Fall/winter is the season for skin-renewing treatments and active ingredients. Now is the time when we particularly like to incorporate active ingredients such as vitamin A into our skincare routine. DR. EMI ARPA SKIN Absolute A and Absolute A+ Retinal Serums contain this well-aging vitamin with pore-clearing effects in a highly effective encapsulation for beginners (Absolute A) and advanced users (Absolute A+).

In addition to the evidence-based retinal concentrations, both serums contain 5 peptides that can stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, improving skin texture and reducing fine lines. The peptides also have a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. 10% prebiotics and postbiotics soothe and strengthen the skin together with important skin-specific lipids such as ceramides and cholesterol. The enzymes also increase the bioavailability and biocompatibility of the formulation. To prevent possible irritation, allantoin and ectoine have also been formulated to achieve optimal skin resistance.

DR. EMI ARPA SKIN has also incorporated 10% prebiotics and postbiotics into the formulations of the Absolute A and Absolute A+ Retinal Serums. These prebiotics and postbiotics can reduce inflammatory reactions, soothe the skin after irritation, and provide antioxidant protection. More specifically, the prebiotics alpha-glucan oligosaccharides and inulin work together to support the skin’s commensal microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier by inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria on the skin. Postbiotics are also known as ferments. Absolute A and Absolute A+ Retinal Serums contain the postbiotic Bifida Ferment Lysate, which improves visible skin redness and strengthens the skin barrier by increasing protein production. Lactococcus Ferment Lysate improves the function of the skin barrier, optimizes skin hydration, and regulates the skin’s pH level.

In addition, the Absolute A and Absolute A+ Retinal Serums contain a 5-peptide complex. Peptides are becoming increasingly important as active ingredients in the field of “well-aging.” The peptides palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 contained in DR. EMI ARPA SKIN Retinal Serums together form the Matrixyl™3000 peptide complex, which can help reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and increase skin thickness. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a moisturizing effect. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 has been shown to be effective in reducing eye wrinkles in several studies. Copper Tripeptide-1 is one of the most extensively researched peptides and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It promotes the synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, thereby improving skin texture.

Ceramides are an essential component of a healthy skin barrier. They play a crucial role in the skin’s ability to retain moisture and prevent excessive transepidermal water loss. They strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, soothe the skin, and improve skin texture for a smooth complexion. The same is true of the long-lasting moisturizer 1% ectoine, which also has anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, nourishing, and protective effects.

The antioxidant tocopherol, also known as vitamin E, has a preventive effect against various forms of oxidative stress and inhibits melanogenesis—the biochemical process of melanin synthesis. Melanogenesis is stimulated by sunlight or UV light.

Both DR. EMI ARPA SKIN Retinal Serums contain encapsulated retinal, which can reduce signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, promote skin elasticity, help improve skin texture, and increase epidermal thickness. In addition, retinal also has the ability to unclog pores and reduce bacteria that can cause acne.

The significant difference between Absolute A Retinal Serum (0.05%) and Absolute A+ Retinal Serum (0.1%) lies in the concentration of retinal. With a higher concentration of 0.1% retinal, Absolute A+ Retinal Serum can improve hyperpigmentation, meaning it reduces age spots and pigmentation.

For those new to retinal and those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa recommends starting with the lower concentration Absolute A Retinal Serum and using it less frequently, for example 1-2 times per week. Initially, effects such as dry skin, flaking, or irritation such as mild/sporadic itching and redness may be normal. These are usually not signs of intolerance, but rather the effect of a highly potent active ingredient to which the skin must slowly become accustomed. Those who tolerate the respective concentration well can slowly reduce the application intervals and/or, after using up Absolute A, increase the concentration to 0.1% by switching to Absolute A+ Retinal Serum. As a further option, Absolute A + can also be used alternately after several weeks of using Absolute A.