exploring the power of plant-based retinol

 Whether you’re a skincare aficionado or totally new to the world of serums and cleansers, you’ve probably heard about retinol. Retinol is a type of vitamin A, a critical nutrient that supports vision, immune function, and epithelial barriers – aka the outer layers of organs, like your skin.

Retinol is a key component in a plant-based skincare routine. But where does it come from? And how can you incorporate and maximize the benefits of using a plant-based retinol serum? Read on as we answer your burning questions.

Where does plant-based retinol come from?

 You may not realize it, but you likely consume retinol (or a similar nutrient) in your everyday diet.

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids are commonly found in plants like spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, peaches, mangoes and sweet potatoes. Incorporating leafy green veggies and yellow-orange fruits like these into your diet supports your skin health from the inside out. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which supports skin cell production and turn over – and offers numerous benefits to the rest of your body, too!

What about topical retinol used in skincare?

Most retinol in skincare formulas has been produced synthetically in a lab to ensure quality and stability. However, this isn’t the only way to include vitamin A in your skincare routine; there are several botanical oils that offer the same benefits via plant-power:

 • Carrot seed oil is full of beta-carotene, vitamin A and other antioxidants that help with cellular regeneration.

 • Sea buckthorn oil is high in carotenes and antioxidants like vitamins E and C that calm and fortify the skin barrier. It’s a key component of our tinted mineral sunscreen! 

Many products include synthetic retinol – to ensure potency and effectiveness – alongside plant-based ingredients with enhancing or complementary effects, such as an antioxidant-rich plant extract or soothing aloe leaf juice.

Achieving radiant skin with plant-based retinol

No matter your skincare goals, retinol is an important ingredient to help you achieve your dream complexion. Its tiny molecules can penetrate to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, to energize collagen and elastin production. 

Retinol’s microscopic power delivers numerous benefits. For example, it exfoliates the skin, speeding up cell turnover. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet, slowing down aging to give you youthful, rejuvenated skin.    

Plant-based retinol is also a helpful tool in your acne-fighting arsenal. It helps prevent clogged pores by removing dirt and oil, preventing you from developing painful pimples. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce swelling from breakouts, helping prevent acne scars. It’s important to know that your skin may look worse when you first start using retinol, especially if acne is your top concern – but after a few months, you’ll see the glowing results.

Ready to incorporate a plant-based retinol into your beauty routine? Follow these tips to make the most of your new favorite product:

With ästhetik skincare's plant-based retinol in your routine, you’re sure to achieve clear, radiant skin!