Retinol is vitamin A. It was discovered in 1913. It is a fat-soluble substance and therefore accumulates in the body. In uncontrolled doses it causes toxic reactions and overdose. Participates in more than 30 biological processes: from sperm maturation to regulation of skin renewal processes. Neither man nor animal can live and develop without this substance. A deficiency or excess of the vitamin threatens a huge number of pathologies. Retinol is called a hormone-like substance because it acts on human cell receptors. Of course, in its pure form it is not capable of this. To act on cells, Vitamin A must enter the body and be converted into its active form - retinoic acid.
Retinol in cosmetics
Vitamin A has an unstable compound that oxidizes in air and loses its functionality. Therefore, using it in cosmetics is problematic. Manufacturers are trying in different ways to preserve the beneficial properties of the substance and make it more stable:
- embedded in microcapsules;
- connect with additional molecules.
One of the most popular forms of retinol used in cosmetics is retinol palmitate. The substance is not capricious, but not very active either. To work on the skin, it must be converted into vitamin A, then into retinoic acid.
There is a noticeable pattern: the more stabilizing molecules are added to vitamin A, the better it is preserved in air, in cream, but at the same time it becomes less active. Pharmacology does not stand still. Recently, a new hybrid of the molecule was developed that behaves more stably and does not lose much activity. It's called retinyl retinoate. The substance is actively used in cosmetics.
In addition to vitamin A and its derivatives, there are preparations with retinoic acid. The active form of retinol acts directly on cells. Retinoic acid is a pharmaceutical substance. Unlike retinol, which is used in anti-aging cosmetics, acid is used to treat diseases. Often found in medications designed to relieve acne. Diferin, Retinoic ointment and other similar products are medicinal drugs and should not be used for skin rejuvenation.
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Preparations for the treatment of pigmentation:
- InstaNatural, Anti-aging & skin brightening serum. Herbal composition without artificial additives. Eliminates pigment spots, fights age-related changes.
- Yeouth Retinol 2.5% Retinol Serum accelerates collagen production and cell renewal process.
- The ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Ordinary) is an anti-aging solution with regenerating and whitening properties.
- MyChelle Dermaceuticals. This drug is widely used against pigmentation.
Retinol for facial skin
The stratum corneum of the epidermis becomes thinner over time, and the number of fatty layers increases. Retinol enhances the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Due to biological processes, the skin becomes fresher, more hydrated, smoother, and fine wrinkles disappear.
It is recommended for people to use retinol:
- over 30–35 years old;
- with photodamage to tissues.
The symptom complex of early aging is manifested by thinning tissues, a large number of wrinkles and pigmentation disorders.
Recommendations for use
The effectiveness of using liquid vitamin E depends on following these recommendations:
- storing the product at low temperatures;
- use of the product for a limited period of time, which helps prevent swelling;
- remove the remnants of the mask with a napkin at least 2 hours before bedtime;
- applying the product in short courses;
- preliminary testing for allergic reactions;
- the use of liquid vitamin A after 35 years due to the activity of its components;
- refusal to include acids in masks;
- limiting exposure to direct sunlight on the skin.
Attention! It is recommended to combine liquid vitamin A with less aggressive components.
Rules for using retinol
Most retinol molecules are unstable in the sun. For this reason, the substances are used in the evening. Fat-soluble vitamins can be accumulated by the body, so preparations with retinol are used in a course. The duration of treatment is usually from one to three months, repeated every other year.
- Can be applied to the area around the eyes.
- They have an irritating effect, the higher the activity and concentration, the stronger the side effects.
- The skin gets used to vitamin A.
- Begin therapy with mild forms with a lower concentration of the active form.
- When using strong drugs, there is a possibility of side effects: allergies, irritations.
The use of external medications should not be combined with internal ones. To avoid an overdose, it is not recommended to drink even fish oil.
Amount of vitamin A per 100 g of product
Release forms
Few people know in what form this vitamin is produced.
Vitamin A in capsules for facial skin
The vitamin is produced in three different forms:
- Oil solution. It is not particularly suitable for facial skin; it is inconvenient to use retinol in this form.
- Capsules. To use as a facial treatment, the capsules must be pierced to extract the liquid. However, the capsules can also be taken orally.
- Ampoules. Introduced to strengthen the entire body and facial skin. Can be used both for intramuscular and external use. To do this, the ampoule is opened to extract liquid, which is then applied to the face.
Oil solution
Capsules
Ampoules
Important! For facial care, the optimal form is capsules and ampoules. The liquid extracted from them is applied to the face, it can be mixed with various berries and fruits to prepare a mask, enhancing the effect of rejuvenation and healing of the skin.
Usually there are 10, 20 capsules or ampoules in one package. They come in a transparent, yellowish tint. Quite small in size.
Where can I buy
Retinol is extremely affordable for buyers. It can be easily found at the pharmacy. Some supermarkets also stock vitamins. Finding this vitamin will not be a problem.
