Retinoids boost collagen production, increase epidermis and stratum corneum thickness, reduce skin pigmentation, stimulate fibroblast growth, and lower lipids.

“And these retinoids have been shown for many years to boost the production of collagen. That's clear. They also do other things. They increase the growth of the epidermis and the stratum corneum, which are important parts of the skin, make it thicker. They also can actually lower skin pigmentation by about 60%. A lot of people want to have even colored skin. They make fibroblasts grow, basically stimulating cell growth, which is really important. They lower the lipid. So that's why it's often used as a defense against acne.”