The benefits of retinol for facial skin. Recipes for homemade masks and a review of pharmaceutical preparations. How to use Retinol for facial health

Retinol, another name for vitamin A, is useful not only for vision, as previously thought, but also for the skin. About it miraculous property Scientists discovered retinol quite recently.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin that is the greatest number found in animal products. Most retinol is found in liver and fish oil, which kids don’t like so much. Nowadays, retinol is no longer taken in spoonfuls of fat, but is taken in capsules, which are well tolerated even by children.

Retinol for skin was first used as a medicine. With the use of retinol, the skin became more healthy looking and the rash decreased significantly. After long-term use of retinol, scientists discovered that it slows down the aging process - the skin changes much more slowly. This fact was adopted by cosmetic companies, which began to use retinol almost everywhere. The most common forms are retinolic acid and retinol palmiate. There are especially many of them in anti-dandruff shampoos, masks and facial creams.

Retinol for the face is useful because, penetrating into the layers of the epidermis, it activates natural components such as collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the external. Thanks to this effect, the skin becomes firm and elastic.

In addition, retinol blocks the effects of metalloproteinases, which destroy collagen and elastin. Thus, thanks to retinol, wrinkles are smoothed out. In order to notice the effect of retinol, you must use it for three months.

Retinol is also essential for skin regeneration. If there are microcracks or burns on the skin, then retinol helps to activate the body’s defenses at the local level. Thanks to retinol applied at the wound site, the skin is less susceptible to decay processes.

Despite its benefits, retinol can also have adverse effects on the skin. In some people it can cause excessive dryness of the skin, flaking and irritation, but this is more due to individual intolerance. Such phenomena are removed very quickly by using a moisturizer.

An indirect side effect of using retinol is considered to be excessive sensitivity to sunlight. Young cells that have formed are more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation than old ones. Therefore, before you go sunbathing, you need to use sunscreen.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the use of the substance retinol in cosmetology. Of course, it is not only possible, but also necessary to use creams with retinol in reasonable quantities. To do this, before purchasing any cosmetic product, you need to carefully read the composition on the package and test it on your elbow. If there are no burns or signs of irritation left on the skin, then the product is suitable and can be used. Usually, in addition to retinol, perfumes also contain other components that improve its effect. Thus, many creams include tea tree extract, soy, and citrus extract. These creams not only have a beneficial effect on the skin, but also have nice smell.

Retinol for skin, unfortunately, cannot be long-acting. After six months, its effect noticeably weakens, so it is necessary to extend the use of retinol. In order to receive maximum effect from retinol, you need to know some features of its use:

1. retinol breaks down in light, so products containing retinol should be packaged in dark containers;
2. retinol does not tolerate foreign “neighborhood” - you should not use other means, and then retinol, there will be no benefit from this;
3. in some cases, the skin may worsen - use must be continued, increasing the concentration daily;
4. It is best to use creams with retinol at night.

Using these simple tips You can significantly improve the condition of your skin with retinol.

Vitamin A has strong anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, retinol for facial skin can accelerate metabolic processes, which is why it is often used for acne and to eliminate facial wrinkles.

Beneficial features

Retinol acetate and palmitate are vitamin A that is often used to regenerate facial skin. It is characterized by strong regenerating and moisturizing properties. At the same time, the molecules of this substance have a very small molecular weight, due to which they can penetrate even into the deep layers of the epidermis. This allows you to influence not only the studded layer, but also the deep ones, eliminating internal inflammatory processes.

It is prescribed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and preparation for childbirth. This substance helps cleanse the body not only from the outside, but also from the inside. But in this case, it is better to consult a doctor first. By the way, for internal use there are special tablets or entire complexes of nutrients and minerals.

