Retinol palmitate for facial skin, reviews from cosmetologists

Vitamin A, or retinol, has been known to many since childhood, because almost everyone had to drink fish oil. This substance is extremely beneficial for the human body. Vitamin A also has a positive effect on the skin. It helps eliminate acne, wrinkles, and increases the firmness and elasticity of the dermis. Despite all the benefits of retinol, doctors warn that cosmetic products containing it should be used with caution.

What is the difference between retinol acetate and palmitate

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance that is formed by the human body itself from beta-carotene. In addition, people get it additionally from food. Vitamin A obtained from plant foods is called carotenoids, and from animal foods - retionoids.

Expert opinion

Tatyana Somoilova

Cosmetology expert

The human body needs a constant supply of vitamin A, since it is actively involved in the formation of proteins, cells and their regeneration, and is needed for the formation of dental and bone tissue. Retinol is necessary to maintain immunity, good condition of mucous membranes and skin.

Without vitamin A, the organs of vision and the brain cannot function. The deficiency leads to the development of disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and problems with spermatogenesis.

In the modern world, an increasing number of people prefer to take additional vitamin complexes. Many people are familiar with such products as retinol acetate and palmitate . They can be present in vitamin complexes, and also sold separately as an oil solution.

But not everyone pays attention to whether there is a difference between these species. Often the second name is in parentheses, so it seems that the drug contains the same thing.

The main difference is this:

• Retinol acetate is a salt of acetic acid. This substance is not produced in the human body in any way. It turns out that it is foreign to the body.
• But retinol palmitate is a saturated acid, which, upon breakdown, enters the body and is transformed into unsaturated acids. They are very beneficial for the body. This type of vitamin A is more natural and physiological for humans. Therefore, it is preferable to choose it.

We recommend reading about ferul peeling. From it you will learn about the composition of ferul peeling, how the acid acts on the skin, how to use it at home, and also which one is worth buying. And here is more information about the cream with retinol.

Benefits of Vitamin A

Retinol has a low molecular weight, so it can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. Vitamin A has the following beneficial qualities:

• It is a natural, natural antioxidant. Thanks to vitamin A, the protective functions of the skin and its resistance to external negative factors increase. It strengthens her immunity. In addition, retinol protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
• It removes waste and toxins.
• Retinol relieves inflammatory processes in the skin.
• Thanks to vitamin A in the epidermis, it improves blood circulation, nutrition and oxygen supply.
• It helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the manifestations of rosacea, as well as preventing its occurrence.
• Retinol peels are used to treat acne in teenagers. It helps fight comedones and subcutaneous acne. In addition, it normalizes the secretion of sebum, resulting in less clogged pores.
• Retinol peeling cleanses the upper layer of the dermis, which stimulates cell renewal. At the same time, they are formed with a normal amount of collagen and elastin.
• Retinol rejuvenates the epidermis. It literally works as a filler to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it stimulates the production of its own collagen and hyaluronic acid due to the fact that it stimulates the synthesis of fibroplasts.
• Regular use of retinol-based products helps prevent the development of skin cancer due to its antioxidant properties.
• It lightens age spots and improves overall complexion.
• It also has wound healing properties. Therefore, it is used to treat burns, abrasions, wounds, peeling, itching, inflammation and cracks.

The effect of retinol on facial skin

Vitamin A actually comes in four varieties. It can be found in the form:

• true retinol;
• esters, just those same acetate and palmitate;
• retinaldehyde;
• retinoic acid.

The most effective is the fourth. Only the influence of retinoic acid can really change the condition of cells. And other substances can work only after being converted into it. Products containing acid are available only by prescription, as they have a powerful irritating effect.

Conventional anti-aging creams and serums contain more distant forms of vitamin A. Therefore, it is important to consider in what form it is present in the product. The more transformations to retinoic acid are required, the less effective it is. Thus acetate and palmitate, which require threefold conversion, will be the most useless. They must be transformed into true retinol, then into retinaldehyde, and only then into retinoic acid.

The fact is that after all the changes, the amount of useful substance is very small to produce a real effect. In addition, the connections are unstable and quickly break down.

For the effect of using the product to be truly noticeable, the concentration of vitamin A must be significant - at least 1% retinol or 0.0025% retinoic acid.

If the cream contains esters, then their concentration should be even higher. The optimal dose may be 0.4% retinol.

Instructions for use

Dosage form

Dragees, drops for oral administration, drops for oral administration, capsules, solution for intramuscular administration, solution for oral administration, solution for oral and external use, coated tablets

pharmachologic effect

Retinol is an essential component for the normal function of the retina: it binds with opsin (the red pigment of the retina), forming visual purple rhodopsin, necessary for visual adaptation in the dark. Vitamin A is necessary for bone growth, normal reproductive function, embryonic development, for the regulation of division and differentiation of the epithelium (increases the reproduction of epithelial skin cells, rejuvenates the cell population, inhibits keratinization processes). Vitamin A takes part as a cofactor in various biochemical processes.

