Retinol/Retinal

Both of these ingredients are vitamin A derivatives that your skin ultimately converts into retinoic acid, the active form that does the real work in the skin.
Retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, so it tends to act a little faster and can be more potent at the same percentage.
Many people find modern encapsulated formulas of both retinol and retinal easier to tolerate, because they release more slowly into the skin rather than all at once.

What They Do in the Skin

Increase cell turnover: They encourage older, dull skin cells to shed more efficiently and stimulate fresher cells to come through, improving texture and radiance over time.
Boost collagen and elastin: With consistent use, vitamin A can help soften the appearance of fine lines and early wrinkles and improve firmness.
Help with breakouts: By keeping dead skin and oil from blocking pores, retinoids can reduce comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and support clearer skin.
Support more even tone: Over time they can help fade sun damage, sun spots and post‑inflammatory marks (for example after acne).

How to Introduce Them Safely

Start low and slow
- Begin with a low‑to‑moderate strength product unless we have advised otherwise in clinic.
- Use twice a week at night for 3-4 weeks before increasing the number of nights.
Apply correctly
- Apply a pea‑sized amount to the whole face (not dot‑only on problem areas), avoiding eyelids, corners of the nose, and the lip border.
- Skin should be fully dry after cleansing before you apply, as damp skin can increase penetration and irritation.
Buffering for sensitive skin
- Apply a gentle moisturiser first, then your retinoid, then another light layer of moisturiser (“sandwich” method) to reduce dryness and stinging.
Build frequency before strength
- Aim to build to every other night, then nightly if comfortable, before moving up to a stronger product.
- If you develop persistent redness or flaking, cut back to the previous tolerated schedule.

What to Expect in the First 6–12 Weeks

You can normalise this as part of their journey:

Weeks 1–3: Mild dryness or flakiness, especially around the mouth and nose, and a feeling of tightness are common; this is often called the “retinisation” phase.
Weeks 3–6: Irritation should begin to settle if you are using the right strength and frequency; skin may start to look a little smoother and brighter.
Weeks 6–12+: More noticeable improvements in texture, fine lines and clarity; pigment and scarring changes are slower and can take several months or more.

please note- sudden, severe burning, swelling, or an eczema‑like rash is not normal – stop the product and contact the clinic.

What Retinoids Pair Well With (and What to Avoid)

Often safe combinations (when introduced thoughtfully):

With gentle, non‑foaming cleansers and barrier‑supporting moisturisers.
With niacinamide, which can support the barrier and reduce redness.
With hydrating serums (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol) underneath or over the top.

Use with caution or on alternate nights:

Strong exfoliating acids (glycolic, high‑strength salicylic, strong peels) – these can make dryness and sensitivity worse if layered.
Physical scrubs, stiff cleansing brushes and rough face cloths, which can over‑exfoliate already sensitised skin.

Who Should Be Extra Careful or Avoid Retinoids

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should avoid
Those with very active eczema, psoriasis flares, or severely compromised skin barrier.
Patients using prescription retinoids, strong acne medications or recent medium–deep chemical peels or laser should follow a tailored plan rather than over‑the‑counter products.

“Think of retinol and retinal as your long‑term skin ‘investment’. They do not give instant results, but with the right product, dose and patience, they can significantly improve texture, fine lines, pores and breakouts. A little dryness and flaking at the start is expected; pain, burning and cracking is not. If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, pause use and message the clinic so we can review and adjust your plan.”