Retinoids are the backbone of any great skincare routine, but they have a reputation for not being something you look forward to applying. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Retinal Renew: It’s an advanced retinaldehyde gel that’s powerful enough to deliver the true benefits of retinal, gentle enough to use consistently, and texturally exceptional.
Below, everything you need to know about our 0.1% and 0.2 retinaldehyde gels.
What are Retinoids?
Retinoids are a class of vitamin A compounds used in skincare: The term “retinoid” encompasses everything from: 1) prescription strength tretinoin and tazarotene, 2) over-the-counter options like adapalene, and 3) cosmetic solutions like retinaldehyde and retinol.
Retinoids work by supporting the skin’s natural renewal process, which slows down as you age. (Slower renewal leads to what you might be familiar with as the visible results of skin aging: dullness, dryness, fine lines, and more.) By encouraging the speed of this process, retinoids help improve skin elasticity, support collagen synthesis, and visually reduce facial fine lines and wrinkles.
What is the Difference Between Retinal and Retinol?
Studies show that both retinol and retinaldehyde (retinal for short) are less irritating than prescription retinoids. But there’s a catch: Both need to convert to retinoic acid when applied—this is the active form of the compound your skin can make use of.
That’s why retinal has an advantage: It only needs to undergo one conversion step within the skin to become retinoic acid, while retinol needs to undergo two conversion steps. This single-step conversion makes retinal more efficient and potent than retinol.
Benefits of Prequel’s New Retinaldehyde Gel
With all skincare, but retinoids especially, consistency is paramount. That’s why Retinal Renew is a silky, lightweight gel that glides on effortlessly, absorbs easily, and leaves skin with a healthy-looking glow. It’s something you’ll look forward to applying. And, of course it’s formulated to deliver the powerful benefits of retinal while still respecting the skin barrier.
Retinaldehyde Gel Key Benefits:
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Supports cell turnover with minimal irritation
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Smooths skin texture and helps skin appear firmer
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Improves skin clarity and tone
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Helps reduce the appearance of pores
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Combats signs of aging and fine lines
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Ectoin, glycerin, and jojoba oil work together to soothe skin and support the skin barrier
Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel Ingredients
Hydroxysomes® Retinaldehyde
Retinaldehyde is a direct precursor to retinoic acid that supports cell turnover. Hydroxysomes® is a next-generation dermal delivery platform: It delivers retinaldehyde to the skin inside microscopic calcium particles, which enhances stability and provides sustained release to minimize irritation.
Ectoin
Extremolyte that soothes skin and helps minimize the potential for irritation.
Bioactive Cica
Improves skin smoothness and firmness.
Glycerin
Hydrates to support skin barrier function.
Is the 0.1% or 0.2% Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel Better for My Skin?
We formulated Retinal Renew in two different strengths, 0.1% retinaldehyde and 0.2% retinaldehyde. You know your skin and what it can tolerate best, but think of following recommendations as general guidelines:
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Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel is ideal for beginners and those with more sensitive skin.
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Retinal Renew 0.2% Retinaldehyde Gel is ideal for more advanced users who are not new to retinal.
If you’re not sure where to start, try the 0.1% formula—patch test as always—and see how that feels for your individual skin and its needs.
What Order Should Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel Be Used in My Skincare Routine?
It’s best to apply Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel at night—retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun—but how you layer it will depend on your individual skin and current routine.
The traditional way to apply retinoids is to simply smooth it onto clean, dry skin, allow it to fully absorb, then layer any other treatments or moisturizing products on top.
If you’re new to retinoids or have more sensitive skin, you can try what’s called the sandwich method:
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Apply a moisturizer like Half & Half Lightweight Moisturizer to create a nourishing buffer between your skin and the retinal.
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Apply Retinal Renew.
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Apply another layer of moisturizer/Half & Half to add more moisture.
Of course, always apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout the day—this is important in any routine, but especially when you’re using retinoids.
Can I Use Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel With Other Serums?
Retinals are the exception to the general advice of layering your skincare from thinnest to thickest. After cleansing, Apply Retinal Renew first, allow the gel to fully absorb, then layer other serums from thinnest to thickest.
When it comes to chemical exfoliants or other serums that sensitize your skin, we recommend alternating days or using one in the AM and the other during your PM routine. Start slowly to incorporate, and listen to your skin.
How Often Can I Use Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel?
If you’re new to topical retinoids, we recommend applying Retinal Renew every third night: Use it one night (day 1), use only moisturizer the next night (day 2), use only moisturizer the following night (day 3), and then use Retinal Renew again on night four. Then repeat the cycle. If you go a couple weeks without irritation, increase to every other night, and then work your way up to every night from there.
People tend to get the best results when using retinoid products five to seven nights per week. With consistent use, you will see why this product is so special: The glow, the smoothness, the overall radiance—it's the kind of result that makes you motivated to do your nighttime skincare routine.
DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.
