Retinol is an antioxidant in skincare products that can promote keratin metabolism, is more suitable for comedones and papules pustules, and can resist skin aging.
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, although it has a very common name, it is definitely well-known in the field of skincare. Too many papers and experiments have proved that various forms of retinol as a cell conduction factor, the effect is excellent (cell conduction factor can instruct cells to restore healthy functions, so as to restore youth). At the same time, retinol is also an antioxidant, can resist free radical damage caused by sunlight and pollution.
Vitamin A molecules can be divided into many more powerful small molecules, generally called retinoids—prescription retinoids contain tretinoin (or tretinoin). Unlike tretinoin, retinol (the entire vitamin A molecule) is a cosmetic ingredient that can be used by any cosmetic company, so it can be bought everywhere without a prescription. However, it is different from tretinoin. It has no effect on the skin itself. It can only work if it is absorbed by the skin and decomposed into tretinoin. In order to achieve it, the retinol molecule must be very stable and able to penetrate the skin.
Fortunately, there are many kinds of stable retinol that have proved to be effective in experiments. In addition, other effective forms of vitamin A include retinyl acetate, vitamin A palmitate, retinal, and so on. Various forms of retinol are indeed good for the skin, which is why they are widely used in skincare products.
Before using skincare products containing retinol, you need to know:
Only consider products in opaque and sealed packaging, because various forms of vitamin A will degrade and deteriorate after repeated exposure to air and sunlight.
Gentle cleansing products, toners, and well-formulated moisturizers or essences can help the skin adapt to retinol.
Studies have shown that the combination of retinol and exfoliating salicylic acid is more effective in treating clogged follicles and acne skin.
Retinol will become unstable when exposed to the sun, so it is best to use it at night. For daytime use, you need to add sunscreen or foundation with a reasonable formula.
Vitamin A generally appears on the ingredient list as retinyl acetate, vitamin A palmitate, retinal, and other similar names.
The known side effects of retinol are caused by skin discomforts, such as redness and peeling, especially when used for the first time, but this is not an allergy. Generally, when the skin adapts to this ingredient after a few days, the uncomfortable symptoms should disappear. If the symptoms do not disappear after two weeks of use, you should stop using them. Not everyone is suitable for vitamin A products.
As tretinoin is the top player in anti-acne drugs, the effect of vitamin A acid on acne has been supported by a large amount of literature. However, its side effects are also the strongest, not only causing fetal malformations but also redness, swelling, and peeling caused by strong skin irritation, etc. please be sure to find a doctor to understand clearly and use it under their guidance. This is a prescription drug, not a skincare product!