Benefits of retinol for facial skin:

Retinol is available in the following forms:

1. Injection. Despite the name, it is often used in cosmetology practice. It is this form of retinol that is most convenient to use at home. It absorbs quickly, leaves no residue on clothing and is known for its high concentration of nutrients;
2. Oil solution. Externally, it is very similar to a solution of tocopherol acetate or vitamin E. It is recommended to apply it to dry or sensitive facial skin. Due to the presence of oils in the composition, this type of vitamin will help not only deeply nourish, but also moisturize the skin. For better effect you can drink a spoonful of acetate in the morning on an empty stomach;
3. Tablets or capsules. Known for their low vitamin content. Here, retinol is most often combined with other nutritional and mineral components.

Reviews claim that a concentrated solution of retinol for the face has the most powerful effect.

Instructions on how to use retinol

Masks with this vitamin have excellent effectiveness: they significantly accelerate metabolic processes, due to which you can short term get rid of various skin problems. They can be used to eliminate almost all known aesthetic skin problems. The simplest application option is to apply the solution in its pure form.

Apply the solution to cleansed skin and do not wash off the mixture. If possible, it is recommended to leave this mask on overnight. If it is more convenient to do it during the day, you can leave the solution for 20 minutes.

For acne on the face Retinol in oil helps a lot. Need to stir blue clay in equal proportions with water, then add ½ part of the vitamin to the mass. Apply the mask in a thick layer and leave until it hardens. You can repeat it every other day.

For severe comedones or ulcers You can make masks with aloe and vitamin A. The leaf of the plant is broken off and cut along the growth line of the spines. The pulp is scraped out with a teaspoon. After this, it is mixed with a vitamin ampoule. For severe inflammatory processes, only 3 masks are enough to relieve skin soreness.

Lifting effect provides a remedy with raw potatoes and an egg. This mask with retinol has not only a strong cosmetic effect, but also a healing one. Potato helps tighten collagen fibers, while egg and retinol nourish and refresh the epidermis. Half a potato is grated on a fine grater, and 1 egg and 1 spoon of retinol are added to the mixture. Everything is thoroughly mixed and applied to the chest, neck and face.

Also for intensive hydration suitable application retinol and honey. This natural sweetness has excellent nutritional and brightening properties. Honey is heated to a liquid state, after which vitamin is added to it. If desired, you can also add any suitable vegetable oil. Keep the mixture on your face and neck for 20 minutes.

The only thing more useful than one vitamin is a mixture of them. For deep nutrition and hydration and elimination age spots It is recommended to buy acetate, tocopherol and vitamin B12 at the pharmacy. All these substances are mixed in equal quantities and applied to problem areas. An important fact is that it is not advisable to use the mixture just a few hours after its preparation - all the vitamins have evaporated and there will be no effect. Keep the solution for no more than 30 minutes. You can repeat it 2 times a week.

Video: retinol for acne and wrinkles

Professional and pharmacy products

Many cosmetics manufacturers (both domestic and foreign) offer girls various ready-made products with vitamin A. Let’s consider the most famous names of products with retinol for the face (the list contains both creams and masks, tonics and ointments):

Of all the listed remedies, you need to highlight retinoic ointment Russian production. You can buy this product with retinol for the face only at the pharmacy, its price is about $1. According to reviews, this remedy will help solve almost all age-related problems, and the effect is noticeable after the first use.

To maintain youthful and healthy skin, vitamins are necessary. Scientists were the first to discover vitamin A; over the years of research, the healing effects of retinol on the skin have been repeatedly proven.

At first, vitamin A was used only for internal use, but every year, thanks to the ability of the vitamin, to act deep in the layers skin, cosmetologists are increasingly using it in their work.

Beneficial properties of vitamin A and its effect on facial skin

Retinol acetate for facial skin acts as a powerful stimulator of the growth of new healthy cells. Working at the DNA level, it affects primarily the cells that divide, hair, skin, and nails.

Thanks to vitamin A, the renewal of the epidermis is noticeably accelerated, and the skin takes on a healthy and fresh appearance.

Over time, the skin begins to fade after about 35 years of age. Retinol can stimulate the body to produce more natural collagen when used correctly and continuously. Gradually filling small wrinkles from the inside, over time vitamin A completely smoothes them out.

