out great,” she says. This formula combines 0.15% stabilized retina and 5% niacinamide to support skin barriers and even tones. “And more, ceramides and adaptogens help you stay calm and hydrated, so you can get all the benefits without the usual drying or peeling,” says Dr. Berry. It also contains hyaluronic acid. This gives the serum a refreshing, lightweight feel, providing the right amount of hydration, and oily skin is well balanced rather than oily.

Editor’s tip: The yellowish tint seen when applying this skincare product is normal. This is the natural colour of the retina. Dry clear.

Important Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramide | Flegley Free: Yes| For who is it: All skin types, especially for oily skin

FAQ

Retinol and Retinol: What’s the Difference?

“The retina and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives, but the retina is one step closer to retinoic acid, the active form used by the skin. In other words, it works faster than retinol and is usually stronger,” says Dr. Levitt. Retinol needs to activate two transformations of the skin, but the retina only requires one, so it often results when smoothing out thin lines, improving texture, and fading dark spots. It “is usually recommended for people who have already built resistance to retinoids, as the retina can also be slightly more intense,” he says.

Is it better to use retinol or the retina?

it depends. “If you have sensitive skin or brand new from retinoids, retinol is the perfect place to start,” says Dr. Berry. “If you already have good tolerance for retinol or are targeting deeper wrinkles, pigmentation, or acne, the retina can provide faster and more pronounced results because it is less irritating than the formula strength option.”

Meet the experts

• Noa LevittMD, PhD, Board-certified Dermatologists and Norwalk, Connecticut, based in Fairfield, Hamden.
• Sonia Badresia BangsalMD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Real Estate Expert based in Danville, CA
• Asumiberrydo, faad, LA board certified dermatologist

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