Retinol is one of the forms of Vitamin A commonly used in cosmetics. You can find it in facial creams, anti-wrinkle products, skin care products as a depigmenting agent and exfoliant, and it works surprisingly well for anti-aging treatments. Cosmetics vary the concentration of this substance depending on its use.
Generally, they contain a low percentage since it is very strong and causes peeling when used excessively. But above all, it offers benefits to improve the appearance of the complexion, smooth the skin on the face, fight against signs of aging, and enhance the glow and texture of the face.
Properties of Retinol
It has different functions and facilitates the renewal of dermal cells. Retinol in the skin is the form that B-carotenes take after being ingested and absorbed. It is Vitamin A, and after undergoing oxidation, it turns into retinoic acid.
It is currently used to eliminate wrinkles on the face, prevent the appearance of expression lines due to age, and reduce the frequency at which they appear. The effects of retinol on the skin of the face are medium-term, and it is necessary to follow a treatment for several months when using creams and cosmetics.
Additionally, it is an excellent substance to give uniformity to the complexion. It improves the texture, tone, and natural glow of the skin. The benefits it provides are both for facial rejuvenation and to eliminate sun-induced spots. It also works on those that appear due to aging.
Some differences that you may find when comparing it to retinoic acid or tretinoin are that it is gentler. Although this difference is often due to the concentration of retinoids. The higher the purity, the greater the benefits, but the side effects also increase. The same applies to potential adverse reactions, such as hypersensitivity.
The properties of retinol are:
- Antioxidant.
- Encourages the production of natural collagen.
- Regenerates dermal and epithelial cells.
- Exfoliant.
- Improves and standardizes skin color.
- Lipid-soluble.
- Improves bone growth.
- Regulates mucous membranes.
- Creates the coloration of the retina.
All these properties of retinol make it a highly valued and widely used substance in creams and cosmetic products for beauty. Furthermore, as it is lipid-soluble, it has the property of dissolving in fat, making it very suitable for mixing ingredients in skin care creams and products. You can find it in products intended for both women and men. It works very well for both genders.
It does not need to have a high concentration to provide an exfoliating effect. It serves as an ingredient for homemade peeling along with glycolic acid. Both acids are widely used in professional treatments in beauty centers and salons, and their ability to reduce the stratum corneum of the skin is excellent.
Since it is a cosmetic acid for beauty treatments, it should be used with caution. It can affect both the outer and deep layers of the epidermis when used without proper control. This is why in its retinoic acid form, a prescription is required to purchase it, unlike when it is already included in a cosmetic product.
You can access it in multiple personal care products. Both in specialized centers and online cosmetics stores, there is a wide variety of products. Some of them are very specialized, while others aim to promote epidermal renewal and improve different aspects of the face.
Retinol Contraindications and Side Effects
- Hypersensitivity.
- Redness, stinging and/or itching.
- Peeling.
As mentioned in the properties, at high concentrations, it has an exfoliating effect and can cause peeling and hypersensitivity. Additionally, it is important to avoid using it when there is greater sun exposure since it can lead to the appearance of sunspots on the face.
Some of these side effects of retinol are eliminated with use. The body creates tolerance, and the skin develops tolerance when it has regular contact with its molecules.
Generally, the concentration typically found in creams does not cause any discomfort or adverse reactions, except for very sensitive skin. If this is your first time using a cream with retinol, the best recommendation is to apply a small amount to a localized area of the skin and wait 24 hours. Afterward, you can use it like any other facial cream without problems. It is worth noting that many people cannot use it as they are too sensitive to its effects. Therefore, it is good to do a test the first time. This way, you can detect if retinol has contraindications and unwanted effects for you.
Retinol and Pregnancy
If you are expecting a child or think you might be pregnant, it is better not to use this substance. Studies indicate that there is a risk to the baby’s health. It should only be used in cases where a doctor recommends it. Some tests show that the use of retinoic acid during pregnancy is associated with congenital malformations.
Additionally, during the breastfeeding period, you should also avoid using creams that contain it. There is no conclusive information, but there are signs that it could exist in traces or excretions in breast milk. So it is better to postpone retinol treatment.
Vitamin A Retinol
As mentioned earlier, Vitamin A is retinol. It is much more commonly referred to by this name in cosmetics than in other fields.
For general health, Vitamin A or antixerophthalmic intervenes in the development of epithelial cells, in bone formation, and skin protection. It is a fundamental and essential substance for human life. The name “retinol” comes from the pigments it creates in the retina. So, it participates in vision.
Palmitate
Retinol palmitate is the combination of retinol with another chemical called palmitic acid. The fusion of both substances results in a slightly gentler product. It is used in cosmetics interchangeably, and differentiating between them can be quite complex, as sometimes it is not correctly indicated. The uses of Vitamin A palmitate are related to acne and wrinkles.
Creams
Today, there is a wide variety of products for the care of all skin types (oily, mixed, and dry). You can acquire luxury and affordable cosmetics with this substance in many places, although most of the time you find very good deals and better prices online.
Depending on the use you want to give it, its concentration may vary. But this will be indicated by the brand itself. If you are looking for a cream to unify the tone, as well as something with an exfoliating effect, it will be purer. If, on the other hand, you want to activate natural collagen and improve the smoothness of your skin, you can get a daily cream. This will have a small amount of Vitamin A or retinoic acid.
In any case, creams with retinol will help you stop oxidation caused by free radicals. In general, it works quite well in treatments to fight aging and stop wrinkles.
If you’re interested, you can check out the article where we have included the list of best retinol creams and get an idea of which ones may be suitable for your skin type and, very importantly, the goals you want to achieve. Depending on whether you want to delay the appearance of wrinkles or act against them, you can focus and buy different anti-aging or rejuvenating products.