Cosmetologists have noticed that correct and long-term use of retinol promotes increased production hyaluronic acid, which allows you to maintain skin elasticity longer.

Note! Retinol acetate is used not only for facial skin rejuvenation, but also in adolescence when fighting acne. Vitamin A improves blood circulation, restores normal functioning of pores, and prevents the appearance of acne scars.

Numerous positive effects of the vitamin on the skin:

• Helps eliminate sagging skin. Makes it more elastic.
• Brightens the overall complexion and helps in the fight against age spots.
• The strongest antioxidant and assistant in protection from sun rays.
• Prevention against skin cancer.
• Eliminates redness and irritation, soothes and saturates the skin with oxygen.
• Cleanses blood vessels and prevents the appearance of vascular networks on the face.
• Gets rid of blackheads. And evens out the contour of the face.
• Retinol acetate will relieve the skin from dryness and excessive flaking.

When should you use retinol acetate?

Dry and irritable skin is the first sign that the body does not have enough vitamin A. The amount that a person receives from food is often not enough. Dermatologists prescribe the use of retinol in the following cases:

• for all forms of dermatitis, as a sedative;
• cheilitis can be easily eliminated by constantly lubricating the lips with an oil solution of the vitamin;
• if protein synthesis is impaired, with rough, flaky skin;
• the first signs of wrinkles;
• abrasions and cracks in the skin.

Important to remember! It is better to prevent the occurrence of illnesses and use retinol acetate in small doses for facial skin as a preventive measure. In this case, the epidermis will receive all the necessary vitamins to function without failures and to activate all biological processes.

Dermatologists always say that it is better to maintain skin health by caring for it than to restore it later.

Precautions and contraindications for use

When consuming vitamin A, do not immediately start with large doses. Otherwise, the skin will immediately get used to it, and will soon cease to have a healing effect.

Cosmetologists advise starting use with small doses, from 0.1% to 1%. If there is an excess of retinol, then an allergy is possible.

Then you should either significantly reduce the dose or stop using the drug altogether. And if you overdo it with retinol when treating acne, then even more irritation, peeling and itching of the skin is possible.

The following contraindications are also possible:

• Pregnant women, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, are better off eating carrots and other foods rich in vitamins, excluding the use of preparations with retinol.
• If there are open wounds on the skin.
• If there are severe purulent rashes on the skin.

Retinol release forms

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin and is mainly available in oily form. It is sensitive to light and its structure is easy to destroy, so high-quality packaging is always dark and opaque. It is better to choose a drug with a dispenser to minimize air ingress.

Oil capsules

Such packaging allows you to use exactly as much as you need without damaging the drug. The capsule is pierced with something thin and the contents are squeezed out. Suitable for internal use and for making various masks.

Injection

The highest concentration of retinol is contained in the solution.

It is used not only for intramuscular injections, but also for preparing all kinds of lotions. The absence of greasy marks is another advantage of using the solution.

Oil solution

Dark bottle with oily liquid. Perhaps apply before bed if the skin is very dry, or take a couple of drops in the morning before breakfast. Perfect for making homemade scrubs.

Pills

A qualified doctor will always be able to select a drug individually for each case.

Professional cosmetics based on retinol

Every year, cosmetic companies release many products containing vitamin A. When choosing, the main thing is not to make a mistake with your skin type and choose the ideal cream or serum based on this principle.

Not only retinol acetate, but also excipients are of great importance for facial skin in the cream. If they are correctly selected and perfectly combined, then working in tandem, they help achieve the most positive result.

Retinol Fusion PM

Additional components are vitamins E and C. They protect the skin from the action of free radicals, plus they add additional nutrition and hydration.

The night serum contains 1.5% retinol and does not smooth out deep wrinkles, gives the face radiance.

Sold in a small dark blue bottle with a convenient dispenser. The amount of 30 ml is just enough for a full course of 1-2 months. Average price - 8,330 rub.

