How blue retinol differs from regular retinol – and why it’s best to use in the summer

Retinol is a cosmetic ingredient you either love or hate. Some, when trying retinol, are not ready to put up with its unpleasant side effects – dryness, irritation and redness of the skin. But if you give this ingredient time and enhance care with moisturizers and emollients, you begin to see the true value of retinol cosmetics.

Retinol refers to aggressive components that can only be used in the evening, not to mention the mandatory sunscreen during the day. And in the summer, many experts recommend completely abandoning retinol – so as not to cause irritation and hyperpigmentation with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Blue retinol refers to so-called pro-retinols – natural alternatives to classic retinol. It is also sometimes called lanablue, named after the blue-green algae from which this extract is extracted. These algae grow only in one place in the world – in the American mountain lake Klamath.

The chemical composition of lanable is very similar to that of retinol. It is rich in vitamin A, but at the same time it is supplemented with amino acids, antioxidants, lipids and B vitamins, thanks to which it acts more gently on the skin.

The main advantage of retinol blue is the absence of a negative reaction to its use. After that, dryness and peeling do not appear, and some products with lanablu can be used even during the day. At the same time, blue retinol, although less rapid and pronounced, also improves the skin – it helps reduce wrinkles, shrink pores and renew the epidermis.

Blue retinol cosmetics are less popular than products with the classic ingredient – because we all want to get a quick and maximum effect. However, retinol blue is great for beginners or for the summer. Especially if you live in the south or go on vacation.

Read also: Active sun season: 10 skin protection products – with different textures and SPF factors