Our Optimised Retinal Serum Concentrate: our best practices

A benchmark in anti-ageing skin products, retinol is renowned for its firming, purifying, smoothing and clarifying properties. It stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of spots and acne. But how do you use this active ingredient to maximise its anti-ageing benefits? In this article, we offer you a complete guide on how to use our Optimised Retinal Serum Concentrate.

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Associated products
Optimised Retinal Serum

Anti-ageing

Anti-wrinkle

(3298)

£8.00

30 ml

2 options

Bestseller
Hyaluronic Acid 3.5% Serum

Moisturising

Plumping

(32204)

£6.50

30 ml

4 options

Bestseller

What is our retinal serum?

Our retinal serum is a high-performance skin care product designed to deliver targeted benefits to the skin, thanks to the presence of retinal, an active form of vitamin A. Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a derivative of retinol that converts to retinic acid, which is directly involved in cell renewal and collagen stimulation.

Retinal Serum is formulated to have a deep effect on skin texture by encouraging cell regeneration. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. It also helps to even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation irregularities by accelerating skin cell renewal.

What is our retinal active ingredient?

Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is an active derivative of vitamin A, which converts to retinoic acid when applied to the skin. It stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell renewal and helps even out skin tone. Thanks to its properties, retinal is effective in reducing the signs of ageing, improving skin texture and reducing pigmentation irregularities.

A closer look at our Optimised Retinal Serum

Optimised Retinal Serum Concentrate

A global anti-ageing treatment, this serum features concentrated retinal, the precursor of retinoic acid, the only active form of vitamin A. An essential multi-targeting active ingredient that combats the signs of ageing, retinal firms the skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, fades spots and rosacea and brightens the complexion.

Also well-known as a solution for acne-prone skin, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates impurities, purifies, evens out and regulates oily skin. Combined with an extract of mastic tree, which protects the degradation of retinoic acid naturally present in the skin, retinal's effectiveness and anti-ageing properties are optimised!

Discover Optimised Retinal Serum Concentrate

The benefits of our Optimised Retinal Serum

  • Firms the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles

  • Fades pigmentation spots and rosacea

  • Revitalises the skin, evening out and restoring radiance to the complexion

  • Reduces blemishes (acne, pimples, blackheads, etc.)

  • Purifies the skin thanks to its anti-bacterial properties

  • Smoothes skin texture and tightens pores

  • Preserves skin's youthful appearance

How do I use it?

For which skin types?

Our Optimised Retinal Serum can be used on all skin types. It is recommended for skin that is:

  • Mature

  • Oily skin

  • Acne-prone

  • Dull

  • Dry

  • Normal.



When should it be applied?

Retinal serum is ideally used in the evening, before your night cream, no more than 2-3 times a week for the first two weeks. Once the skin has become accustomed to retinol, you can try using it more frequently. If you notice any dryness or irritation, take a break for a day or two. This is because retinal is a photosensitive active ingredient, which means it can break down when exposed to sunlight. Applying this serum in the evening maximises its benefits while reducing the risk of irritation caused by UV rays. After the serum, apply a moisturiser to reinforce the skin barrier overnight.



How do you apply it?


  1. Cleansing: start by using a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare the skin.

  2. Toner: apply a toner suited to your skin type. The toner rebalances the skin's pH and prepares it to absorb skin care products better.

  3. Apply the serum: apply a small amount of Retinal Serum to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Massage gently in circular motions to encourage absorption.

  4. Moisturising: once the serum has been absorbed, apply a moisturising cream to nourish and protect the skin, reinforcing the cutaneous barrier.

Which serums should I use retinal serum with?

Retinal Serum can be combined with multiple other serums to maximise the benefits of your skincare routine while targeting different skin needs. Here are some effective combinations:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serum: hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. By combining this serum with retinal, you can maintain good hydration while benefiting from the regenerating properties of retinal.

  • Vitamin C Serum: vitamin C brightens the complexion and provides antioxidant protection. Combined with retinal, it helps even out the complexion and reduce the signs of ageing while stimulating collagen production.

  • nicotinamide Serum: nicotinamide helps to soothe the skin and improve its elasticity. Combined with retinal, it can reduce redness and irregularities while supporting skin regeneration.

For more information and details on combining our serums, we recommend you visit our How to choose and combine facial serums page.

The Do's & Don'ts

DO

  • Apply to clean, dry skin

  • To counteract its drying effects, combine it with the Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate by applying the Retinal Serum at night and the Hyaluronic Acid Serum in the morning.

  • Wait 20 to 30 minutes after applying retinol before using other products.

  • If you're not used to it, incorporate retinol gradually into your skincare routine.

