Fall/Winter is the season for skin-renewing treatments and active ingredients. This is when we especially 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 properties in a highly effective encapsulated form for beginners (Absolute A) and advanced users (Absolute A+).

In addition to the evidence-based retinal concentrations, both serums contain five peptides that can stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, thereby improving skin texture and reducing fine lines. The peptides also provide powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. 10% pre- and postbiotics soothe and strengthen the skin, working in tandem with important skin-native lipids such as ceramides and cholesterol. Furthermore, the enzymes enhance the formulation’s bioavailability and biocompatibility. To prevent potential irritation, allantoin and ectoine were also incorporated into the formulation to achieve optimal skin resilience.

DR. EMI ARPA SKIN has also incorporated 10% prebiotics and postbiotics into the formulations of Absolute A and Absolute A+ Retinal Serum. 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 flora 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 reduces visible skin redness and strengthens the skin barrier by increasing protein production. Lactococcus Ferment Lysate improves skin barrier function, 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 lead to a reduction in fine lines, an improvement in skin texture, and an increase in skin thickness. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a moisturizing effect. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 has been shown in several studies to be effective in reducing fine lines around the eyes. Copper Tripeptide-1 is one of the most extensively studied peptides and possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 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. Absolute A+ Retinal Serum, which has a higher concentration of 0.1% retinal, can help improve hyperpigmentation, meaning it reduces age spots and pigmentation spots.

For those new to retinal and those with sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea, 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—including mild or sporadic itching and redness—may be normal. These are usually not signs of intolerance but rather the result of a highly potent active ingredient to which the skin must slowly adjust. Those who tolerate the respective concentration well can gradually reduce the application frequency and/or, after finishing the Absolute A, increase the concentration to 0.1% by switching to the Absolute A+ Retinal Serum. As another option, after using Absolute A for several weeks, Absolute A+ can be used alternately with it.