Q&A: Your Retinal Questions, Answered

Considering adding Retinal to your routine? This powerhouse ingredient sits alongside Retinol as one of skincare’s most trusted allies for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and breakouts. While both belong to the Retinoid family and deliver incredible results, Retinal offers a slightly different approach that some skin types may prefer—especially anyone who's a little impatient. In this Q&A, we’ll guide you through how Retinal compares to Retinol, how to use it, and why it’s a worthy addition to your skincare arsenal (no matter where you are in your Retinoid journey).

Q1: Who should use Retinal?

A: Anyone seeking proven wrinkle or acne-improving benefits will love Retinal—especially Beauty Pie’s microencapsulated formula. If your current Retinoid causes redness or sensitivity, switching to Retinal could be a game-changer.

However, if you’re a first-time user or have extremely sensitive skin, introduce it gradually. Because it boosts cell turnover, even encapsulated Retinal can cause mild dryness or peeling during the adjustment period (a.k.a. the "Retinoid Purge"). Patience is key—stick with it, and your skin will thank you.

Q2. Will switching to Retinal be too strong for my skin?

A: Not at all! Thanks to microencapsulation, Retinal is released slowly into the skin, minimising irritation and making it just as gentle as microencapsulated Retinol. While Retinal is slightly more efficient at converting to Retinoic Acid (the active form your skin uses), this controlled release ensures it remains suitable even for sensitive skin.

Q3. How quickly will I see results with Retinal compared to Retinol?

A: Both Retinol and Retinal deliver impressive results over time, but because Retinal converts to Retinoic Acid one step faster, you might see improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture a little sooner. That said, skincare is a marathon, not a sprint—consistent use is key no matter which Retinoid you choose.

Q4. Do I need to stop using my Retinol before starting Retinal?

A: No need for a break! You can seamlessly transition from microencapsulated Retinol to microencapsulated Retinal. The encapsulation technology in both formulas ensures a gentle delivery, so your skin won’t be shocked by the change.

Q5. Will Retinal help with the same issues my Retinol serum is addressing?

A: Absolutely. Both Retinol and Retinal help to tackle the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne by promoting cell turnover and boost collagen. Retinal, with its slightly more efficient conversion process, may give your routine a small boost in addressing these concerns.

Q6. Can I use Retinal every night, or should I ease into it?

A: If you’re totally new to Retinoids, start slow—every other night or twice a week is a good place to begin. Overuse can lead to irritation, so let your skin acclimate before increasing frequency. And remember: avoid Retinoids if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, experiencing an eczema or rosacea flare-up, or already using prescription keratolytics. Not sure? Consult your doctor first.

If you’ve been using Retinol consistently without issues, you can likely use Retinal with the same frequency. However, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, it’s always wise to ease in—try every other night at first to see how your skin adapts.

Q7. Will I still experience a ‘Retinoid Purge’ when switching?

A: Not likely. Since your skin is already accustomed to Retinol, switching to Retinal should be smooth, especially with the gentleness of microencapsulation. If you do notice a little dryness or peeling, it should be mild and short-lived.

Q8. Is Retinal safe for my sensitive skin?

A: Yes! Microencapsulation ensures Retinal is released gradually into the skin, making it just as gentle as Retinol, even for those with sensitive skin. If you’re concerned, start slowly and pair it with hydrating and barrier-repairing products.

Q9. Can I layer Retinal with my current skincare products?

A: Yes, you can continue your existing routine. Hydrating products like Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides work beautifully with Retinal to keep your skin nourished and balanced. Avoid layering it with other potent actives like AHAs or BHAs on the same night to reduce the risk of irritation.

Q10. Is Retinal worth the price difference?

A: If you’re happy with your results from Retinol, you’re already using an effective ingredient. However, if you’re looking for a slight efficiency upgrade, Retinal’s faster conversion to Retinoic Acid may make it worth the investment—especially if you’re targeting advanced signs of ageing or stubborn pigmentation.

Q11. Do I need to change how I use sunscreen with Retinal?

A: Not at all! Like Retinol, Retinal can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, so wearing sunscreen daily is essential. If you’re already diligent about SPF with Retinol, you’re good to go—just make sure you’re reapplying it throughout the day when needed.