Retinol: what is it and what are its benefits?

What is retinol? 

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which has been used in cosmetics and medical-cosmetic treatments for years. Previously, its instable formula meant that retinol could cause irritability with certain skin types. Thanks to new design and production technologies, these problems of the past have been solved and it has become one of the active ingredients of choice for fighting ageing. 

What is retinol used for? We'll explain its benefits 

Retinol has numerous benefits for the skin and its appearance; from reducing wrinkles and fine lines to improving the appearance of blemishes. These are the 4 main benefits of retinol as a cosmetic active ingredient:  

1. It reduces wrinkles:

Older skin produces less collagen, which results in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is absorbed through the layers of the skin, thanks to its lower molecular weight, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which favours thickening and the texture of the skin. 

2. It makes the skin smoother and more luminous:

Bby favouring the renewal of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), retinol helps to smooth the skin and make it more luminous. Retinization promotes the keratinization process and progressively smooths the complexion.

3. It fades blemishes:

Its exfoliating action means that the visible action of melanocytes, responsible for the production of melanin and its visible effect on possible blemishes, decreases. 

4. It is an antioxidant: 

Preventing oxidative stress makes it a powerful anti-ageing and anti-photoageing agent. 

Types of retinol 

Retinol comes in different molecular forms so it is important to choose what best suits your skin type and needs over time: 

• Retinyl palmitate: A molecular form of retinol that acts as a very powerful antioxidant and can be used day and night. 
• Retinol:  The molecular form that provides the greatest benefits in terms of improving skin elasticity. It restores balance in the skin's regeneration process, favouring epidermal renewal.  
• Retinal: A molecular form derived from retinol that due to its chemical structure has less irritation potential, but it also presents greater instability when used in cosmetic formulations. Consequently, it is difficult to combine with other cosmetic active ingredients.   
• Retinoic acid: A retinoid form that is classified as an active pharmaceutical substance and is only used in medication. Due to its medicinal action, it is mainly used for the treatment of severe acne.  

How should retinol be applied?

Retinol is a very powerful cosmetic active ingredient. Consequently, it needs to be used appropriately, following a standardised application guide.

1. If you have never used retinol before, incorporate it into your facial routine gradually. This compound can cause slight irritation if it is first used without the skin having undergone a prior retinization process or if the formula applied is too strong for your skin. If you start using retinol for the first time, we recommend starting with a cosmetic that contains a low concentration of retinol (between 0.1% and 0.3%), applying a small amount (such as the size of a pea), and then gradually increasing the amount applied to let the skin adapt until applying it every night. In this way, we recommend at first alternating applications at night and adjusting it according to the skin's tolerance.

2. Apply your retinol cream at night and avoid starting treatment at times of the year with more sun exposure. 

3. Apply sunscreen every day.. It should be broad spectrum and SPF +50. Retinol makes the skin more vulnerable to the sun rays so it is essential to use a high factor sunscreen to prevent skin damage. We recommend the sunscreen range mesoprotech® which offers a variety of sunscreens designed for different skin types.

4. You can use a moisturiser before or after using the retinol product to prevent irritation and keep the skin moisturised.  

Discover skinretin 0.3% 

skinretin 0.3% is the cream with retinol for home use by mesoestetic® that combines 0.3% pure retinol and 0.7% bakuchiol in its formula. The anti-ageing effects of retinol are enhanced by combining it with bakuchiol, a natural plant-based active ingredient that has the advantage of being suitable for sensitive skin. This optimal level of retinol concentration is what differentiates skinretin 0.3% from other retinol creams and makes it ideal for treating the various visible signs of ageing.

The cream also includes a postbiotic complex that promotes epidermal regeneration and protects the skin microbiota. It also contains three active ingredients that act synergistically to provide optimal anti-ageing efficacy with a proven level of skin tolerance. 

It also effectively treats blemishes and a lack of luminosity, along with fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of density and elasticity, which are all signs of ageing. Its formula and texture are suitable for all skin types. 

Now you know more about the anti-ageing active ingredient that everyone is talking about. Contact our experts and find out more about the benefits of retinol and how it can be adapted to your needs.