  • Store your product at room temperature, away from heat and light, and close the bottle tightly after use.

DON'T

  • Use retinol in conjunction with other powerful active ingredients such as vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide.

  • Apply retinol in large quantities: a small amount is enough!

  • Forget to apply sunscreen during the day: retinol makes the skin sensitive to the sun

  • Use this product 9 months after opening the bottle.

Our anti-ageing recipes

Anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing eye contour treatment with retinol and hyaluronic acid

Ingredients (with scale)

Phase A

Phase A

Mineral water

Mineral water

25g

Active ingredient - Natural hyaluronic acid

Active ingredient - Natural hyaluronic acid

0.15g or 1 TAD spoon

Phase B

Phase B

Cacay skin care oil from Colombia

Cacay skin care oil from Colombia

1.4g

Phase C

Phase C

Organic gelisucre - emulsifier

Organic gelisucre - emulsifier

0.9g

Phase D

Phase D

Leucidal preservative

Leucidal preservative

1.15g or 26 drops

Ingredients (without scales)

Phase A

Phase A

Mineral water

Mineral water

25 ml

Active ingredient - Natural hyaluronic acid

Active ingredient - Natural hyaluronic acid

1 TAD spoon

Phase B

Phase B

Cacay skin care oil from Colombia

Cacay skin care oil from Colombia

1.5 ml

Phase C

Phase C

Organic gelisucre - emulsifier

Organic gelisucre - emulsifier

0.8 ml

Phase D

Phase D

Leucidal preservative

Leucidal preservative

1 ml or 26 drops

Preparation

1

Place phase A (mineral water + hyaluronic acid) in a bowl.

2

Stir for a few seconds, then leave to stand for around 15 minutes. A gel will form.

3

Place phase B (cocoa oil) in a new bowl.

4

In another bowl, place the phase C (Gelisucre emulsifier).

5

Gradually add phase B to phase C, mixing vigorously between each addition. The mixture becomes opaque and gels.

6

Then add phase A to mixture B + C, stirring vigorously for about 3 minutes. The mixture whitens and becomes homogeneous.

7

Add phase D (Leucidal), mixing well.

8

Transfer the mixture into a vial using a pipette if necessary.

2-in-1 anti-ageing serum with instant firming effect

Ingredients

Concentrated hyaluronic acid serum 3.5%

Concentrated hyaluronic acid serum 3.5%

30 ml

Active Natur'lift

Active Natur'lift

1.5 x 0.5 ml spoonful

Essential Oil Organic Camphor

Essential Oil Organic Camphor

1 drop

Preparation

1

Mix the ingredients in a bowl.

2

Leave to stand for 10 minutes, then stir again to blend.

3

Pour the mixture into the bottle that contained the hyaluronic acid concentrate.

Safety precautions

Certain precautions should be taken when using retinal serum to avoid irritation and maximise its benefits:

  • Introduce gradually: start by applying it once or twice a week, then increase the frequency depending on your skin's tolerance.

  • Avoid the eye area: retinal can be too powerful for the thin skin around the eyes. Apply it to the face only, avoiding sensitive areas.

  • Use sun protection: retinal makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. It's essential to apply at least SPF 30 sun cream in the morning to prevent sun damage.

  • Moisturise: make sure you moisturise your skin after applying the serum.

  • Avoid other retinoids: do not combine retinal serum with other products containing retinoids or powerful exfoliating ingredients (such as AHA/BHA) to avoid irritation.

Expert advice

To soothe your skin when introducing retinal serum into your routine, consider applying a gentle carrier oil, such as jojoba or argan oil, after your moisturiser. This helps to strengthen the skin barrier and minimise any feelings of tightness or dryness.

Find out more

What is the difference between retinol and hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a macromolecule belonging to the carbohydrate group. Retinol is a type of retinoid, a compound derived from vitamin A. Retinol and hyaluronic acid will not have the same desired results, as they will not 'correct' the same aspects of the skin.

Is it possible to use Hyaluronic acid and Retinol together?

The answer is yes! You can combine retinol and hyaluronic acid to reduce the signs of ageing while balancing out the drying effects of retinol. Our advice: apply our Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate in the morning and our Optimised Retinal Serum Concentrate in the evening, for moisturised, plumped, firmer skin and refined texture.

Spotlight on our specialist editor, Louise Hourcade

After graduating from ESCP in 2020, Louise launched her career as an editor in 2021. Today, she mainly writes a newsletter where she shares cultural recommendations, as well as more personal articles (dating apps, therapy and career guidance). At the same time, she writes for the media, brands and agencies on subjects such as well-being, mental health, culture and society.