"\u201cRetinoids, in general, are considered the anti-aging superstar. They can improve overall skin texture and color as well as help even out long-term sun damage-induced discoloration," said Sarah Taylor, MD, MPH, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine."

What is Retinal? Retinal, or known as retinaldehyde, is a type of retinoid. The effectiveness of retinol compared to retinal is slightly weaker. "This is related to their respective biochemical pathways starting from the synthesis, or construction of compounds, to when they integrate into the skin and undergo further biochemical conversion," said Dr. Taylor.

Like most skincare products, what is "best" for you is relative. "Although products containing retinol are more common and widely available, these products take longer to see results," says Dr. Taylor.

"\u201cRetinoic acid, or tretinoin, is the most powerful form of retinoid that can be used by the skin; however, it is only available with a doctor's prescription,\u201d said Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD. Another common retinoid found in over-the-counter products is retinyl palmitate, retinol, and retinaldehyde (or "retinal"). These retinoids must go through a conversion process to transform into retinoic acid before the skin can use them.\u00a0"