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2025.08.20

Retinol is essential for preventing photoaging.

葉山 愛弥
Supervising Physician
Aiya Hayama

As an Assistant Professor, Associate Ward Director, and Chief of Dermatopathology at the university hospital dermatology department, I deepened my expertise through academic presentations and paper publications both domestically and internationally. I have handled a wide range of treatments, from birthmark therapy in children to adult pigmentation concerns, utilizing various lasers and injection therapies, while also contributing to community healthcare. Through encountering numerous cases, I strongly felt the potential and necessity of aesthetic medicine, resolving to pursue further expertise. Building upon my solid dermatological knowledge and meticulous diagnostic skills, I value treatments that gently support each individual's skin while bringing out its inherent beauty.

Retinol is a type of vitamin A derivative that promotes skin turnover (metabolism) and addresses various skin concerns. Personally, I consider it an essential ingredient in my skincare routine and use it regularly.

I am Dr. Aya Hayama, a board-certified dermatologist.

Retinol has recently been incorporated into various cosmetics, and pure vitamin A and retinyl palmitate are now included in commercially available products.

It began to gain attention in Japan when,Environ, developed to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in South AfricaCould this be the origin? Formulated specifically for Japanese people.Gaudi SkinAfter that, as the pandemic led to more time spent at home,ZeoSkin HealthTherapeuticWhat stands out is how popular it became. Of course, ZeoSkin Health also offers many non-therapeutic retinol products, and I believe its defining feature is the wide variety of products with differing concentrations and formulations.

Also, retinol skincare products that I use myself and can no longer live without.

The basics, and finally, what I've been secretly doingMini TherapeuticLet me show you how to use it!!

 

The main reasons retinol is needed

 

Improvement of wrinkles and sagging

Retinol stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis,Promotes collagen productionAs a result, skin elasticity improves, and you can expect an improvement in fine lines.

due to ultraviolet rays, etc.Repairing damage caused by photoagingIt is also effective.

Improvement of acne and pores

Vitamin A isRegulates sebum production and normalizes skin turnoverBy doing so, it helps prevent clogged pores, leading to acne prevention and improvement.

It is also effective for enlarged pores and dark spots.

 

Improved skin texture and translucency

By normalizing skin turnover, dead skin cells are more easily shed, resulting in brighter skin tone and a smoother texture.

 
Precautions for Retinol

 

Strong stimulationA reaction (retinoid reaction) may occur, causing redness, dryness, and peeling. With lower concentrations, symptoms typically subside as the skin becomes accustomed to the treatment.

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Some retinol products (especially high-concentration retinol) may affect the fetus, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.

 

 

There are several types of retinol,Effectiveness and skin irritationEach type differs. It is important to choose the appropriate type based on your purpose and skin type.

 
Main Types and Characteristics of Retinol
Type Effectiveness Skin irritation Features
Retinol Middle to high Moderate

Commonly used.

Commonly found in many commercial products.

◎ for anti-aging care

Retinal (Retinaldehyde) Slightly strong

More effective than retinol.

Also used in quasi-drugs.

Caution for sensitive skin.

Retinoic acid (tretinoin) Extremely high Extremely strong

A doctor's prescription is required.

A potent pharmaceutical used for treating wrinkles and acne.

Retinyl Palmitate weak

Gentle on the skin but mild in effect.

For sensitive skin and beginners.

Retinyl Acetate weak

As mild as palmitic acid.

Highly stable and easy to use in cosmetics.

Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) Low to Medium

A relatively new ingredient.

Combines stability and low irritation.

The effectiveness is also relatively high.

Bakuchiol Low to Medium extremely low

Plant-derived "retinol-like ingredient".

Some cases can be used during pregnancy.

 

What we recommend here is a product that builds up in your skin over time and is perfect for incorporating into your daily skincare routine.Retinyl Palmitate

Alternatively, I also consider bakuchiol to be very easy to use.

 

Retinol (standard concentration)
 

※Products sold as pure retinol in over-the-counter medications contain retinol at concentrations between 0.1% and less than 1.1%.

  • directly acts on the skin,Promotes skin turnover and collagen production

  • Wrinkles, sagging, pores, dullnessmulti-effect

  • May cause stimulation (A reaction)

  • Concentrations commonly seen in cosmetics:0.1 to 0.31 TP3T is high

 

High-concentration retinol (1-2%, etc.)
  • Highly effective(Similar effects to medical-grade retinoic acid)

  • A reaction (peeling/redness) tends to be strong

  • Depending on the concentration, it may not be suitable for daily use (start with once or twice a week).

  • Requires knowledge of skincare and proper skin management for use.

As your skin becomes accustomed to retinol, the initial reaction typically subsides, allowing you to gradually increase the concentration. However, while it may improve conditions like melasma, it can also cause excessive irritation. Therefore, when using high-concentration retinol, always follow your doctor's instructions.

In some cases, we may intentionally allow the skin to peel off and proceed with aggressive treatment. (See tweet)

 

Here's a dermatologist's musings...

TherapeuticZeoSkin Health is a treatment program proposed by Dr. Zain Obagi, addressing pigmentation, melasma, age spots, pore refinement, and various skin concerns.

During the actual COVID-19 pandemic, many people requested it, using a glycolic acid-containing balancing toner as a cosmetic, and a product containing 4% hydroquinone plus a small amount of glycolic acid.MiraminMira Mixcannot be introduced in cosmeticsTretinoin (retinoic acid)Mix and apply to the entire face. Due to the strong A reaction, significant peeling and redness may occur, but it is impressive that most spots disappeared after 3-5 months of continued use.

Currently, ZeoSkin Health offers products containing salicylic acid.Clarifying Serumand,Complex AA microemulsion formulation of high-concentration vitamin A at 1.3% has been released, and therapeutic treatments using these products have become mainstream.

With more outings, excessive downtime may interfere with daily life.

However, the highly absorbent area around the mouth is most prone to A reactions and experiences stronger peeling. If symptoms are absent around the mouth, I believe it may be effective to use the product only on the nose and cheeks to address concerns like spots, melasma, and enlarged pores on the cheeks and nose.

Actually, I myself sometimesMini Therapeuticnamed it so that the redness of the A reaction does not appearREVISIONDFJ Face CreamWe are using them in combination.⭐

For daily use or just nose pores, we also recommend Daily PD or W Texture Repair, so please refer to them.

ZO SKIN HEALTH

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