What is retinol and do I need it?

Retinol is appearing everywhere – on skin creams, treatments and facials. But what does it do, and is it really the key to looking younger?

Commonly mentioned as a must-have in your skincare arsenal, retinol is definitely an important skincare ingredient to have as you age. But what is it?

According to Women’s Health Mag, retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It’s commonly used to give your skin a healthy boost by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture, and diminishing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Unfortunately as you age, the skin cells stop maturing and they tend to pile up. It works on a molecular level to normalize cell turnover. Basically, it tells your cells to renew themselves regularly again. Topical retinoids, found in prescription and over-the-counter formulas, work to make the outermost skin layers thinner and flatter.

Retinoids are also added to some acne products. Because they work to unclog blocked pores and prevent further build-up, retinoids open the way for acne-fighting ingredients, helping eliminate the roots of the breakout.

Babor Skinovage PX Advanced Biogen Intense Revitalizing Cream is an intensive nourishing cream which supports cell regeneration with rock rose extract and retinol. A face cream that regenerates tired skin in need of revitalisation. With its rich consistency it can be used as a 24hr cream or as a night cream in combination with Mimical Control Cream or Daily Revitalizing Cream.

• For tired and stressed skin.
• Energizes and stimulates skin’s regenerative processes.
• Activates cell renewal.
• Reveals a vitalized, rosy-fresh, youthful appearance.

Active ingredients:

• Alpine stem cells: DNA protection, preventative protection against light-induced skin aging.
• OsmoTec: Catalyst, optimizes the processing of active ingredients in the cells.
• Rockrose extract: Intensive skin regeneration.
• Retinol (vitamin A): Rejuvenating effect, supports cell regeneration.
• Vitamin E: Protects against free radicals.
• Panthenol: Provides moisture.
• Shea butter: Maintains the hydrolipid film.
• Soy oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil: Softens the skin.