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Health

Retinol's anti-ageing effects may work by changing your skin microbes

Retinol, which is commonly added to anti-ageing skincare products, may improve hydration by interacting with bacteria on the skin

By Larissa Fedunik

18 July 2024

A retinol-based lotion was linked to lower levels of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteria

Science Photo Library/Alamy

The ingredient retinol, which is widely added to anti-ageing skincare products, may improve skin health through its effect on the skin microbiome.

When applied topically, retinol gets converted into a nutrient called retinoic acid. Lab studies suggest that retinoic acid prevents water loss and degradation of the protein collagen, which may reduce the physical signs of ageing.

Applying different types of skincare products has been linked to changes to the skin’s…

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