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Retinal: Vitamin A, Vision and Skincare

Retinal is an active form of vitamin A that plays a key role in the visual cycle of the retina. It is also widely used as an effective active ingredient in skincare.

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Things worth knowing about "Retinal"

Retinal is an active form of vitamin A that plays a key role in the visual cycle of the retina. It is also widely used as an effective active ingredient in skincare.

What is Retinal?

Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is a biologically active form of vitamin A. It is a fat-soluble molecule produced in the body from beta-carotene or retinol. Retinal serves two major functions: it is an essential component of the visual cycle in the retina, and it is used as an active ingredient in dermatology and skincare.

Biological Function

In the eye, retinal binds to the protein opsin to form the light receptor rhodopsin, which is responsible for vision in low-light conditions. When light hits the retina, retinal undergoes a structural change (from 11-cis-retinal to all-trans-retinal), triggering a nerve signal that the brain processes as a visual image.

11-cis-retinal: active form in the dark-adapted eye
all-trans-retinal: formed after light absorption

Retinal as a Skincare Ingredient

In cosmetics and dermatology, retinal is increasingly used as an alternative to retinol and tretinoin. It belongs to the group of retinoids and acts more directly, as it requires only a single conversion step to retinoic acid (the ultimately active compound), whereas retinol requires two steps.

Benefits of Retinal in Skincare

Stimulation of collagen production
Promotion of cell renewal
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
Improvement of skin texture and tone
Minimising pore appearance and regulating sebum production

Tolerability

Compared to tretinoin, retinal is generally better tolerated by the skin. However, especially at the beginning of use, redness, dryness, or mild irritation may occur. Experts recommend applying retinal in the evening and combining it with a sunscreen during the day.

Application and Dosage

Retinal is available in concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 0.1% in cosmetic products. A gradual introduction is recommended, starting with two to three applications per week before moving toward daily use.

Deficiency and Health Consequences

A deficiency in vitamin A and therefore retinal can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, and in severe cases, irreversible vision loss. In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness in children.

Safety and Interactions

Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A (which includes retinal) can be toxic, causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and liver damage. Pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before taking high-dose vitamin A supplements or using highly concentrated retinoids on the skin.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Vitamin A deficiency. Available at: https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/vitamin-a-deficiency
Mukherjee S. et al. - Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006; 1(4): 327-348.
Alberts B. et al. - Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th edition. Garland Science, 2014.

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