Korff Lifting

Korff Lifting is a pencil with a high content of hyaluronic acid and vitamin A.

Designed for the skin around the eyes. Aimed at combating many fine wrinkles under the eyes. Apply preferably in the evening to completely cleansed skin.

Gel Regetsin

Zinc-based gel is relatively inexpensive, which does not reduce its effectiveness in the fight against acne. And due to hyaluronic acid, it also softens the skin without drying it out at all. Cost – 230 rub.

Cream Retin – A

Trans-retinoic acid is the most effective form vitamin A, it is contained in the cream. The drug is universal in its properties, helps both with teenage rashes and in the fight against skin aging. Has different concentrations of retinoic acid (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%). Average price – 1050 rub.

Belita-Vitex cream “Retinol + magnesium”

Belarusian cream with magnesium can restore skin elasticity and slow down aging. The microrelief of the skin is noticeably leveled. This skincare product is not expensive. The cost is about 190 rubles. Experts consider it an excellent analogue of more expensive imported products.

ROC corrective night cream with Retinol

Created by French cosmetologists specifically for sensitive skin. It is very gentle and suitable even for severe allergies. The mineral complex, acting together with retinol, fills expression lines from the inside, making them almost invisible. Cost about 1500 rub.

Liquid soap with retinol CleasnsingSoap from GiGi

Israeli cleansing soap CleasnsingSoap eliminates all impurities not only from the surface of the epidermis, but also penetrates deep into the cells. After using the soap, the cream will be much stronger. The soap costs approximately 850 rubles.

Medicines with retinol acetate for facial skin from a pharmacy

In pharmacies you can inexpensively purchase retinol-containing solutions and ointments:

Recipes for masks with the addition of retinol acetate

Retinol acetate for facial skin is highly concentrated in pharmaceutical preparations, and as part of a mask homemade together with other components it will be even more effective.

The mask is applied to dry, well-cleaned skin no more than 1-2 times a week. You should start with minimal amounts of the vitamin, gradually increasing the dose.

Anti-inflammatory mask

Mix dry crushed chamomile or sage leaves with liquid honey. Then add a few drops of retinol and crushed aloe leaf to the composition. Leave on the skin for 15-20 minutes, remove with a damp cotton swab. Remains of the mask should be washed off with water.

Composition for dry skin

A mixture of white clay and oil will help eliminate dryness. apricot kernels and 5 ml. Vitamin A. Gradually stirring, you need to add a little extra milk. After the procedure, be sure to use a moisturizer.

Oil rejuvenating mixture

Add olive oil to honey, preheated to room temperature. Burr oil 1 teaspoon and a retinol capsule. You need to apply the mask composition to your face and neck and leave it on for up to 30 minutes. The rejuvenation result is noticeable after 3-4 applications.

Retinol acetate for facial skin against acne

You will need to grind the lentils to a powder, add 10 ml of retinol and a little zinc ointment. The resulting mask should be lubricated with problem areas of the skin no more than 3 times a week.

Mask for problem skin

Mix cosmetic white clay and the white of a regular egg, gradually adding 3 drops of lemon juice, 1 capsule of retinol. The mixture should resemble sour cream. You need to keep it on your face until it dries completely. Then remove with a moistened cotton pad or napkin.

Retinol lotion

It's easy to make retinol lotion at home using natural products without unnecessary chemicals, without purchasing expensive drugs.

Anti-inflammatory lotion

Boil nettle and plantain leaves, add a couple of drops of liquid retinol. This lotion should be applied to the face in the morning and evening. Store no more than 3-4 days.

Lotion for dry skin

To prepare a medicinal lotion, you need to grind the melon pulp and pour it with fresh hot rosehip decoction. Leave for 1 hour, then add vitamins A and E. Clean your face with a cotton swab once a day before bed.

Oily anti-aging lotion

Shredded seaweed pour boiling water for 3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth, add cucumber juice, almond oil and a retinol capsule. Store in the refrigerator, shake the lotion before applying to the skin.

