
When Retinoids Visit the Skin
By Nat Habit
Day of Synthetic Retinol
(Lab-made, highly active, and ready to rewrite everything)
Keratinocyte (skin cell, surprised):
âWaitâwho is this? Sheâs strong, no buffering, straight to my DNA?â âSheâs flipping my collagen genes on and pushing me to divide faster. Iâm exfoliating from the inside out!â
Corneocyte (surface skin tile, overwhelmed):
âI'm not ready yet! I just got here and now Iâm flaking off?â âNo time to mature. No lipids formed. No barrier built.â âThis is shedding, not renewal!â
Langerhans Cell (immune guard, stressed):
âThis molecule is known for triggering inflammation. Barrier's thinning. Redness rising. Should I send in cytokines?â
Microbiome (fading):
âUgh⊠itâs dry, acidic, stripped. Weâre losing friendly species. This isnât exfoliationâitâs eviction.â
Fibroblast (collagen maker, cautiously working):
âShe tells me to build more collagenâbut if inflammation stays high, Iâll have to pause and just protect whatâs left.â
Melanocyte (on alert):
âIf redness or irritation escalates, Iâm going to have to step in with melanin to shield the area.â âDonât be surprised if post-inflammatory pigmentation shows up.â
Skinâs Whisper:
âRetinol is powerfulâbut power without protection causes panic. I glow⊠but I ache.â
Day of Natural Vitamin A
(Bakuchiol, Carrot Seed Oil, Rosehipâgentle nudgers, not pushers)

Keratinocyte (calm and curious):
âAh, here comes Bakuchiol. Sheâs like Retinolâs softer twin.â âShe doesnât barge in. She suggestsââHey, maybe make more collagen?ââ âNo stinging, no peeling, just gradual renewal.â
Corneocyte (peaceful):
âIâm allowed to mature! I formed my lipids, sealed the barrier, and now Iâm ready to shedâgracefully.â âThis is what healthy turnover feels like.â
Langerhans Cell (relaxed):
âNothing alarming here. Antioxidants, calming phytonutrients, and no red flags. This isnât warâitâs wellness.â
Microbiome (thriving):
âOh yes! Rosehip oil? Carrot seed? These are our favourite dishes. Weâre balanced, well-fed, and multiplying beautifully.â
Fibroblast (gently encouraged):
âIâm receiving a soft but steady nudge to build collagen. No stress signals, just growth mode.â
Melanocyte (content):
âNo inflammation, no need for extra melanin. Skin tone stays even, protected from pigment rebound.â
Skinâs Smile:
âShe may be slowerâbut sheâs kind. Natural vitamin A gives me time, nourishment, and lasting radiance.â
Skinâs Final Thought:
âRetinol pushes. Bakuchiol persuades.
One demands glow. The other nurtures it.â
âSupport me, buffer me, and Iâll shine either wayâbut if you want beauty with peace, go gentle.â
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