Retinoic acid has proven to be an extremely effective prescription medication, although in many cases the patient experiences mild to extreme redness and irritation. Because of the often difficult acclimation period and sometimes persistent continuing irritation, scientists have diligently searched for other Retinoids that would have equal or greater value without the potential side effects.

The most well known Retinoic acid compound is Retin-A^TM which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne and later approved for the treatment of age-related skin changes due to cumulative photodamage.

Recently numerous university medical and research facilities have reported that Retinol (all-trans-retinol/ROL) has similar activity and efficacy of retinoic acid without the majority of the side effects associated with products such as Retin-A^TM.

Medical research has proven that some Retinoids such as Retinol can reduce or reverse many of the visible signs of skin aging especially fine wrinkling and textural changes. New collagen deposition, greater proliferation of new blood vessels and capillary formation has been documented. Dramatic improvement can be observed with regard to skin smoothness, evening of skin tones and overall skin rejuvenation. Retinol also plays a prominent role in conditioning the skin prior to many cosmetic procedures such as facial surgery, CO2 laser resurfacing and chemical peels.

Retinol has proven to be a potent tool in treating acne by preventing the cells that line the follicular canal from sticking together and creating the solid impactions that block the follicle. This comedolytic action is unequalled in addressing the underlying mechanisms that contribute to acne.

Additionally when this new Retinol technology is formulated in combination with glycolic acid there is synergistic resurfacing enhancement.