If you go to a pharmacy, a specialist will advise this substance in the optimal form. Some people prefer capsules, while others will need ampoules to treat their skin.
Scheme for using retinol creams for beginners
Retinol cream is applied in the evening to dry, cleansed skin. The procedure is carried out 20–30 minutes after washing:
- the first two weeks - once;
- the third and fourth - twice each;
- fifth week - three times.
Further on the feelings. If there are no side effects, the number of applications is increased to every night. Sometimes at the adaptation stage, after retinol, dryness and tightness of the tissues are felt. In this case, after 15 minutes you can apply moisturizer, but it is not advisable.
How to apply serums correctly?
To experience the maximum effect from using the serum, you must use it correctly. There are several general rules that help improve results:
- The formula “more is better” does not apply here. To obtain a pronounced effect, 1 – 2 drops of cosmetic products are enough. Otherwise, irritation may occur, redness, and increased sensitivity may appear;
- It must be applied to a previously cleansed face. It's not enough to just wash your face. Cleansing foams and mousses should be used. Next, it is advisable to apply a toner to restore balance;
- Do not immediately apply the cream. It will take at least a few minutes for the serum to be absorbed. Some take up to half an hour;
- Be sure to “seal” the serum with cream. Can be used nightly, daytime, moisturizing or nourishing. If you don't do this, your skin may feel tight and dry. The cream will improve the protective barrier, provide better hydration and nutrition;
- Depending on the type of cosmetic product, it can be applied 1 – 2 times a day. Most often it is recommended to use it continuously for a couple of months, after which you need to take a break. The older a woman gets, the longer the course of use will be. Some products can be applied for 3 to 4 months.
How to store vitamin A cream
Retinol must be stored correctly. The bottle with the substance should be kept in a dark, cool room. A refrigerator is suitable for this purpose. Once the package is opened, retinol in its pure form evaporates within two to three months. To increase shelf life, containers are of great importance. It is not recommended to store retinol in a jar. Give preference to products in a vacuum dispenser. In such bottles, contact with oxygen is minimal. The chances increase that beneficial substances will remain active longer.
Advantages and disadvantages
Reviews of “Retinol Palmitate” for acne and age-related changes show that the product copes with its tasks perfectly and satisfies the needs of girls. The main advantages of the substance include:
- High efficiency.
- Multifunctionality.
- Interaction with other substances.
- Absorption rate.
- Availability of various methods of application.
- No side effects when used externally.
- Availability.
- Budget cost.
Among the girl's shortcomings are:
- Recommended use only in the evening.
- Presence of contraindications.
- Opportunity to purchase a low-quality drug.
Despite the presence of several negative points, “Retinol Palmitate” for the face (according to reviews from consumers and cosmetologists) is used quite often both in beauty salons and at home.
Creams with retinol: ranking of the best
The list of the best creams includes 16 products that, according to user reviews, deserve special attention:
- Redermic R Anti-Aging (La Roche-Posay)
- Liftactiv Advanced Filler (Vichy)
- Anti–Age Ystheal + (Avene)
- Retino–A Tretinoin
- Christina Retinol E Active Cream
- Librederm Aevit nutritional
- Holy Land Alpha–Beta Restoring Cream
- Retinol Real White Cream
- SesDerma Retises 0.25%
- CAVIALE Vitamin A
- Sefite anti-aging
- L'OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT NIGHT CREAM
- Natura Siberica Anti-Age
- Milky Piggy Egf Elastic (Elizavecca)
- Bielita Vitex Retinol+Mg
- Tolk Retinol (Spring)
Vitamin A supplements are really effective. The usefulness is confirmed by various clinical trials and time.
For day and night care
These preparations are suitable for all skin types. The dosage and frequency of use depend on the concentration of vitamin A.
Pure Body Naturals, Retinol Moisturizer, Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream, 1.7 fl. oz. (50 ml)
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- Bielenda Neuro Retinol, Neuropeptide rejuvenating serum. Suitable for both facial skin and the area around the eyes.
- Pure Body Naturals, Retinol Moisturizer. The drug is suitable even for sensitive skin. Improves the condition of the dermis, normalizes metabolic processes.
- Vitamin Serum. Nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
- Life-flo, Retinol A 1%, Advanced Revitalization Oil. The product fights signs of aging, improves, and saturates the dermis with nutrients.
It is recommended to combine serums with retinol creams from the same company.
Reviews
Due to the presence of many beneficial properties and a number of benefits, this vitamin is very popular. Reviews of Retinol Palmitate for skin show that it can be applied to both the face and the whole body. The product perfectly softens, smoothes and nourishes cells. With regular use, the amount of acne and inflammation is significantly reduced, and expression lines and age wrinkles become less noticeable.
Cosmetologists in reviews of “Retinol Palmitate” for facial skin recommend applying sunscreen if you use the product as part of a peeling cream. This will help avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and the formation of age spots. They also claim that the most effective way is to apply the pure substance to cleansed skin before bed.
