Retinol in modern cosmetology: properties and beneficial effects. Retinol acetate (vitamin A) for facial skin: recipes for use

Retinol is one of the forms of vitamin A. This substance is valuable not only for the body as a whole, but also for the skin, both for internal and external use. That is why it is widely used in cosmetology.

Where is it kept?

Retinol itself is a true vitamin A, meaning it is a natural fat-soluble substance. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the body, including strengthening immune system, bones, hair, nails, etc. You can get retinol from both plant and animal foods.

It is found in the following products:

• carrot;
• liver;
• fish fat;
• dairy products;
• apples;
• cherries;
• broccoli, etc.

Synthetic analogues of retinol, called retinoids, are commonly used in skin care. The most common and effective of them are retinoic acid, as well as esters: retinol acetate and retinol palmitate. Let's talk in more detail about the last two, since these are the ones that girls use most often.

Foods from which you can get natural vitamin A

These two substances are of different nature. Acetate is a salt of acetic acid, and palmitate is a salt of palmitic acid. It is believed that the second is more suitable for skin care, since palmitic acid is found in the human body, while acetic acid, in turn, is not. But in fact, retinol palmitate will work the same way as retinol acetate for acne, wrinkles and other problems. For the face, you can choose any of the options.

The anti-aging effect of vitamin A was also noticed by many manufacturers of cosmetics, so there is a large number of various finished products that contain retinol, for example:

• Vichy Liftactive Retinol cream;
• Retinol A cream 1%;
• Shiseido Benefiance eye mask;
• Holy Land Alpha/Beta&Retinol preparatory lotion, etc.

Properties

Retinol for the face is an antioxidant. It acts in two directions at once: it heals the surface of the skin and penetrates into its deeper layers, where it triggers enhanced collagen synthesis.

The substance has the following properties:

• exfoliates dead cells;
• evens out skin color;
• fights against wrinkles;
• increases tone;
• accelerates tissue regeneration;
• lightens pigmentation;
• helps strengthen blood vessels;
• helps get rid of acne: retinol cleanses pores of dead particles and dirt, and also reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Contraindications

• presence of dermatological diseases;
• purulent inflammation on the skin, open wounds;
• irritated skin.

In addition, it is not recommended to use the product during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the skin reaction may be unpredictable. At this time, it is better to replace face cream with retinol with homemade masks made from, for example, carrots, which also contain a large amount of vitamin A.

Rules of application

In the pharmacy, retinol can be found in three forms: as an injection solution, an oil solution and capsules. You can use any of the options for facial care, but most often girls buy capsules, as they are suitable for one-time use as in pure form, and for preparing masks.

Retinol, being an active substance, requires certain knowledge to use it correctly.

• First, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to the product: to do this, just apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait a few minutes.
• Products containing retinol are applied to dry skin. The area around the eyes is best avoided.
• Masks with vitamin A should be prepared immediately before applying them directly to the face, in otherwise the remedy will lose all its beneficial features.
• The ingredients to which retinol will be added when preparing masks should not be heated, as heat will also render vitamin A useless for the skin.
• It is not recommended to use retinol in masks and creams for a long time without interruption, as this can lead to overdrying of the skin and the appearance of cracking.
• The use of retinol makes the skin sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so it should be applied to the face before going outside. sunscreen.

Retinol capsules are very convenient to use both externally and internally

Mask recipes

1. Pull-up

Shredded raw potatoes mix with egg yolk, add a capsule (a teaspoon of solution) of vitamin A, bring to a homogeneous consistency, apply to the face and leave for a quarter of an hour. This mask has a pronounced lifting effect.

2. For acne

To combat unwanted rashes, a mask prepared in the following way is suitable: mix blue clay powder with required quantity water to the consistency of sour cream. Add half a small spoon of aloe juice and the same amount of vitamin A. Mix and apply to face. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.

3. Nutritious

The retinol ampoule must be mixed into olive oil. You can either simply wipe your face with the resulting product, or apply it as a mask for 20-25 minutes. After use, the skin will be soft, smooth and nourished.

4. Moisturizing

You can achieve a noticeable moisturizing effect by applying a mask made from a spoonful of rich sour cream and a retinol capsule to your face for 20 minutes.

5. Anti-aging

To prepare an effective anti-aging product with retinol you will need: a small spoon of honey, the same amount of vitamin A, a tablespoon almond oil, a couple of drops essential oil ylang-ylang. Mix the ingredients and apply to the skin for 20 minutes.

