Retinol Use

Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is one of the representative fat-soluble vitamins and has been used in skin care for a long time.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to a decrease in collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, etc., which are essential elements that make up the skin. Retinol can fill the skin that becomes hollow and improve elasticity and wrinkles by promoting the synthesis of decreased components in the skin.

Premature aging slows down the formation of new keratin cells, which also slows down the shedding of dead keratin cells as the skin's turnover cycle lengthens. Retinol can remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture by promoting the formation of new keratin cells to normalize the turnover cycle.

Increased sebum production in the pores results in skin problems such as acne, and retinol can not only improve skin problems, but also improve hyperpigmentation caused by skin problems by reducing sebum production to suppress sebaceous cell proliferation.

Characteristics of retinol

As explained earlier, retinol has been used as a skin care ingredient for a long time because of its excellent skin efficacy. However, it is relatively difficult to obtain a high concentration of retinol because it is unstable to ultraviolet rays, and the higher the retinol content, the lower the stability. In order to solve this unstable problem, not only the development of various retinol derivatives, but also the techniques for stabilizing retinol are constantly being studied.

Retinol and retinol derivatives

It is known that retinol derivatives are converted to retinol through certain chemical reactions and enzymatic actions and can have an effect on the skin. However, it is a little difficult to be sure that retinol derivatives have the full effect of retinol, as it is unclear how much can be converted to retinol in our skin by what effect.

In fact, in Korea, retinol and retinyl palmitate (retinol derivative) are included as ingredients that are shown to be effective in improving wrinkles, and the content of these two ingredients is 4 times different.

In short, this means that retinol derivatives must use at least 4 times as much retinol to achieve certification for wrinkle-improving efficacy in Korea.

Retinol and Retinal

Recently, an ingredient called "Retinal" has also been used in cosmetics, but the ingredient that has been studied for skin effectiveness for a long time is known as retinol. Therefore, the most recommended ingredient for proper effectiveness is retinol.

Skin reactions and caution when using

The use of retinol may cause skin reactions that are not easily seen in other ingredients. Depending on the skin type, skin reactions such as stinging, burning sensation, peeling of the skin and redness may occur. These skin reactions are phenomena that may occur when retinol is effective on the skin. This is not a phenomenon that occurs in all skin, and it may disappear after a sufficient period of adaptation. It is recommended that you pay more attention to your skin condition while using retinol.

However, if it is pregnant or breastfeeding women, it may cause side effects in the fetus, so avoid using it during this period.

Typically, there are two retinol products available, both of which are skin care products that contain high concentrations of retinol. These are a cream that contains 0.1% or 0.3% retinol, and an oil that contains 0.5% retinol.

Since the concentration and formulation of retinol varies, you can choose the product depending on the desired effect and after-feel.

If you are new to retinol or are a little concerned about using retinol, you can try Retinol 0.1 Cream.

If you have already used retinol and have gotten used to it enough, you can try Retinol 0.3 Cream or Retinol 0.5 Oil.

Tips for adapting to retinol

It is important that the use of a product containing a high concentration of retinol requires undergoing a guided adaptation process.

During the adaptation period, you may experience temporary skin reactions such as tingling, redness, peeling, etc., or there may be no skin reaction.

Even if there is no skin reaction at the first use, it is recommended to use it according to the instructions for use at first, as you may experience the adaptation reaction late. If the retinol sensitivity reaction continues after the adaptation period, it is better to gradually increase the amount and the usage cycle taking into account the skin condition rather than increasing it immediately.

If your skin is sensitive to reactions, it may be helpful to use Peptide Skin Booster Serum or Hyaluronic 3 Serum before using retinol.

Retinol is an unstable ingredient to ultraviolet rays, so it is recommended to use it at night and sunscreen during the day during the period of use. For those who are trying retinol for the first time, it is not difficult to use it if you follow the above good advice

Here is a comparison of 2 creams with Retinol.

Retinol 0.1 Cream
• Contains: 0.1% pure retinol
• Suitable for: Beginners or people with sensitive skin
• Effect: Milder, but still effective over time for:
• Fine lines
• Uneven skin tone
• Light texture enhancement
• Advantages:
• Lower risk of irritation (redness, peeling)
• Good introduction to retinol
• Usage: Can be used more frequently from the start (e.g. 2–3 times a week)


Retinol 0.3 Cream
• Contains: 0.3% pure retinol
• Suitable for: More experienced retinol users
• Effect: Stronger effect against:
• Deeper wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Coarser skin texture
• Advantages:
• Faster and more visible results
• Disadvantages:
• Higher risk of irritation and habituation symptoms
• Usage: Should be introduced slowly (1–2 times a week to start)

Which one should you choose?

 Your experience with retinol Select the following:
Beginner or sensitive skin 0.1%
Previously used retinol 0.3% without problems
Wants slow, gentle improvement 0.1%
Want faster results and can tolerate more 0.3%

Tips for using retinol (regardless of strength):
• Use only in the evening
• Use sunscreen every day (retinol makes the skin sun-sensitive)
• Start by using it 2 times a week and increase slowly
• Moisturizer can help reduce irritation
• Avoid combining with other active ingredients such as AHA/BHA at first