What is Retinol?

What is Retinol?

Are you wondering What is Retinol? Retinol is vitamin A. It is the entire vitamin A molecule. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that is essential for healthy skin, bones and vision. Retinol is one of the few items that has been shown (through extensive research) to have a positive impact on the condition of the skin. The reason that it does effect the skin is because the skin has vitamin A receptors, so it is able to absorb and use it when applied to the skin. When it is taken into the skin, retinol stimulates the production of collagen which improves the structure of the skin. It will improve the appearance of the skin by making it softer and smoother. By improving the skin structure, it will also diminish fine lines and wrinkles and lessen any sun damage as well as making the pores less visible.

Some skin care products use the entire vitamin A molecule (retinol), other use only part of it. The active ingredient in Retin-A (prescription strength retinol) is retinoic acid, which is just one of the many components of retinol, or a vitamin A molecule. Other forms of retinol are retinyl palmitate, retinal and retinoic acid.

Cosmetic (over-the-counter) retinol products can be beneficial for people who don’t need or can’t tolerate the prescription strength versions of Retin-A or Renova.

How Retinol Works

The molecular structure of vitamin A is small enough to get into the collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin. Retinol is broken down into retinoic acid and it “tells” the cells to behave normally (not like damaged or wrinkled cells). This increases the production of new cells and collagen. The results are decreases in mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and improvements in skin texture, skin tone and color, and moisture levels. The exfoliation effects are also beneficial for treating acne.

Retinol in Skin Care

Here is what you need to know about using Retinol in Skin Care:

The Packaging is Important:

Retinol is easily broken down by air and sunlight, so a jar, clear container or any container that exposes the product to air will render your retinol worthless. To be beneficial, retinol in skin care should be packaged in tubes, capsules or pumps that do not allow air in.

Don’t Forget the SPF!

Retinol will increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so be sure and use a sunscreen if you are using a product with retinol. (But you are already using a sunscreen on your face everyday, right?)

Retinol Side Effects

Sometimes when you add Retinol to your skin care regimen, the skin may become red and irritated. This will subside over time, as your skin adjusts to it. If it is too bothersome or gets severe, cut back on your application of retinol to every other day or every third day. When you find the level of retinol that your skin can tolerate, you can safely and gradually increase the frequency.

Types of Retinol Products

Retinol Products have been proven to improve the appearance and health of the skin.

What are the different types of Retinol and which ones are the best to use?

Retinol Lotion

Retinol Lotions are usually recommended for normal to oily skin. The percentage of retinol varies in each product.

Retinol Serum

Retinol Serums are lighter liquids that are rapidly absorbed into the skin. This is a good choice for those with oilier skin and anyone who wants to add retinol to their regimen without adding another layer of moisturization.

Retinol Cream

Retinol Creams are better for normal to drier skin or for anyone who wants to combine their retinol treatments with moisturization.

Retinol Capsules

Retinol Capsules are great to add to other skin care products. They are great to keep the product fresh and to add retinol to your skin care regimen without adding another step.

Retinol Eye Products

Retinol Eye Products are good to use if you want to diminish the fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging around your eye area.

Retinol Lip Products

Retinol Lip Products include both treatment products and color products that plump the lips.

Retinol Body Products

Retinol Hand and Body Products can provide the benefits retinol beyond your face.


Drs. Christiaan Janssens
Wellness & Beauty Blog