From this article you will learn:

• Is retinol effective for facial skin - reviews from dermatologists,
• retinol - instructions for use at home.

Retinol is one of the many forms of vitamin A that is used in cosmetology to treat acne, reduce the depth of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging caused by sun exposure. But with retinol it’s not so simple, because... There are several forms of it, some of which are more effective, others less.

As we have already said, retinol is only one form of vitamin A. A group of drugs that includes various shapes and vitamin A derivatives, as well as its structural and synthetic analogues, are called retinoids. To rejuvenate facial skin in cosmetology, as a rule, the following forms of vitamin A (retinoids) are used:

• true retinol,
• retinol esters (retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, etc.),
• retinaldehyde,
• retinoic acid.

Thus, true retinol and the most commonly found retinol esters in cosmetics are completely different shapes vitamin A. In Fig. 2 we have indicated these forms in descending order of their effectiveness, and below we will compare them in much more detail.

Forms of retinol and their effect in creams -

The only effective form of vitamin A that can affect skin cells is pure retinoic acid. All other listed forms of vitamin A, after application to the skin, must still be converted into retinoic acid (through cycles of chemical transformation) before they can act on skin cells. Those. Most retinoids are only precursors to retinoic acid.

This metabolism of vitamin A forms is as follows –
retinol acetate and retinol palmitate (retinol esters) are the most distant precursors of retinoic acid. When applied to the skin, they first convert into true retinol. The latter is transformed into retinaldehyde, which in turn turns into retinoic acid.

Retinoic acid is not only the only effective form of vitamin A, but also the strongest. Preparations based on it (for example, Tretinoin and Isotrtinoin) are extremely strong, excellent for wrinkles and other signs of skin aging, but are prescription drugs, because They also have a strong irritant effect on the skin. These drugs are prescription drugs. Therefore, weaker forms of vitamin A are used in anti-aging cosmetics.

Important : There is a strict pattern - the more transformation cycles required for the original form of vitamin A in a cosmetic product to reach retinoic acid, the weaker the effect will be. Those. the most ineffective forms will be retinol esters (retinol acetate and retinol palmitate). True retinol will be stronger and more effective than its esters, but inferior in strength to retinaldehyde, which only needs 1 cycle of transformation to retinoic acid.

After all the transformations from retinol (and especially its esters), not much retinoic acid is obtained, which creates only a small concentration of it in the skin. This is due to two reasons: firstly, the transformation always does not occur in full, and secondly, retinoids are unstable compounds and are quickly destroyed.

The latest creams with stabilized vitamin A –
V last years A new patented stabilized form of retinaldehyde under the IconicA brand entered the American market. This is the only form of vitamin A to date and the first in the world that has been stabilized using microencapsulation technology.

The technology ensures that retinaldehyde does not break down during application to the skin and when transformed into retinoic acid, which increases the effectiveness of such cosmetics. Examples of such products include creams and serums from the company “SIRCUIT ® Cosmeceuticals” -

• cream SIRCUIT ® “Supernatural-A” (Fig. 3),
• serum SIRCUIT ® “Infusion-A” (Fig. 4).

Retinol: reviews from dermatologists

Retinoic acid, into which retinol is converted after application to the skin, has its effect both on the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis) and on the deep layers of the skin, where it stimulates collagen production. The severity of these effects will depend on the concentration of retinol in the product.

Effects of retinol –

1) Fights acne - this occurs due to the fact that retinoic acid eliminates hyperkeratosis of the epithelium of hair follicles, which consists of excessive accumulation of desquamated epithelial cells in the lumen of the follicle, which leads to clogging of pores with comedones (blackheads). Secondly, retinoic acid helps reduce the production of secretions from the sebaceous glands, and also dissolves the substance that makes up acne, which helps cleanse the pores. This is why retinoids are the best means for treatment.

2) Reduces the thickness of the superficial stratum corneum of the epidermis by accelerating the exfoliation of dead cells, which allows the skin to have a more even texture and look younger.

3) Increases the thickness of the deep layers of the epidermis, thereby increasing its hydrophobic properties (thus reducing the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin, which will maintain its hydration).

4) Enhances the production of collagen and elastin in the dermal layer of the skin (by stimulating the function of fibroblasts). Accordingly, it helps reduce the depth of wrinkles and fine lines on the face, and also increases skin elasticity.

