Retinol as a Skincare Active

Understanding Retinol

Retinol is one of the many topical forms of Vitamin A. Other forms of topical Vitamin A include Tretinoin, Retinyl Palmitate & Retinoic Acid. Collectively they are referred to as retinoids but not all forms are as effective within the skincare industry.

It is important to understand the different forms of retinoids to ensure that you are getting the most from your cosmeceutical homecare.

How does Retinol work?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and has a proven mechanism of action:

• On the epidermis - Retinol stimulates the renewal of skin cells and regulates the migration and degradation of keratinocytes (90% of epidermis cells are cells that produce keratin; hence the name keratinocytes.) Keratinocytes protect the skin from environmental damage.
• In dermis layer - Retinol inhibits the degeneration of connective tissues by reducing the enzymes that damage natural peptides within the skin and stimulate the Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. (These are polysaccharides responsible for attracting water in the skin, making them crucial for skin hydration.)

Key benefits of Retinol

Retinol in its purest form accelerates cellular metabolism. This action will repair & protect damaged & dry skin - stimulate Collagen, Elastin & Hyaluronic Acid production.

Retinol cosmeceutical products will therefore:
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
• Correct enlarged pores
• Accelerate skin renewal for an even skin-tone & glowing complexion

Potential side-effects of Retinol

The most common side-effect of topical Retinol use is flaky, red or dry skin. These side-effects are often related to dosage. As an active ingredient it is recommended to introduce it slowly to avoid negative side-effects.

Aesthetic Dermatology Tip: consider introducing 0.5% Activ Retinol first, before moving to the 1.0% Activ Retinol product. Alternatively, introduce your skin to Retinol by alternating application days.

A well-documented assumption is that Retinol makes the skin sensitive to UVA & UVB light. Although this is proven to be untrue, we do recommend using it in conjunction with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock.

Your aesthetic dermatologist will advise on conditions not suitable for Retinol use i.e. skin concerns or pregnancy.

How is Retinol used by Dermaceutic Laboratoire?

For optimum results, Retinol concentration should be between 0.2% and 1%. This is based on skin type and tolerance to Retinol. Dermaceutic Laboratoire boasts the highest concentration of Retinol within the cosmeceutical industry. Activ Retinol is available in two concentrations, a 0.5% and 1.0% respectively. Both Activ Retinol products form part of the Prevent category within the Dermaceutic 7 Essential Actions.

Please note: As purity declines, so too does the expected result. All forms of Retinol deteriorate when exposed to light and air. Therefore, it would be wise to only use Retinol products that are packaged in airtight and light-sealed containers, as is the case with the 0.5% & 1.0% Activ Retinol range. Always avoid jar packaging!

Learn more about our Prevent range on the Dermaceutic Laboratoire website and connect with us via Facebook &/ Instagram.