Knowledge Popularization | Skin Rejuvenation Tips: Retinol - The Golden Key to Aging Skin
The secret to youthful skin lies in the magical power of retinaldehyde! Retinal (RAL) has shown remarkable effects in the field of skincare and is the golden key to skin rejuvenation.
The skincare benefits of retinal
Retinal, as one of the derivatives of vitamin A, can be oxidized to retinoic acid and reduced to retinol. It not only has the anti-aging properties of retinoic acid, but also stands out with its excellent skin care effect, playing an important role in skin health and beauty. Here are several skincare benefits of retinal[1]：
•Anti photoaging and repair
Retinal can significantly improve skin photoaging caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In an international study involving 1462 participants[2]，after using a product containing 0.05% retinaldehyde for 90 days, the subjects' wrinkles, skin tone, telangiectasia, and pigmentation spots. All have shown significant improvement.
•Promote collagen synthesis
Retinal can stimulate the growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in naturally aged and photoaged skin and increase the synthesis of collagen and fibronectin.
•Antibacterial and anti acne
Retinal has direct antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL against relevant strains, whereas all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has no direct antibacterial activity.
•Improving rosacea
In clinical trials, after six months of treatment with 0.05% retinaldehyde cream, erythema showed significant improvement, and the treatment was well tolerated.
Retinal vs Retinol
When it comes to the "A" in the "morning C, evening A" skincare routine, many people will think of retinol. However, the latest research shows that the effect of retinal is better, bringing more excellent anti-aging effect to the skin.
Retinal anti-aging better
A clinical study reveals the excellent effect of multi-layered vesicles containing retinal (MLV-RAL) in combating photoaging skin[3].
In a double-blind, randomized, face controlled clinical trial, volunteers were given MLV-RAL on one side of their face and retinol on the other side. The concentrations of retinol and retinal were both 0.05% for the first four weeks and 0.1% for the last four weeks. The observation points are at weeks 0, 4, and 8. After 8 weeks of treatment, a detailed comparison of the effects of the two ingredients was conducted, and it was found that MLV-RAL performed better in reducing wrinkle depth, improving skin hydration, enhancing skin elasticity, and improving facial contour length (see Figure 1).
After 8 weeks of treatment with topical retinal (0.05/0.1%) and retinol (0.05/0.1%), changes in the target parameters were observed. Both groups showed significant improvement in fine lines [(A) and (D)], an increase in skin hydration [(B) and (E)], and an increase in elasticity [(C) and (F)]. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.001.
In addition, the study also measured the depth of crow's feet in the subjects using Antera 3D camera (skin 3D imaging), and the results showed improvement in both groups using retinol and retinal (see Figure 2). Specifically, the half face treated with retinol showed a 10.27% reduction in crow's feet depth after 8 weeks, while the half face treated with retinal showed a 23.7% reduction in crow's feet depth. The difference between the two was statistically significant (p=0.001). In terms of moisture retention, using the Corneometer CM 825 (skin moisture tester) for measurement, the skin moisture of the retinol half face increased by 35.78% after 8 weeks, while the skin moisture of the retinal half face increased by 53.97%, and this difference was also statistically significant (p<0.001). As for skin elasticity, measured using the Cutometer Dual MPA 580 (Skin Elasticity Tester), the skin elasticity of the retinol half face increased by 11.86% after 8 weeks, while the skin elasticity of the retinal half face increased by 20.34%. The difference between the two was also statistically significant (p<0.001).These data clearly indicate that under the same conditions, retinal is superior to retinol in reducing wrinkle depth, improving skin hydration, and enhancing skin elasticity.
Figure 2 (A) and (B): Photos of the patient before and after the application of topical retinal 0.05/0.1% for 8 weeks. (C) (D): Photos of the same patient on the contralateral side before and after 12 weeks of retinol application at 0.05/0.1%.
Retinal is more tolerant and safe
Figure 3 compares the sum of clinical scores for each parameter (erythema, desquamation, and burning/itching) with retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid (n=6); **p<0.05
Research has shown that the irritation of retinal and retinol is generally lower than that of retinoic acid. Moreover, compared to retinol and retinoic acid, retinal causes less burning and itching sensation[4](See Figure 3).
About UsABOUT US
OsBio owns a mature biosynthetic system that enables production using enzymatic or whole-cell methods, which is more skin-friendly than chemical synthesis. As confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the team has produced retinal via this biosynthetic method, achieving extremely high purity. This makes it an ideal raw material for skincare products.
OsBio Retinal Products
Retinal, as the golden key to anti-aging skin, can not only reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone, but also promote skin health, making it an indispensable skincare ingredient. Let's start the journey of aging skin together, and let retinol become a part of your anti-aging skin care program!
References:
【1】 Zhou, H. Y. (2001). Application of natural retinoic acid—retinal in dermatology. Foreign Medical Sciences (Dermatology and Venereology), 27(6), 332-335.
【2】Cordero A., Leon-Dorantes G., et al. Retinaldehyde ⁄ hyaluronic acid fragments: a synergistic association for the management of skin aging, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2011, 10(2): 110-117.
【3】Kim, J., Kim, J., et al. The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021, 20(9): 2874-2879.
【4】Fluhr J.W., Vienne M., et al. Tolerance Profile of Retinol, Retinaldehyde and Retinoic Acid under Maximized and Long-Term Clinical Conditions, Dermatology, 1999, 199(1): 57-60.