6) Lightens age spots.

Retinol concentration and its effectiveness –

Most retinol products contain only about.1% concentration (which = 0.0025% retinoic acid). Only a few products contain a therapeutic concentration of retinol of 0.4%, and only very rare products contain 1% or more retinol in their composition. The vast majority of manufacturers do not indicate the concentration of retinol at all.

It is believed that a retinol concentration of 0.1% to 1% (true retinol, not its esters) is the most optimal for anti-aging cosmetics. In terms of its activity and action, this concentration retains its properties and does not cause strong skin reactions, therefore it can be freely used from any age. If the purchased cream does not contain true retinol, but its esters, then the concentration should be even higher.

Results of studies on the effective concentration of retinol:

• Application of retinol with 0.1% concentration –
  reviews from cosmetologists and patients show that even if you use a cosmetic cream with a low 0.1% concentration of retinol every day, the skin still becomes smoother, softer, smoother, with an even matte color.

  True, this happens over a longer period of time (only after 6-8 months), and you should not expect a decrease in wrinkles. Those. The main improvements will relate to improving skin tone and texture. Moreover, in order to achieve this effect, you must use sunscreen in parallel (preferably with a protection level of SPF 30).

• Application of retinol with 0.4% concentration –
  Conducted studies of products with a 0.4% concentration of retinol (application regimen: 3 times a week for 6 months) showed significant improvements and changes in aging skin cells and even a slight decrease in the depth of fine wrinkles (link to study).

• Using a 1% retinol concentration –
  such a high concentration almost approaches the effectiveness of products based on pure retinoic acid (1% retinol is approximately equal to 0.025% retinoic acid). Such products already cause irritation and peeling of the skin at first, which in principle indicates that they really work.

Retinol: price

Professional products with retinol are expensive, especially for cosmetics with therapeutic dosages of pure retinol from 0.4 to 1%, or products based on retinaldehyde (which is even higher in effectiveness than pure retinol). Retinol: the price for products from well-known manufacturers will average…

• Cream SkinCeuticals “Retinol 0.3” –
  contains 0.3% retinol; costs from 5,500 rubles in a branded Russian online store.

• Cream SkinCeuticals “Retinol 1.0” –
  contains 1.0% retinol; You can buy it on Amazon or Ebay (for about $76).

• SIRCUIT ® products –
  contain one of the most effective forms of retinol - stabilized 0.1% retinaldehyde. SIRCUIT “Supernatural-A” cream costs about $180, SIRCUIT ® “Infusion-A” serum costs about $180 (you can buy it on Amazon or Ebay).

• La-Roche-Posay creams –
  contain 0.3% retinol; face cream Redermic-R – from 2200 rubles, and cream for the skin around the eyes Redermic-R Yeux – from 1900 rubles.

• RoC cream “Retinol Correxion – Deep Wrinkle Nigh Cream” – from 1200 rubles.

Retinol palmitate and retinol acetate: price

Retinol esters in the form of oil solutions, for example, retinol palmitate - the price will be only about 100 rubles per package. To save money, you can add an oil solution of vitamin A to the cream yourself, but keep in mind that even if this can be effective, it will only be to a very small extent. Moreover, it is better to take retinol palmitate, because it is slightly more effective than retinol acetate.

It is best to buy these oil solutions in bottles or capsules. But solutions in ampoules can be thrown away immediately after opening, because...

Who is suitable for cosmetics with retinol?

Retinol for facial skin - reviews from dermatologists and cosmetologists agree that anti-aging cosmetics with retinol are perfect either for preventing skin aging or for skin with the first signs of aging (to even out its tone and texture, as well as moderately increase elasticity).

Cosmetologists recommend retinol for the skin starting from the age of 28, when the first signs of skin fatigue are just beginning to appear. A good cosmetic cream or serum with retinol will be an excellent alternative to preparations with pure retinoic acid if...

• if the patient’s skin is still young, but the first signs of aging are already beginning to appear,
• if you have never used other retinoids before,
• if the skin has slight unevenness and age spots,
• if the skin is very sensitive, thin or irritable.

Also, cosmetic products with retinol are necessary for the skin to get used to vitamin A if you plan to use potent retinoids such as Tretinoin. Preliminary use of products with retinol for several months will significantly reduce the severity of side effects(dryness, redness, burning of the skin).

