Retinol is a powerful tightening active ingredient that smooths skin texture, reduces the signs of aging and effectively fights against pigmentation spots and imperfections. Nevertheless, it should be used with caution because in high doses, it can cause redness and skin irritation. In this article, you will find all the benefits that it can provide when applied topically.
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The Benefits of Retinol for the Skin
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What Is Retinol?
Derived from vitamin A, retinol is a member of the retinoid family. Discovered in 1931 in mackerel liver oil, retinol was not synthesized until 16 years later. Primarily prized for its ability to reduce skin rashes and acne scars, it is also a key ingredient in the fight against the signs of aging: loss of elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation spots.
Nevertheless, this high efficiency is accompanied by a recognized potential irritant. Retinol can indeed cause redness and skin discomfort in subjects with sensitive skin. Faced with this, the European regulation has limited its concentration in non-rinse-off cosmetic products to 0.3%.
As a precaution, the use of retinol by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women is not recommended. As retinol is sensitive to light and can increase the skin's sensitivity when exposed to UV rays, it is preferable to use it in the evening, for greater efficiency. The next morning, a sun protection adapted to your skin type should be applied.
Benefit #1: A Regenerating Effect on Wrinkles
Skin aging is a degenerative process caused by internal biological factors (decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, for example) and external factors (pollution, UV rays, stress, smoking, etc.). It manifests itself by the appearance of irregularities on the skin's surface, such as wrinkles, pigment spots or sagging areas.
Retinol is known for its ability to boost the production of collagen and elastin for smoother and more elastic skin. In addition, retinol has antioxidant properties. It prevents the appearance of signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals. As a reminder, free radicals are highly reactive molecules generated by various factors (stress, pollution, cigarettes...) that degrade proteins and healthy skin cells, accelerating aging.
Benefit #2: Fights Blemishes and Excess Sebum
When applied topically, retinol is metabolized into retinal and then into retinoic acid, a key compound for treating combination to oily skin with or without blemishes. The keratolytic action of retinol allows to eliminate the dead cells present on the surface of the skin, because it stimulates cellular renewal. The pores are unclogged and the skin texture is refined, thus preventing the appearance of blackheads and/or comedones. In addition, thanks to its brightening properties, retinol reduces the marks left by imperfections.
Benefit #3: Reduces the Appearance of Dark Spots
The appearance of brown spots is linked to skin aging and/or exposure to external aggressions such as pollution and UV rays. As a reminder, hyperpigmentation is defined as a disturbance in the pigmentation process: melanin, the pigment responsible for the natural coloring of the skin, is overproduced in certain areas, which leads to the appearance of brown, red or pink spots that can be unsightly. Retinol regulates melanocytes and reduces the intensity of pigmentation spots on the skin's surface.
Discover Our Retinol Products
To fight against skin aging and prevent skin sagging, the Wrinkles & Fine Lines serum contains 0.3% retinol. It is 99% formulated with ingredients of natural origin. It is particularly suitable for mature skin. We do not recommend its use for sensitive and reactive skin.
The neck and décolleté serum is composed of retinol (0.2%) and borage oil, known for its firming properties. This care smoothens the skin of the neck and the neckline. It can also be used locally on other parts of the body.
Our firming face cream with 0.2% retinol and tsubaki oil is enriched with active tightening ingredients to fight the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin more plump. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers to prevent the signs of skin aging.
The firming toner contains 0.1% retinol and Damask rose extract. It is applied after cleansing the skin to rebalance the skin's pH and delay the appearance of wrinkles. It is composed of 99% of ingredients of natural origin.
The wrinkles and imperfections serum combines the densifying action of retinol (0.3%) with the antibacterial action of bakuchiol (1%) to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and correct imperfections. Synthesized by plants endemic to Australia, the plant polypeptides it contains are able to act in synergy with retinol to promote the synthesis of type I collagen. They help reduce the depth of wrinkles and plump up the skin. These peptides also help maintain a thick epidermis, which plays its role as a shield against the external environment.
Sources :
WANG L. H. Simultaneous determination of retinal, retinol and retinoic acid (all-trans and 13-cis) in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals at electrodeposited metal electrodes. Analytica Chimica Acta (2000).
KAFI & al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin a (retinol). Archives of Dermatology (2007).
GUAN T. & al. Molecular basis of retinol anti-aging properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo., International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2016).
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