RetinAL Skin is ideal for anyone looking to improve visible fine lines, uneven tone, rough texture, and loss of firmness with a nighttime retinoid. Its hydrating and soothing ingredients support skin comfort, helping make consistent retinoid use more manageable.

We chose retinaldehyde because it requires one fewer conversion step than retinol, offering greater potency while generally being better tolerated than prescription tretinoin. RetinAL Skin pairs retinaldehyde with hydrating and soothing ingredients to help you get visible results while keeping skin comfortable enough for consistent use.

Retinoid is the umbrella term for vitamin A ingredients used in skincare. Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) convert into retinoic acid in your skin: retinol requires two steps, while retinal requires one. Tretinoin is prescription retinoic acid, so no conversion is needed. Retin-A is a brand name for tretinoin.

RetinAL Skin is formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients to support comfortable, consistent use. Your skin’s tolerance matters more than its oily, dry, or combination classification: introduce it gradually, and consult your provider if your skin is highly sensitive or easily irritated.

Apply RetinAL Skin in the evening after serums and before moisturizer. Start every third night and gradually increase to every other night, then nightly as tolerated. Reduce frequency if dryness or irritation develops, and wear SPF daily. For more tips, read Your Guide to Using Retinoids the Right Way.

Apply 1–3 pumps of RetinAL Skin across your face, neck, and chest in the evening, after serums and before moisturizer. It is gentle enough to use around the eye area as tolerated, avoiding the eyelids and direct contact with your eyes. Use your ring finger to gently pat a small amount around the eyes without tugging.

RetinAL Skin is designed for nightly use, so you can build toward using it every night as your skin adjusts. Increase frequency gradually, and reduce use if dryness or irritation develops. If your skin is more comfortable with every other night or a few nights a week, stay at that frequency rather than pushing through irritation. The best retinoid is the one you can tolerate consistently.

You may notice smoother, more refined-looking skin within four weeks of consistent RetinAL Skin use. Give your routine 8–12 weeks to assess changes in tone, texture, and firmness. Individual results vary, so build up at your skin’s pace and wear SPF daily.

Mild dryness, flaking, or temporary breakouts can be normal as your skin adjusts to RetinAL Skin, but these effects should ease over time. Introduce it gradually and follow with moisturizer. If symptoms persist or worsen, or you experience burning or ongoing redness or irritation, pause use and consult your healthcare provider.

RetinAL Skin may cause temporary breakouts as your skin adjusts, but new bumps should not automatically be assumed to be purging. If breakouts are painful, persistent, appear in new areas, or occur with burning or marked irritation, pause use and consult with a provider.

On nights off RetinAL Skin, give your skin extra hydration and barrier support with Hydrating Lotion. Overachiever can be used as a multitasking, non-retinoid serum to help keep skin smooth, calm, and hydrated. If your skin feels irritated, stick with gentle cleansing and moisturizer until it feels comfortable again.

Yes, Toning Pads can be used alongside retinoids such as RetinAL Skin, but introduce the combination gradually since using both can cause irritation at first. If you are new to using them together or experience sensitivity, use Toning Pads only in the morning and your retinoid at night, adjusting frequency to your skin’s tolerance.

RetinAL Skin and tretinoin are both retinoids. RetinAL Skin may fit into your routine on nights you are not using tretinoin, depending on your prescribed regimen. Check with your prescribing provider before combining or alternating them, or for any specific concerns.

RetinAL Skin is not recommended during pregnancy. If your skin is actively irritated, you use a prescription retinoid, or you are recovering from an in-office treatment, consult your healthcare provider before introducing or restarting it.

Tell your treatment provider that you use Barefaced RetinAL Skin before a facial, peel, laser, waxing appointment, or other procedure. Follow their instructions on when to stop and restart it, since the timing depends on the procedure and your skin’s condition.

This product is not recommended for use while pregnant. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.

Apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest: cleanse, exfoliate if scheduled, apply serums, then moisturize. Finish with sunscreen in the morning, and follow each treatment product’s specific directions. For a step-by-step guide, read How to Layer Your Skincare Products.

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