Cosmetics with retinol are definitely NOT suitable for you if...

...if you want to achieve significant changes in the skin, for example, a significant reduction in medium and deep wrinkles, fine lines on the face, as well as achieve a significant increase in its elasticity, a pronounced alignment of skin texture and tone. Research has shown that the optimal effective concentration of pure retinoic acid to significantly reduce medium to deep wrinkles is 0.025 to 0.05%.

For more information about the use of prescription forms of retinoids to reduce medium and deep wrinkles, the results of clinical studies, reviews, read the articles:

Examples of products with Tretinoin and Isotretinoin: photo

Retinol - instructions for use

Learn how to properly use cosmetics with retinol, and even more so professional creams with topical retinoids based on pure retinoic acid - a whole science. Below we have summarized all the main recommendations for using retinol.

1. Planning –

It takes about 4-6 months for the skin to get used to retinol. Therefore, plan to start using it in advance so that in the first months there are no serious “public appearances” (weddings, graduations, etc.). This is more true for products with high concentrations of retinol, or for people with very sensitive and/or dry skin.

You also need to choose the right season when you start using products with retinol. Retinol dries out the skin to some extent, so winter is not best time to start using it. Despite the fact that retinol increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun, it can be used in the summer, but provided that you constantly use products with high degree sun protection (minimum SPF 30), and also use wide-brimmed hats to protect your face from the sun.

2. Conduct an audit of cosmetics -

Get rid of any cosmetics while using retinol that have even the slightest irritating effect. For example, it will not be possible to use -

3. Skin should be clean and dry -

Before using retinol, the facial skin should be washed with a mild cleanser and then dried very well. After washing your face, you should wait 15-20 minutes before applying retinol cream. This will reduce the appearance of dryness, peeling and irritation. Also, after applying retinol, after 15 minutes, you can apply a moisturizer on top, which will “seal” the retinol on the skin and additionally help avoid irritation.

4. Use only small amounts of retinol –

Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of retinol cream, no more. This amount should be enough for the entire face area. Avoid getting retinol on sensitive areas and mucous membranes of the lips, eyelids, and nose.

5. Apply retinol face cream only at night -

Sunlight breaks down retinol molecules and, in addition, using retinol during the day can cause pigmentation on the skin, even if you use sunscreen. Therefore, it is best to apply retinol cream just before bed.

6. Be sure to use sunscreen –

Because retinol exfoliates dead cells from the surface of the skin, removing the skin's natural protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning before going outside, preferably with SPF 30 protection.

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 drugs, and as part of the 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:

People have always cared about their beauty, worried about the condition of their skin and had a hard time with aging, trying to maintain youth and freshness of their skin for as long as possible. It is possible that our ancient ancestors looked closely at themselves in the mirror-like surface of the water and tried to find in nature various products for the face, body and hair. Scientists are well aware that various cosmetic accessories have been found in the most ancient burials of various cultures.

The desire for beauty and youth has not been lost by humanity even today, but thanks to the advances of science, it is much easier for us to take care of ourselves than for our great-great-great-great-grandmothers. We offer numerous salon products and modern cosmetic preparations, many of which our distant relatives would consider magical. Indeed, many current creams have such an extraordinary effect - they tighten sagging skin, remove wrinkles, give beautiful colour face, eliminate acne, redness and age-related changes fabrics. Among these magical remedies is retinol acetate, a substance actively used in modern cosmetics for face and body care.

What is retinol acetate

The discovery of vitamins and the determination of their role in the health of the human body is an important milestone in the development of science and medicine. Gradually, the understanding came that vitamins can be used not only to maintain health, but also as a powerful cosmetic product. Vitamin A and its form, retinol acetate, now widely used in cosmetics, play an important role in maintaining the quality and youth of the skin. Its properties have been studied relatively recently, but these days almost every brand that produces face and body skin care products has its own line of cosmetics based on the use of retinol acetate or other retinoids - derivatives of vitamin A.

Retinol acetate has a number of important properties:

1. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and therefore requires an oily substance as a carrier to penetrate the skin and tissues.
2. It is a powerful natural antioxidant, which is why retinol acetate is present in almost all anti-aging drugs.
3. Retinol acetate is able to fight free radicals, which reduces the risk of various tumors, including cancer.

