Topical Retinol vs. Food-Based Retinol

article by Emily Collyer

Why Retinol Is Skincare Superstar

You've been religiously using retinol serum every night, but your skin still looks dull. Have you considered that the form of retinol goes beyond topical solutions...

Retinol has taken the skincare world by storm, popping up in everything from serums to creams. But while topical retinol is a star ingredient for youthful, radiant skin, the secret to long-lasting skin health might lie inside your body, not just on the surface. 

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is renowned for its ability to:

Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
Improve skin texture and tone
Reduce hyperpigmentation
Boost collagen production

These effects are why retinol serums have become a staple in many beauty routines. Applied topically, retinol penetrates the skin and activates retinoic acid receptors, encouraging cells to turn over faster and produce more collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and plump.

But while topical products can be effective, they aren’t the whole story. Skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s also about the nutrients your body has available to build and repair skin from within.

The Case for Skin Health from the Inside Out

While retinol serums are fantastic for targeting surface-level concerns, they work best when your body has enough nutrients to support skin repair from the inside. Think of it like gardening: a high-quality fertiliser (serum) can help flowers bloom, but without nutrient-rich soil (your body’s stores of vitamin A, zinc, copper, etc.), growth will be limited.

You should also consider:

Zinc: to regulate oil and reduce breakouts
Copper: to support collagen and elastin for firmness
Iron: to deliver oxygen to skin cells for a healthier glow.

Food First, Nutrient-Dense Skin Allies

Topical retinol: Improves skin appearance, stimulates collagen, and speeds up cell turnover.

Dietary retinol & nutrients: Support overall skin health, repair, and resilience from within.  

If you want to nourish your skin from within, beef organ meats like liver, kidney, heart, and spleen are nutritional powerhouses:

Liver: Extremely high in vitamin A (retinol), zinc, copper, and B-vitamins—perfect for skin repair and glow.
Kidney: Rich in vitamin A, iron, and zinc to support skin cell turnover and repair.
Heart: Contains moderate vitamin A plus CoQ10, which supports antioxidant defence and skin resilience.
Spleen: High in vitamin A and iron, contributing to immune support and healthy skin.

Incorporating organ meats into your diet (or using high-quality, freeze-dried organ supplements) provides your skin with the building blocks it needs to thrive, complementing your retinol serum routine.

Final Thought

Retinol serums have earned their place in skincare routines, but don’t forget the power of nutrition. Eating nutrient-dense foods like beef liver, kidney, heart, and spleen can give your skin what it truly needs to stay healthy, glowing, and resilient.

Glow from the inside out, and let your retinol serum do the finishing touch.