Retinol acetate lotion for acne

To prepare a healing, skin-soothing lotion against acne and acne, you need to pour boiling water over calendula and prepare a chamomile decoction in another container.

After 2 hours, mix them, adding retinol. Since calendula and chamomile do not have any serious contraindications, with very severe rashes you can wipe your face up to 5 times a day.

Lotion for problem skin

Strain the concentrated sage decoction and add vitamin A, followed by bergamot oil. Apply small amounts of this composition with a cotton swab 1-2 times a day.

The effectiveness of retinol acetate for facial skin. Wrinkle smoothing:

Products with retinol against aging skin:

There are few representatives of the fair sex who do not have at least one skin care product. If a woman is already 30-35 years old, then vitamin A for the face must be present in the arsenal of care products.

Each of us has different preferences. Some people prefer products from the most fashionable brands, while others have cheaper cosmetics. And there are those who make it with their own hands. And often, behind these various cosmetic products, vitamin products are undeservedly forgotten.

Vitamin “A” is known among the masses under this name, and also as retinol acetate.

It was given the letter “A” because among the vitamins it was the first to be discovered by scientists at the beginning of the 20th century. And immediately it found wide use in cosmetology, especially in the fight against wrinkles. The female half of humanity uses the vitamin in creams, serums and masks, wipes away wrinkles on the face, and even takes it orally.

It is almost insoluble in water, so natural oil is often used for mixing.

In addition, it melts very easily, so when adding it to mixtures, it should not be heated. And it is better to store it so that it does not oxidize, avoiding exposure to sunlight.

What are the benefits of vitamin A?

First of all, by destroying free radicals, which negatively affect the skin and make it not as elastic as we would like.

In addition, its penetration is so deep and skin rejuvenation is so effective.

Benefits of retinol acetate:

• stimulates cell regeneration;
• evens out complexion;
• smoothes out small wrinkles;
• nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
• improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.

But if you are very young, you should not use anti-aging masks containing retinol. Your time will come after 35 years. Then the body does not produce collagen in sufficient quantities.

What form does the vitamin come in?

Pharmacies sell retinol in different forms:

1. Capsules with oil content;
2. Standard oil solution;
3. Glass ampoules with vitamin A.

At the same time, instructions must be attached to it. You can use the vitamin in any form at home. The capsules will take more time because they are punctured and the oil is squeezed out.

What foods contain vitamin A?

You don't have to go to the pharmacy to buy retinol. Take a look at the nearby supermarket and walk along the grocery shelves. And for those for whom the concentrated form of the drug from the pharmacy is contraindicated, the live pharmacy will be a real salvation.

Where can you find retinol:

• Sea fish, cod liver, meat, butter and egg yolks are rich in this vitamin.
• If you choose vegetables and fruits that are orange and yellow color, it doesn’t matter how old you are, because masks made from papaya, pumpkin, carrots, oranges, apricots, and sea buckthorn have a magical effect on the skin at any age.
• Some vegetables Green colour: broccoli, green onions, spinach, sorrel, cabbage, parsley.

Since retinol acetate is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is better to take plant foods with a small amount of oil.

For example, you can eat a vegetable salad with the addition of olive oil. Fruits with vitamin A can be eaten in dessert with sour cream or natural cream. This way, vitamin A is guaranteed to be absorbed into the body and will bring benefits.

Vitamin A overdose

Sensitive and allergy-prone skin may be a contraindication for the use of vitamin A for the skin. With long-term use (more than 3 months) of retinol ointment, for example, to treat acne, retinoid dermatitis may occur.

This happens because the retinol in the ointment is about 20 times more than the required daily dose. That is, an overdose occurs.

What happens:

• The skin cracks and becomes dry.
• There is severe skin itching.
• The corners of the lips may become inflamed and cracked. Jams form.
• Hair, eyebrows and eyelashes fall out.
• Bleeding from the nose occurs.
• Worried about dizziness, bone pain and muscle stiffness.