Indications

Hypo- and avitaminosis A, as well as conditions of increased need of the body for vitamin A: gastrectomy, diarrhea, steatorrhea, celiac disease, sprue, Crohn's disease, malabsorption syndrome, cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, infectious (including chronic) and “colds” diseases, poor and unbalanced nutrition (including parenteral nutrition), rapid weight loss, nicotine addiction, drug addiction, alcoholism, prolonged stress, taking cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oils and neomycin, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy (including multiple pregnancies) ), lactation period; hemeralopia, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia.

Currently, retinol is not recommended for the treatment of dry skin, wrinkles, eye diseases, and infections not associated with vitamin A deficiency.

The effectiveness of vitamin A in the treatment of kidney stones, hyperthyroidism, anemia, degenerative changes in the nervous system, sunburn, lung diseases, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and psoriasis has not been proven.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, hypervitaminosis AC caution. Alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, renal failure, pregnancy (especially the first trimester), lactation period, old age, childhood.

Application and dosage

Taken orally for preventive and therapeutic purposes (10-15 minutes after meals), if necessary (severe course, malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract) - intramuscularly (in the form of oil solutions). Solutions for injection are warmed to body temperature before administration. In cases requiring long-term treatment (diseases of the skin, eyes), courses of intramuscular injections can be alternated with oral administration.

Inside, intramuscularly. For mild and moderate avitaminosis in adults – 33 thousand IU/day; for hemeralopia, xerophthalmia – 50-100 thousand IU/day; children – 1-5 thousand IU/day, depending on age; for skin diseases in adults – 50-100 thousand IU/day; children – 5-20 thousand IU/day.

special instructions

To avoid the development of hypervitaminosis A, do not exceed recommended doses.

Treatment of acne requires high doses of vitamin A, which increases the risk of toxic complications, therefore, for this nosology, local forms of vitamin A (including tretinoin or isotretinoin) are most preferable.

The daily requirement for vitamin A for an adult is 5 thousand IU (1.5 mg); for pregnant women – 6.6 thousand IU (2 mg); for nursing women – 8.25 thousand IU (2.5 mg); children under 1 year – 1.65 thousand IU (0.5 mg); 1-6 years – 3.3 thousand IU (1 mg); 7-14 years – 5 thousand IU (1.5 mg). In the Far North, doses for pregnant and lactating women and children are increased by 50%.

Interaction

Weakens the effect of Ca2+ drugs, increases the risk of developing hypercalcemia.

Cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oils, neomycin reduce the absorption of vitamin A (the dose may need to be increased).

Oral contraceptives increase plasma concentrations of vitamin A.

Isotretinoin increases the risk of toxic effects.

The simultaneous use of tetracycline and vitamin A in high doses (50 thousand/IU and above) increases the risk of developing intracranial hypertension.

Vitamin E reduces the toxicity, absorption, hepatic storage and utilization of vitamin A; high doses of vitamin E can reduce vitamin A stores in the body.

Contraindications for use and precautions

However, doctors warn that vitamin A is not as harmless as it seems at first glance. You need to start using it with small dosages and take a break so that the skin can get used to it. It has quite a strong effect on her. Therefore, 1 to 2 days should pass between applications of retinol cream.

If there is an excess, an allergy may begin. Possible rashes, peeling, itching and irritation.

Obvious contraindications are:

• Early pregnancy. It is better to get the vitamin from fruits and vegetables, rather than synthetic capsules.
• Do not use on open wounds.
• Do not use to treat severe purulent inflammations.

Vitamin A increases sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, you should always use SPF 30 or higher.

In addition, it is important to note that recently doctors and dermatologists have become concerned about the effects of synthetic vitamins in creams and other care products. The fact is that they do not contain additional substances that have a positive effect on the skin and help the absorption of retinol. Often, creams may contain not only beneficial substance molecules, but also harmful ones. And separating one from the other is too expensive.

So before using this or that product, it is important to conduct an allergy test. It is also advisable to find out about this product, read reviews to see if there were any other unpleasant side effects.

In case of an overdose of vitamin A, the following symptoms can be observed:

• dry skin, especially sensitive areas, such as the corners of the lips;
• severe itching and peeling;
• constant bleeding from the nose;
• aches in bones, muscles and joints;
• nausea, vomiting;
• dizziness, fatigue, mood swings;
• increased sweating;
• decreased appetite;
• slight increase in body temperature.

Side effects

According to the instructions for Retinol Palmitate, in patients with excessive sensitivity to the components of the medication, it can provoke allergic reactions.

Sometimes, with prolonged use, jams and excessive dryness of the mucous membranes and skin appear. According to reviews of Retinol Palmitate, some patients also noticed increased skin sensitivity, which manifested itself even with minor touches. Typically, these signs do not cause significant discomfort and go away on their own with a lower dosage or temporary withdrawal from the drug.

