How does Retinal work?

We often get the question from our customers ‘How does retinal work?', it’s a fair question for one of the most popular ingredients in skincare. 

Retinal works by binding to specific receptors in the skin and triggering a cascade of beneficial reactions. Retinal is a type of retinoid (retinoids for wrinkles and fine lines is popular among skincare enthusiasts and skin therapists) that stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell turnover, reduces skin discolouration, and boosts skin hydration. 

It could be deemed the miracle ingredient of this skincare generation (big call we know, but probably true). At what age should you use retinal? We advise to start in your early twenties, treat plus prevent is our philosophy. 

The Benefits of Vitamin A

Collagen Stimulation

A big draw card to using this ingredient is that it rapidly stimulates new collagen in the skin. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again - Collagen is Queen. 

Retinal penetrates the skin and binds to retinoic acid receptors, which are located within skin cells. This binding activates genes responsible for stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that provides structural support to the skin, helping it maintain firmness and elasticity. By increasing collagen synthesis, retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. This is at the top of the list of the benefits of Vitamin A for your skin.

Increased Cell Turnover

Retinal is responsible for the acceleration of cell turnover and exfoliation of dead skin cells, shedding the outermost layer of the epidermis. This process helps to unclog your pores, improve skin texture, and improves your overall skin tone.

How to use Vitamin A? Apply at night, and start with only using it 2-3 times a week. Once your skin has adjusted you can increase the usage. Just envision the overall glow you’ll get by increasing this cell turnover to reveal fresher, brighter skin and a more youthful complexion. 

Pigmentation Reduction

Our other favourite benefit of this ingredient is the effective it has on reducing pigmentation. Tyrosinase is the baddie that boosts melanin production, and in turn…pigment. Retinal inhibits the production of this enzyme. By decreasing the melanin synthesis, retinal will fade stubborn dark spots and pigmentation. Even out your complexion and improve tone.

Hydration

We can’t help it - one more bonus of this ingredient. Retinoids for wrinkles are just the beginning, it hydrates intensely. Retinal stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid. GAGs are natural moisturising factors that help attract and retain water, contributing to skin hydration and suppleness. By increasing GAG production, retinol helps improve skin texture and reduce dryness.

So how does retinal work and what product do I use?

The answer is in our Active A Serum, you’ll learn all you need by just using this serum and seeing the serious results. Oh, and read the recap above too!