Use vitamin A without fanaticism, then it will not harm you.

Retinol acetate and retinol palmitate - what is the difference?

Vitamin A - retinoids (retinol palmitate and retinol acetate) is part of many complex vitamins. It can also be purchased separately for external use. In the form of oily liquids.

The difference is that:

• Retinol acetate is a salt of acetic acid, absent in the human body.
• Retinol palmitate is a physiological saturated acid, which during the process of breakdown is converted into unsaturated acids necessary for the body.
• Retinol palmitate is considered more natural and natural for our body.

It must be remembered that both substances (palmitate and acetate) are not natural, but completely synthetic vitamins. Therefore, their benefits have long been questioned by scientists. Nutritionists recommend getting the required dose of vitamin A from food.

Use in facial masks

At home, retinol is used in different ways. Some people simply apply a couple of drops of the solution to their face, after mixing it with their cream. However, with this method there is a risk of overdose, because the oil solution is quite concentrated. It is strictly contraindicated to use it constantly, only with a three-month break after a course of one month.

And now the skin is restored and smoothed, there is a blush on the cheeks, and a healthy glow on the face. The method is simple and effective, which is appreciated by ladies of Balzac's age. This can be judged by their numerous rave reviews.

Some are so bold that they don’t even add cream. Then the vitamin is applied exclusively to wrinkles. In addition, you need to closely monitor the skin's reaction. Any discomfort noted (flaking, tingling, rash, itching) and the procedure is stopped immediately.

But most often, vitamin A is used to prepare masks. It is enough to do them once a week for a couple of months, then go on a break. And there are many recipes for masks that you can easily prepare yourself.

Recipes for masks with retinol

Olive, nourishing and smoothing the skin

Art. a spoonful of olive oil is mixed with the contents of the vitamin ampoule. Then the mixture is distributed over the skin and remains there for 15 minutes. Now you can remove the excess with a thick cloth. No need to rinse off.

Sour cream – moisturizing and rejuvenating, for dry skin

Dilute and mix well. a spoonful of fat sour cream (up to 30%) with aloe juice (also a spoonful) and five drops of vitamin A oil solution. Apply to your face for a quarter of an hour, and then wash with warm water.

Herbal – for oily skin

Pour a glass of boiling water over 2 tbsp. spoons of your choice: chamomile, mint or calendula. Leave to stand for half an hour. Mix a quarter of the infusion with oatmeal until pureed, as well as almond oil(10 drops) and retinol (5 drops). Cover your face with the mixture, leave for 20 minutes, and use the remaining herbal infusion to wash off the mask.

Curd - tightens and softens the skin

Pounded st. spoon of cottage cheese, mixed with vegetable oil (1 tbsp. spoon) and three to four drops of vitamin “A”. The mixture is distributed on the face and remains on it for 20 minutes. Remove excess with a napkin and then wash your face.

If you are under 35 years old, it is too early to make such masks.

It seems that now you know enough about vitamin A to properly use retinol acetate for the face to maintain the beauty of your skin.

So be beautiful. You can do it.

Created 03/10/2016

There are many great "hero" skin care ingredients out there, but retinol stands out as one of the best.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin A discovered in 1913. It became the first vitamin to be discovered and therefore received the name of the first letter of the alphabet.

In the body, retinol is synthesized from beta-carotene (provitamin A), and natural sources include animal and plant products. Biologically active form It is not retinol itself, but its derivative - trans-RK (tretinoin).

Retinol is included in various vitamin complexes and medicinal preparations. Now it is added to cosmetics. But, unlike drugs, cosmetics are mainly used long time and without medical supervision. Therefore, doubts arose whether it was worth including such an overly active component in products for daily care. After many years of research and clinical trials, compounds (natural and synthetic) were discovered that exhibit effects similar to retinol. These compounds are retinoids. The molecules of many synthetic retinoids differ significantly from the structure of natural vitamin A, but they act in a similar way.