This substance penetrates deeply into the tissue, reaching the zone of formation of collagen and elastin - natural fibers on which the elasticity and youth of the skin depends. With age, the body's ability to produce elastin and collagen on its own decreases, facial skin loses its elasticity and strength, it stretches, and under the influence of gravity, facial tissues begin to sag. This leads to changes in the oval of the face and the appearance of wrinkles. The use of retinol acetate in cosmetics stimulates the production of elastin and collagen fibers, which prevents aging and returns the face to a youthful, fresh and toned appearance.

Using tonics, emulsions, serums, creams and masks with retinol helps get rid of wrinkles different types, smooth out facial contours, eliminate age spots and rejuvenate the skin.

In recent years, the positive effects of retinol on oily, porous skin affected by acne, suffering from deep acne and marks from them have been discovered.

Such an effective effect of retinol acetate on the condition of the skin has forced specialists around the world to deeply study its properties. As a result, many effective means, helping to quickly cope with numerous skin problems both with juvenile acne and age-related aging skin.

Effects of retinol acetate on facial skin

Currently, scientists have learned to obtain a stable vitamin A preparation that does not deteriorate and is able to penetrate deeply into the skin. The use of retinol acetate in various means makes it possible to use it in products for different skin types.

It helps cope well with high oiliness, so it is included in creams for oily, rough and porous skin. The effectiveness of retinol depends on its concentration. It is added to everyday products small quantities, as it can cause exfoliation of the skin. This property of retinol acetate has found application in. It is often called yellow because the skin acquires this color after exposure to it. special means based on vitamin A. Under the influence of such peeling, the surface layer of the skin dies, taking with it age spots, peeling, wrinkles, as well as traces of post-acne, scars and skin defects.

Under the influence of peeling oily skin begins to produce less sebum, and all processes in it are activated. As a result, it not only restores its tone, firmness and elasticity, but also eliminates foci of inflammation, acne and disruption of the sebaceous glands, manifested by the formation of painful subcutaneous acne. Yellow peeling– a very effective anti-aging agent and a way to combat rashes and blemishes on the skin.

Retinol acetate is an excellent remedy for combating changes caused by aging skin. In most anti-aging products, along with others useful substances, contains retinol acetate in varying concentrations.

When not to use products containing retinol acetate

When using products containing this substance, you need to know that in some cases it can cause harm, sometimes quite significant. The following conditions and factors may serve as contraindications and restrictions to the use of drugs with retinol:

• Vitamin A in any form, including in the form of retinol acetate, can penetrate the skin into the human body. Since both a lack of vitamin A and its excess are equally harmful to a person, uncontrolled use of this substance in high concentrations and in different types can lead to very dangerous consequences for good health. Excess retinol acetate can be toxic to humans.
• After using products with retinol, the skin becomes very sensitive to the effects of sunlight, therefore, when using various creams and other preparations with vitamin A, it is strongly recommended to protect it from the effects of the sun with hats and scarves, as well as use special sunscreens. Increased photosensitivity can lead to persistent age spots, which will be very difficult to derive. With very white and sensitive skin It is recommended to use preparations with retinol or salon procedures based on it only during the period of inactive sun (from October to April).
• If a person has a tendency to allergic reactions, the use of creams or other formulations with retinol acetate can cause so-called retinoid dermatitis - acute skin reaction accompanied by redness, peeling and severe inflammation of the skin.
• The use of retinol in any form is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Using products containing retinol acetate

There are preparations with different concentrations of retinol acetate. Products containing a high content of this substance are intended for use exclusively in a beauty salon. An experienced specialist will definitely make a test before use and will carry out procedures only if there are no contraindications for the use of such a product.

For home use creams and special cosmetic lines with safe retinol content are produced. They should be selected according to indications, for example, for skin covered with acne and traces of them, it is necessary to use a special series intended for young skin with acne. Typically, the series includes drugs aimed at comprehensive care and treatment of the main problem - from foam or gel for washing to tonic, lotion or emulsion, cream and mask, or a special product for targeted treatment of individual inflamed areas of the skin.

The same applies to anti-aging products with retinol. They usually include all the necessary skin care products, but it is quite possible to use only one cream. It is best to opt for a night cream for the skin of the face, since at night the skin is actively restored, and in the dark it cannot be affected by the sun's rays. Even women with very delicate and sensitive skin can afford to use night cream with retinol acetate.