Retinol for age spots at home

One of the most painful diseases is skin pigmentation disorder. To eliminate this problem, cosmetology uses retinol, which is a form of vitamin A. This substance is used to treat acne, reduce the deepening of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging caused by exposure to the sun. However, the effectiveness of retinol directly depends on its form, so before you start removing age spots with this product, it would be a good idea to consult a specialized specialist.

Definition of illness

The formation of flat, elongated, dark-colored areas on the skin are called pigment spots. They occur for various reasons, but are most often observed in older people. In large numbers, spots on the dermis are considered a cosmetic defect, which is accompanied by roughening, drying of the skin and wrinkles. The formation of areas of pigmentation is caused by a violation of the concentration of 5 main pigments in the skin, especially melanin - a pigment that prevents the penetration of ultraviolet radiation. As a result, darkened areas form in places where melanin accumulates; they can be either congenital or acquired.

Pigment spots often appear in people with the following pathologies:

1. diseases of the digestive system;
2. vitamin C deficiency;
3. liver diseases;
4. neuropsychiatric disorders;
5. constant stress;
6. gynecological diseases;
7. neuroses.

Benefits of retinol

According to specialized experts, there is no better remedy in the fight against wrinkles than retinol. Its ability to slow down aging has been confirmed by numerous studies, but it is worth understanding that the effectiveness of retinol is only possible when used in combination with other cosmetics. Retinol alone cannot cope with the aging process and therefore it is often used together with antioxidants, niacinamide and peptides. Retinols have been proven to lighten age spots and speed up cell metabolism.

How to use retinol for pigmentation?

To get rid of pigmentation, it is recommended to use a highly effective substance - retinol. However, before you start lightening spots with retinol, you need to familiarize yourself with its features. It should be borne in mind that this substance increases photosensitivity and the normal sensitivity of the skin, which is why it is applied to the affected areas of the dermis before bed or during the day, but using an additional cream that has an increased degree of protection. For pigmentation to go away, you need to start taking retinol in the autumn, when the sun's rays are not so bright. Vitamin A will help against age spots after 2 months of regular use, but only if it is combined with other skin care products.

It is recommended to start the course of the described anti-aging substance with small doses or with products that contain retinol aldehyde. It is usually well tolerated by people even with sensitive skin and prone to allergic reactions. Use vitamin A daily for 2 months, applying it to problem areas of the body in small concentrations. Before applying the cosmetic product, the skin is cleaned and dried; it is likely that after the first time a slight tingling sensation will appear. If it is necessary to use other cosmetology products, they are applied at least half an hour after treating age spots with retinol.

Contraindications and side effects

People with hypersensitive skin, when using retinol for pigmentation, should be prepared for irritation, dryness, and redness of the dermis. Side symptoms appear in most cases on the 2-4th day of use and disappear on their own after a couple of weeks until the skin adapts. Do not be alarmed that acne has worsened when using vitamin A; this is a normal phenomenon that goes away quickly. It is not recommended to eliminate pigmentation with this remedy for pregnant women and during breastfeeding.

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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.

Retinol for face

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, there are special tablets or entire complexes of nutrients and minerals for internal use.

Benefits of retinol for facial skin:

1. It is a natural antioxidant. It helps to increase the resistance of the epidermis to external irritating factors, protect it from exposure to ultraviolet rays, and relieve itching during the inflammatory process. In addition, vitamin A is able to cleanse the skin of various toxins;
2. The substance helps improve blood circulation. This allows you to provide the necessary nutrition to the deep layers of the epidermis;
3. The product strengthens blood vessels. This is a significant advantage in eliminating blood vessels on the face;
4. Retinol peeling will help remove acne, subcutaneous pimples and blackheads, as well as ensure normal pore function. It is performed together with fruit acids, due to which it completely renews the top layer of the skin;
5. It helps fight the primary signs of aging due to its strong antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It strengthens collagen and elastane fibers, and also “provokes” their increased work.

Retinol is available in the following forms:

1. Injection. Despite the name, it is often used in cosmetology practice. This is the most convenient form of retinol 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 the best 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 speed up metabolic processes, due to which you can get rid of various skin problems in a short time. 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. You need to mix 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 eggs. 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.

Photo - Retinol and tocopherol

Also for intensive hydration The use of retinol and honey is suitable. 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 eliminating 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 products, it is necessary to highlight Russian-made retinoic ointment. 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.

From this article you will learn:

1. Is retinol effective for facial skin - reviews from dermatologists,
2. 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 of the forms of vitamin A. A group of drugs that includes various forms and derivatives of vitamin A, as well as its structural and synthetic analogs, are called retinoids. To rejuvenate facial skin in cosmetology, as a rule, the following forms of vitamin A (retinoids) are used:

1. true retinol,
2. retinol esters (retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, etc.),
3. retinaldehyde,
4. retinoic acid.

Thus, true retinol and the most commonly found retinol esters in cosmetics are completely different forms of vitamin A. In Fig. 2, we have indicated these forms in descending order of their effectiveness, and a little lower 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 –
In recent years, a new patented stabilized form of retinaldehyde has entered the American market under the brand name “IconicA”. 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” -

1. cream SIRCUIT ® “Supernatural-A” (Fig. 3),
2. 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 acne 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:

1. 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 simultaneously use sun cream with SPF 50+.

1. 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).

1. 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.

When used for 36 weeks, you can achieve a noticeable reduction in the depth of wrinkles and an improvement in skin tone and texture. Keep in mind that such products with 1% retinol are quite expensive. To learn how to choose the right product with retinol, read our article:
→ “Products with retinol: rating 2019”

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…

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

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

1. 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).

1. 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.

1. 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... retinol decomposes almost immediately when interacting with light and air (24stoma.ru).

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...

1. if the patient’s skin is still young, but the first signs of aging are already beginning to appear,
2. if you have never used other retinoids before,
3. if the skin has slight unevenness and age spots,
4. 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

Learning to properly use cosmetics with retinol, and even more so professional creams with topical retinoids based on pure retinoic acid, is 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 is somewhat drying to the skin, so winter is not the 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 a high degree of sun protection (minimum SPF 30), and also use wide-brimmed hats that cover 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 -

1. scrubs and chemical peels,
2. alcohol based toners,
3. products that dry the skin
4. It will also be impossible to wax depilation on areas of the skin treated with retinol.

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 skin's surface, stripping away your skin's natural defenses against UV rays, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably SPF 30, before going outside each morning.

7. Retinol application plan –

Most dermatologists and cosmetologists suggest starting to use a cream with retinol according to the following scheme: at first, apply only every third day (approximately during the first 2 weeks). Then you can use it every other day, gradually building up to daily use. Monitor how your skin reacts to retinol.

For some people (with fair skin and light eyes), the adjustment process takes several months or even six months so that they can safely apply retinol cream every evening. We hope that our article: Retinol for facial skin reviews was useful to you!