Retinol, entering one cell, stimulates the production of biologically active substances in it, which are released into the intercellular space and, in turn, act on other cells.

Effect of retinoids on the skin:

• light exfoliation
• skin lightening
• increasing skin firmness and elasticity
• wrinkle smoothing
• reduction of inflammation
• acceleration of wound healing

So, vitamin A is involved not only in the regulation of skin homeostasis, maintaining many physiological processes at the proper level, but is also involved in restoration work that begins after damage. Retinoic drugs are indicated for skin diseases such as frostbite, burns, wounds, ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis, psoriasis, acne, some forms of eczema and other inflammatory and exudative processes.

Vitamin A is one of the regulators of the sebaceous glands and is necessary for their normal functioning. Its deficiency can lead to acne.

For acne mild and medium degree severity, local use of trans-RK (tretinoin preparations) is effective, which compensate for retinol deficiency.

But sometimes, for some reason, the rate of trans-RK metabolism in sebocytes increases, as a result of which its intracellular concentration is below normal and the symptoms of acne do not go away. In such cases, it is more effective to use synthetic retinoids, which are more resistant to intracellular transformations and are able to activate RAR receptors. Isotretinoin is considered one of the best synthetic retinoids for the treatment of severe forms of acne. It acts through RAR receptors. Systemic therapy with isotretinoin drugs leads to a reduction in the size of the sebaceous glands by almost 90%. Acne scars also heal and the skin renewal process accelerates. To treat acne, preparations with retinol are used both internally (oil solution) and externally (ointment).

The use of retinoic drugs is usually accompanied by a slight whitening effect. This indicates that retinoids interfere with skin pigmentation processes.

But retinol is better known as the best anti-aging ingredient.

The gradual thinning of the dermal layer of the skin during aging is associated with two parallel processes:

• activation of metalloproteinases - intercellular enzymes that destroy collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis
• slowing down the synthesis of new collagen by fibroblasts

As a result of degradation of the intercellular substance of the dermis, the firmness and elasticity of the skin decreases, and wrinkles form. The use of local retinoic preparations stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and also reduces the activity of collagen-degrading matalloproteinases.

One of the signs of photodamage to the skin is the appearance of abnormal elastin material that replaces collagen. After ultraviolet irradiation, the expression of the elastin gene increases several times. Tretinoin applied to irradiated skin has the opposite effect - it inhibits the expression of the elastin gene, thereby preventing subsequent protein synthesis.

Retinoids also enhance the synthesis of another important component of the matrix - glycosaminoglycans. Correction and normalization of the composition of the intercellular matrix of the dermis leads to increased skin elasticity and smoothing of fine wrinkles.

Vitamin A deficiency underlies a number of common cosmetic problems, including dry skin, rough skin and atrophy of the sweat glands. But due to its high physiological activity, retinol did not go beyond medical use for a long time. After lengthy laboratory and clinical trials, retinol began to be included in cosmetic preparations, but with great caution. Although they are sold without a prescription, they still require a lot of attention and accuracy when using.

Among the vitamins used in modern cosmetics, vitamin A occupies a special place. It is called a normalizing vitamin due to its unique ability to affect all living skin cells, regulating the processes of proliferation, differentiation and intercellular communication. Topical application of retinol leads to thinning of the stratum corneum and faster renewal of the epidermis, controls pigmentation, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and helps restore the dermal matrix - these properties are simply invaluable for anti-aging and anti-acne cosmetics.

Spectrum offered today cosmetic products with retinoids is quite wide - from face creams to nail care products. There are even sunscreens, although it is not clear why retinol is included in them, because under direct sunlight all its activity immediately disappears. The use of retinoids in after-sun and nighttime cosmetics is more justified. nourishing creams, in which the normalizing qualities of vitamin A are especially important.

