How is this retinoid product different the following retinoid products?
While the RESIST Triple Active Total Repair Serum and CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment are similar to CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment in that they can help to visibly improve sun damage, wrinkles and loss of firmness, each formula is a different strength, and each brings something unique to the table.
The RESIST Triple Active Total Repair Serum is a lightweight, milky serum that uses a combination of retinyl propionate and hexylresorcinol along with niacinamide to target moderate signs of aging along with concerns around discoloration from UV damage and barrier impairment. It’s considered a medium-strength retinol that’s ideal for those comfortable with retinol use.
The CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment is a lightweight cream that uses concentrated pure retinol to target moderate to stubborn signs of aging including etched lines, deep wrinkles and widespread tone/texture changes due to sun damage. It’s considered a high-strength retinol that’s ideal for experienced retinol users seeking a more concentrated skin care solution.
The CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment (global formula) is a fast-absorbing light lotion that uses a combination of retinaldehyde (aka retinal) and oleyl adapalenate (aka adapinoid) to target multiple signs of aging plus rough, bumpy texture and blemish/pore-related concerns. It’s considered a pro-strength (yet gentle) option that’s ideal for experienced high-strength retinol users seeking prescription-level results. The variant version is essentially the same minus the Adapinoid®.
How does CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment compare to our Peptide Booster for skin firming?
The retinoids in CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment primarily encourage the skin to produce more of its primary collagens (1 & 3), resulting in overall firmer skin. For those whose primary concern is loss of firmness, a product like our Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster would be a great option as it takes a highly specialized approach to repairing and helping to strengthen skin’s underlying architecture and has a near-instant smoothing effect on expression lines.
For those with concerns around signs of aging, blemishes and loss of firmness, using both the CLINICAL PRO Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment and the Peptide Booster will offer enhanced results. These products may be applied at the same time, or you can opt to use one in the morning and the other as part of your evening skin care routine.
Are there any ingredients or products this treatment isn’t compatible with?
No, you can use retinoids with other ingredients and skin care products. As an example, you can use this treatment with AHA, BHA, vitamin C, niacinamide and more. However, consult your prescribing physician or health care provider if you’re currently using a prescription topical or oral retinoid product.
Is the retinoid in this formula encapsulated?
Yes. This next-gen retinoid formula uses calcium microparticles (calcium phosphate, ingredient name is hydroxyapatite) which acts as a protective shell for retinaldehyde, shielding from factors like light and air that can cause retinoid degradation. This controlled release mechanism also helps maintain stable levels of retinaldehyde in the skin, minimizing irritation and maximizing benefits.
Can I use the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment during the day?
Yes, the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment can be used day or night. When using it during the day make sure to use sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine.
Do I need to use a moisturizer after using the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment?
The CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment includes some humectants, but its light lotion texture will likely not be hydrating enough for most people on its own. Any of the Paula’s Choice moisturizers can be layered over the top to further soften and hydrate. This is also a great way to prevent any potential irritation and dryness from the potent retinoid in this formula. Those with very dry skin can try mixing this treatment with a few drops of our Moisture Renewal Oil Booster.
Is the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment for advanced retinoid users only?
No. While other options in our line may be more suitable for those new to retinoids, if your primary concerns include lines, wrinkles, rough/bumpy texture plus blemish and pore congestion issues, the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment is a great solution. Keep in mind that higher concentration retinoids can be irritating (for some) so it's important to start slowly, gradually increasing your usage over several weeks. Begin by applying retinoids once or twice a week, and then increase the frequency as your skin tolerates it. You can also do a skin patch test before applying to larger areas to test for sensitization.
Will the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment cause purging?
While unlikely (not everyone experiences purging, and there's no way to predict who will), some may experience a short purge. This is because potent retinoids such as retinal (even if gentle) are like power up buttons for cellular turnover. This is great in the long run, but sometimes those trapped clogs and bumps hiding deeper in skin get pushed out faster, causing a temporary breakout. For those who do experience purging, it's typically a small bump on the road on the way to smoother, clearer, more luminous skin.
Can the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment be used with any of our Boosters? If so, what’s the best method and frequency of application?
The CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment can be used with all our boosters except the 1% Retinol Booster, since this combination is likely to be too much retinoid for most people. In terms of usage, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. This will vary from person to person depending on their concerns and skin tolerance. Generally, treatments such as CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment and boosters can be applied after cleansing, toning and exfoliating from thinnest to thickest texture so you can apply your booster, followed by your retinal treatment and then a moisturizer at night or sunscreen during the day. If your skin is more sensitive, consider applying your booster and the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment at alternate times. I.e. the booster in the morning and the retinal treatment at night.
If you find you’re experiencing slight flaking or irritation from the CLINICAL Pro Retinoid Treatment, try mixing it with a few drops of Moisture Renewal Oil Booster. This will buffer the retinoids and enhance tolerability without compromising results.
Can the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment be used with prescription retinoids or acne products?
Yes, however, before doing so, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider and follow their advice. They may advise you to apply your prescription product at a separate time of day from this treatment until you see how your skin responds to the retinoid blend our formula contains. If you find this combination causes undesirable side effects, discontinue use and inform your health care provider.
Is the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment suitable for blemish-prone skin?
Yes, the formula is designed to be suitable for blemish-prone skin and particularly helpful for those struggling with concerns related to signs of aging (sun damage), texture and blemishes at the same time. It may be used with over-the-counter acne products such as those that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Those with blemish-prone skin are likely to show marked improvement from regular use of this product. Adapalene has also been shown to be helpful for rosacea and reducing signs of sensitivity, redness and inflammation.
Is the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment suitable for sensitive/ rosacea skin?
Yes, in addition to retinaldehyde being better tolerated than pure retinol by those with sensitive skin, this product is also fragrance-free and contains several anti-irritants designed to minimize any discomfort those with sensitive skin may experience from using a stronger retinoid treatment.
Remember to start slow. Those with sensitive skin should begin applying the product once or twice per week, at night, and closely monitor their skin’s response. If no signs of sensitivity are seen or felt, increase frequency of use every other night, then once nightly as tolerated. If your skin is very sensitive, do a patch test along your jaw line on one side of your face before applying to larger areas.
Can I use the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We recommend that you avoid over-the-counter products with retinol and its derivatives due to their relation to prescription retinoids. Consider switching to an anti-aging ingredients that do not contain vitamin A or its derivatives (including retinaldehyde). For additional ingredient questions during pregnancy, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendations.
Can the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment be used around the eyes and/or lips?
Yes. You can layer it or alternate use with your favorite Paula's Choice eye cream. Apply it around the orbital bone but avoid the eyelid areas. Remember that once applied, skin care products can migrate so always be careful not to apply too close to the lash line. It can also be used to treat lines around the mouth area but avoid direct contact with the lips. Those that experience sensitivity to retinoids will want to pay attention to how their skin responds and adjust usage accordingly.
Why does Paula’s Choice recommend starting slow with retinoids and working up to more frequent use?
In the case of bio-active ingredients like retinoids, more is not always better, so we emphasize the importance of a gradual introduction (especially if new to retinoids). This start-slow approach helps to minimize potential irritation, allowing your skin to acclimate and build tolerance over time. We find that starting with lower concentrations, applying infrequently, and working up to higher concentrations or more frequent use allows for the best overall experience.
When should retinoids be avoided?
Since retinoids are a potent class of skin care ingredients there are certain circumstances where one should avoid using these ingredients in their skin care routine. They include:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and your doctor recommends against using these ingredients.
If you have certain medical skin conditions and your doctor recommends against using these ingredients.
If your skin has become sunburned and/or if you have any open wounds or cuts.
Prior to cosmetic corrective procedures involving lights or lasers, as well as for a certain period prior to and after high-strength acid peels (consult your practitioner).
What are the main signs of overusing retinoids?
Some signs of overusing retinoids include excessive dryness, increased sensitivity and irritation, peeling or flaking, redness and potential breakouts. These can be avoided by starting low and slow, not using too many bio-actives at the same time (i.e., high strength) until you’re sure how your skin will respond and consistently moisturizing to counter any potential dryness and irritation.
Can teenagers use the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Retinoid Treatment?
While retinoids aren’t necessary for anti-aging during your teens, they can be helpful for those struggling with acne. Dermatologists can recommend over-the-counter or prescription retinoid options to combat stubborn breakouts as needed.
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