How Does Retinaldehyde Differ from Retinol

On average, our skin cells naturally have a 28-day turnover cycle. As we age, this cycle takes longer to complete, which can lead to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and a dull complexion. Retinoids have the ability to prompt the outermost skin cells to turnover at a faster rate, which leads to an overall smoother, more even and brighter skin tone.

The Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex is the latest product from Suzan Obagi. It delivers a revolutionary formulation of vitamin A, peptides and retinaldehyde, which work together to reduce the visible signs of ageing, improve skin texture, improve the functionality of the epidermal barrier, and reduce redness caused by sensitivities. It is also formulated with powerful antioxidants, which work to further reduce redness and offer protection from environmental free radicals.

How Does Retinaldehyde Differ from Retinol?

All Retinoids, of which retinol and retinaldehyde are just two, are derived from vitamin A and, as such, all work to improve skin texture and tone by boosting cell turnover and stimulating the production of collagen to refine the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoic acid is the only pure retinoid that can be utilised by the skin and is present in prescription-only products. All other retinoids, which include retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde, are put through a conversion process to transform into the retinoic acid that your skin can make use of.

The conversion process for each retinoid involves a different number of steps, which directly correlate to the efficacy and potency of the resulting ingredient. The process for creating retinaldehyde requires the least amount of steps, which means it is the most potent retinoid available in non-prescription products.

How does the Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex from Suzan Obagi Work?

The Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex contains 0.1% retinaldehyde, which is the predecessor to retinoic acid and, as such, has the ability to reduce the appearance of rough skin and fine lines whilst also contributing to the overall firmness of the skin. To do this, retinaldehyde penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, boosting the synthesis of collagen, repairing connective tissue, and increasing elasticity.

In addition to promoting cell turnover, it has the ability to unclog pores by acting as an effective exfoliant. It also works to balance the production of oil, thereby making the pores smaller and less likely to become inflamed, which is why retinaldehyde is commonly found in products designed to treat acne.

Also present in the innovative formulation is Chamomillarecutita flower extract, which has powerful calming properties and effectively helps to reduce the appearance of redness caused by skin sensitivities.

Will the Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex from Suzan Obagi Work for me?

If you are looking for the anti-ageing benefits retinoids can deliver but you aren’t seeing results from products containing retinyl palmitate or retinol, the more potent retinaldehyde is primed to jumpstart skin cell turnover and help you obtain your desired outcomes.

Retinoids including retinaldehyde can work well in conjunction with alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, although it is vital to ensure that they are used in separate parts of your skincare routine. So, for example, you could choose to use an alpha-hydroxy acid based product in the morning and apply the Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex from Suzan Obagi MD in the evening.

It is important to avoid using retinoids at the same time as products containing BHAs, AHAs or vitamin C because this combination can increase the likelihood of experiencing skin irritation and sensitivity.

The Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex is available to purchase online via my website or in-person from my clinic. If you would like some more information or want to book a skin consultation with me to receive personalised treatment recommendations that will help you to address your unique skin concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my friendly team who are happy to advise.