The Skin Science Blog

Welcome to the Maelove Skin Science Blog. Our research team, led by Dr. Sunbin Song (ex-NIH researcher, MIT PhD), is dedicated to skin health education grounded in science. This blog covers topics ranging from skincare basics to ingredient deep-dives.

Moonlight Customer reviews from September 2025
retinoids

Moonlight Customer reviews from September 2025

Maelove’s Moonlight Advanced Retinal Night Serum is widely praised for delivering visible improvements in skin tone, texture, and fine lines without the irritation common to...

Retinoid Showdown: Which One is the Best for Your Skin - Retinol, Retinal or Tretinoin
retinoids

Retinoid Showdown: Which One is the Best for Your Skin - Retinol, Retinal or Tretinoin

Part 3 of our Deep Guide to Retinoids. Today we grapple with the conundrum: Retinol, Retinal, or Tretinoin - which retinoid reigns supreme?Retinoids, though belonging...

Retinoids Revealed: Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Changes in Your Skin
retinoids science

Retinoids Revealed: Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Changes in Your Skin

  Today, we're going to show you many pictures and images, so that you can see (and not just read about) the fascinating molecular and cellular...

The Power of Retinoids: Understanding Their Role in Skincare and Their Benefits
retinoids science

The Power of Retinoids: Understanding Their Role in Skincare and Their Benefits

  Retinoids are part of the Vitamin A family. They're well-known for their incredible benefits to our skin, making them a powerful tool in fighting...

Can you use Vitamin C and Retinoids together?
retinoids vitamin c

Can you use Vitamin C and Retinoids together?

    Today we address the question, can I use Vitamin C and Retinoids together?The answer is yes you can use these ingredients together in...

What’s the difference between Retinol and Retinaldehyde (Retinal)? And which one should you use?
retinoids

What’s the difference between Retinol and Retinaldehyde (Retinal)? And which one should you use?

  Today we address the question, what’s the difference between retinol and retinal (which is short for retinaldehyde)? And which one should I use? The...

A (ridiculously) deep guide to how retinoids work (and why we think Retinaldehyde is the best retinoid for your skin)
retinoids science

A (ridiculously) deep guide to how retinoids work (and why we think Retinaldehyde is the best retinoid for your skin)

This writeup was lead-authored by our senior technical adviser, Sunbin Song, PhD. Sunbin graduated from MIT with a degree in Biology before receiving a doctorate...