In case of too long consumption of the vitamin by adults in an amount of more than 200,000 IU, and by children - 100,000 IU, hypervitaminosis or intoxication of the entire body is likely to occur. The symptoms of this phenomenon are as follows:

• gagging;
• painful sensations in joints and bones;
• nausea;
• migraine;
• lack of coordination;
• lethargy, loss of strength;
• drowsiness;
• facial hyperemia.

When treating acne, after a week there is likely to be an exacerbation of local inflammation, which in the future will stop on its own. This condition does not require additional treatment.

How to use at home, the best recipes

Vitamin A products should be used only as directed. While applying the product, you should do a light massage, moving along special lines. It is important not to stretch the skin. Apply products only to a washed and dried face and neck. It is important that a retinol cream has greater UV protection. The first time you use a product with vitamin A, there should be no serious measures, as the skin may react differently.

You cannot simultaneously use peelings, scrubs, waxing, or alcohol-based products that dry out the dermis. It is important not to overdo it with the amount; a pea-sized amount of cream is enough. It is better to use a product with retinol before bed, as its work will be several times more effective at night.

In addition, today there are several options for producing vitamin A. To ensure that the compounds remain intact, the packaging is usually dark in color. Most often it is found in a fatty and oily substance.

Liquid retinol

This product has one of the highest concentrations of retinol. It is easy to use at home. It is quickly absorbed and absorbed by the skin, and there are no traces left afterwards. It can be added to creams, lotions and other care products.

Popular products with retinol

Serum

This product is produced. It contains retinaldehyde in a stabilized form. When applied to the skin, the compounds do not disintegrate, but completely penetrate into the deep layers, where they are transformed into retinoic acid.

Oil

This is the most common form of release. Most often these are retinol acetate and palmitate. The substance is in a dark bottle. But this option is also suitable for young skin, as long as there are no serious problems. However, it is not drying, so it is not always suitable for those with oily skin types. In addition, it may be contained in capsules or tablets.

Retinol is often combined with other nutrients. Can be used for external and internal use, to make masks and scrubs:

• From dryness. White clay, an oil solution of vitamin A and apricot kernel oil are mixed in a container. Finally, pour in warm milk. Keep on face for 10 - 15 minutes.
• For rejuvenation. Melt honey in a water bath. Add burdock and olive oils, a couple of drops of retinol solution. Apply the mixture to your face for half an hour.
• In a bowl, mix clay, egg white, lemon juice and vitamin A oil solution. Mix the mixture thoroughly. The mask should dry on your face.

Watch the video about retinol:

Lotion

You can easily prepare the following products with vitamin A:

• Anti-inflammatory with nettle and plantain . The herbs need to be boiled and liquid retinol added to the infusion. Apply the product to the skin morning and evening.
• From dryness . Brew melon pulp with rosehip decoction. Leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Add vitamin A to the cooled mixture. Apply to face at night.
• For rejuvenation . Brew kelp with hot water, then filter the liquid. Add cucumber juice, almond oil, and a drop of vitamin A to it. Shake well before use.
• For acne . For lotion, decoctions of chamomile, sage or calendula are suitable. You need to add a couple of drops of retinol to the infusion. Wipe problem areas with the mixture several times a day.

Cosmetic products with retinol

Today, cosmetics with a rejuvenating and restorative effect, which include retinol, are produced by various companies.

These include some American companies with lines of creams for night and day use; you can also find retinol ointment, retinol serum, and entire skin care complexes.

Cosmetics with vitamins A and C are necessarily included in the range of well-known brands such as Vichy or Garnier.

There are products for caring for the area around the eyes with this component.

Such popular Scandinavian brands as Lumene and Oriflame produce restorative products that also contain retinol.

Cosmetics for hand skin care also often contain this substance. Such creams protect the skin from early aging, strengthen nails and prevent their splitting.

In addition, retinol can help heal microcracks and improve the overall appearance of the surface of the skin on your hands.

After a short search, you are sure to find a number of restorative masks for hands and nails that contain retinol.

Medicines from the pharmacy

At the initial stage, while the skin is still young and does not show serious signs of aging, it is quite possible to use products from the pharmacy. These include:

• Vitamin complex AEVit . It consists of gelatin capsules with an oil solution. They can be drunk or used for cosmetic purposes.
• Recedil ointment . It should be used to treat psoriasis, eczema, acne and their marks. It perfectly accelerates tissue healing.
• Retinoic ointment . It can be used for rejuvenation or acne treatment.
• Ointment Radevit . This product perfectly moisturizes, so it can be used as a night cream.
• Oily solution of retinol acetate or palmitate . It can be used internally, dripped into creams, masks, and compresses.

Products from the pharmacy can often have no less significant effect on the skin than expensive professional products.