IN last years There has been a tendency to use retinoic drugs in combination with other drugs. Entire cosmetic lines are being created that combine the effects of various drugs. Retinoic acid is included in only one of them. The functions of other drugs are usually auxiliary. Some of them prepare the skin for the application of a retinoic drug. For example, mild liquid soap degreases the skin and cleanses it of impurities. For more deep cleaning special superficial peelings can be used to soften the stratum corneum and remove dead cells. Most often, such peelings include: fruit acids (glycolic peels), there are also peeling products containing enzymes (enzymatic peels). Another category of drugs that make up the cosmetic series are products that soothe, soften, nourish, protect and restore the skin. Their task is to prevent the occurrence side effects associated with the action of retinol (erythema, inflammation, redness and others), or to alleviate the condition in case of already existing unpleasant sensations.

An indispensable condition when using such a cosmetic series is strict adherence to the sequence of application of the preparations. Only in this case can you achieve positive results and avoid complications. This comprehensive approach is fully justified in the case of mild to moderate acne, photodamaged and aging skin.

Vitamin A is a very capricious substance that is quickly destroyed in light and oxidized in air. Vitamin A esters are more stable, however, they also require great care and careful adherence to all rules of storage and use. Even if all precautions are taken during the production of cosmetics and the loss of vitamin A is minimal, when the product is applied to the skin, it comes into contact with air and is exposed to light. Physical UV filters that act on the principle of a reflector - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - help partially prevent the destruction of vitamin A by UV rays. For this reason, they are included in cosmetic products.

To prevent the oxidation of vitamin A, vitamin E is also included in cosmetics (sometimes in combination with a stabilized fat-soluble form of vitamin C).

Another vitamin that is sometimes included in a retinoic formulation is vitamin D. When paired with vitamin A, it stimulates the growth of epidermal cells, regulates granulation and promotes better health. fast healing burns. The combination of four vitamins: A, E, C and D increases the skin's resistance to adverse conditions, such as cold, and also improves the stability of the drug.

Some retinoics include plant extracts enriched with antioxidants, such as green tea and ginkgo extracts.

The production of retinoic cosmetics is not only knowledge-intensive, but also technologically very complex. Therefore, the production of such delicate products is undertaken mainly by serious companies that have a powerful research and production base and are actively involved in research work. The authority of the manufacturer already to some extent guarantees the effectiveness and safety of the product it produces.

Of course, vitamin A can be obtained from food. It is found in the following foods:

• orange or yellow vegetables and fruits
• parsley, broccoli, spinach, celery, sorrel, cabbage
• fish oil, egg yolks, beef liver
• cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, butter

If you are a natural lover, then fruits containing vitamin A can be used in face masks. Cottage cheese and sour cream are good for this. You can buy an oil solution of retinol at the pharmacy and add it to face masks, but only in small quantity(1-2 drops of vitamin A per 10 ml of fatty base) and immediately before applying to the face.

Start using retinol products gradually by first testing it on a small area of ​​skin (over a few days) and if no adverse reactions occur, then you can continue. Start with minimal amounts, using vitamin A products every other day. You can then move on to daily use once a day (more frequent use may become harmful). Also, you should not use cosmetics with vitamin A for a long time. Excess retinol will lead to thin, dry skin and flaking. The interval is as follows: 2 months of use, 3 months break.

Side effects and contraindications

Retinol may cause severe allergic reaction(skin redness, temporary peeling, rarely blisters, increased sensitivity to sunlight), and not immediately, but after some time. But it may not always be an allergy. Often, irritation appears as a reaction to increased regeneration. In this case, replace the product with retinol with one that contains it in a smaller dose. If this does not help, then stop using cosmetics with retinol, as they are not suitable for you.

Although the concentration of retinoids in cosmetics is small and it is believed that they are practically not absorbed into the blood, it is better to be safe and not use it during pregnancy. Vitamin A has a strong teratogenic effect (in large doses it can cause congenital defects in fetal development) and retinoic medications are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.

Women under 30-35 years old should not use products with retinol. They may have the opposite effect: the skin will begin to age prematurely.