The Claim
Daily topical application of 0.3% retinol or 0.025% all-trans-retinoic acid for one year is associated with significant changes in the stratum corneum proteome of middle-aged women, including upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, translation initiation factors, and epidermal barrier proteins, and downregulation of glycan-degrading enzymes.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Daily use of 0.3% retinol or 0.025% all-trans-retinoic acid on the skin for one year is associated with increased levels of proteins involved in energy production, protein synthesis, and skin barrier formation, and decreased levels of proteins that break down sugar molecules in the outer skin layer.
See the scientific wording
Daily topical application of 0.3% retinol or 0.025% all-trans-retinoic acid for one year is associated with significant changes in the stratum corneum proteome of middle-aged women, including upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, translation initiation factors, and epidermal barrier proteins, and downregulation of glycan-degrading enzymes, suggesting a molecular signature consistent with enhanced cellular energy production, protein synthesis, and skin barrier remodeling.
When retinoids enter the skin, they activate genes that boost energy production, turn on protein-building machinery, and strengthen the skin's outer layer. This increases the skin's ability to repair itself and form a tighter, more resilient barrier over time.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that using retinol or retinoic acid cream for a year changes the skin’s proteins in ways that mean the skin cells are making more energy, building more proteins, and strengthening their protective barrier — just like the claim says.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.