To buy the “right” retinol cream for the face at the pharmacy, you need to understand the essence of this mysteriously named substance. After all, in essence, this is the familiar vitamin A, which is rightly called the vitamin of youth. But is it really that banal?
Vitamin A is necessary for the entire body to ensure normal functioning. It guarantees the health of our bones, skin, hair and nails. Without a sufficient amount of retinol, the full functioning of the visual organs and immune system is impossible.
It has a positive effect on metabolic and regeneration processes, stimulates the production of substances responsible for the youth and beauty of the whole body, fights infections, relieves inflammation and irritation, and actively resists dermatological problems.
The effectiveness of retinol for our skin
Vitamin A is necessary for the entire body to ensure normal functioning. It guarantees the health of our bones, skin, hair and nails. Without a sufficient amount of retinol, the full functioning of the visual organs and immune system is impossible.
It has a positive effect on metabolic and regeneration processes, stimulates the production of substances responsible for the youth and beauty of the whole body, fights infections, relieves inflammation and irritation, and actively resists dermatological problems.
Based on these functions of the vitamin, we highlight exactly those actions that it has on the epidermis and dermis:
- retinol for facial skin – a stimulator of restoration and regeneration at the cellular level. It fights hyperpigmentation, improves color, promotes the resorption of scars and post-acne marks;
- actively moisturizes and maintains fluid balance in the epidermis;
- prevents inflammatory processes, regulates the functioning of the skin glands;
- stimulates the production of its own protein compounds collagen and elastin, increasing skin turgor;
- promotes rapid renewal of the upper layer of epidermal cells;
- has a beneficial effect on blood circulation processes, strengthens capillary walls, thereby improving oxygen exchange, the supply of nutrients, other vitamins, macro and microelements;
- has a powerful antioxidant effect, promotes the removal of free radicals and protects against the negative effects of environmental factors.
However, the effectiveness of retinol also has a downside. There is such a thing as “irritation potential,” which is directly related to the concentration of the substance in the cream. The higher the concentration, the greater the effect, but the greater the risk of developing side effects. Or they could be like this:
- redness of the skin, burning sensation;
- itching and swelling in the areas where the product is applied;
- dryness and flaking;
- various dermatoses;
- excessive sensitivity to solar radiation;
- the appearance of pigmentation.
A product in which the concentration of retinol is in a variable range from 1 to 2% is considered to “work” effectively. But there is a nuance here too - depending on the form in which the substance is presented in the composition. Even this dose can cause side effects.
Therefore, we take into account contraindications to the use of all products containing retinol without exception:
- tendency to allergies;
- pregnancy;
- pathologies of the blood system;
- inflammatory processes and gallstones;
- pancreatic diseases;
- violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of application of the product;
- simultaneously with use with certain medications (be sure to notify your dermatologist about all medications you are taking);
- age up to 12 years.
People with sensitive skin should be especially careful when starting to use creams with retinol. If this is your first time using the product, it is better to conduct a tolerance test to protect yourself from unwanted consequences.
Attention! If you detect the slightest signs of discomfort, you should immediately stop using the cream and contact the specialist who recommended it to you. Perhaps a high concentration was selected. And one more thing - you need to start using the cream very carefully, apply a small amount of the product, accustoming the body to the new substance.
Forms of Vitamin A
It is best to buy face cream with retinoids at the pharmacy and after consulting a dermatologist. In addition to providing an anti-aging effect, such cosmetics are designed to solve significant dermatological or cosmetic problems - that is, they are a kind of medicine.
In addition, retinol in face cream can have several names. Or rather, varieties of substances that differ in their activity, effectiveness and effect.
- Retinol is actually the most commonly used form of vitamin A, which is found in non-therapeutic cosmetics. It tends to accumulate in the epidermis and therefore, the longer such a retinoic anti-wrinkle cream is used, the higher its effectiveness. The irritant potential of the substance is several times lower than that of its derivatives. This is important to consider if you use the products for a long time, regardless of the season.
- Retinyl palmitate is the most stable, but also the least active form of vitamin A. To release pure retinol, which will effectively fight skin problems, our body will have to use many mechanisms. Therefore, this substance is used for preventive rather than medicinal purposes.
- Retinyl acetate is a representative of the essential retinol series. In creams it is low active and acts as an antioxidant.
- Retinoic acid is rarely found in cosmetics and is more often present in medications. It has a high irritant potential, but effectively fights wrinkles. This form is used by our body at the cellular level.
- Isotretinoin is a synthetic substance, even more active, since it immediately penetrates into the cell nucleus. It acts instantly, but the possibility of side effects is very high. It has a teratogenic effect - disrupting the development of the embryo. It is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.
Pharmacy creams with retinol have both cosmetic and therapeutic effects. They must be used strictly according to indications, which can only be determined by a specialist.
How to choose the right cream - percentage of content and synergy with other products
When studying the composition in creams with retinol, first of all you need to pay attention to the form of the substance and the concentration of its product. It is acceptable to use any form of vitamin A at a concentration of 1-2%. Higher rates are fraught with side effects.
Interesting fact. When calculating the effective dosage, the 1/10 principle is used. That is, 1% retinol is comparable in effectiveness to 0.1% retinoic acid. And if we talk about the natural transformation of less active substances, then in the body they are all converted into retinoic acid.
Many ladies make masks with vitamin A at home, where retinol is used together with additional ingredients, or they buy pharmaceutical products that are balanced and contain a safe concentration of the active substance.
Retinol creams usually contain the following components:
- vitamin E, which, when paired with its “brother,” has an anti-aging effect on the epidermis;
- vitamin C slows down the processes of retinol conversion and additionally acts as an anti-inflammatory agent;
- panthenol improves tissue regeneration, promotes the healing of microwounds on the skin surface;
- hyaluronic acid, thermal water - for deep hydration and maintaining a healthy fluid balance;
- vegetable oils and extracts nourish the skin. Retinol enhances their activity;
- marine collagen - to supply “building material” used in the synthesis of protein compounds;
- glycolic acid enhances the anti-aging effect;
- fruit acids help cleanse the epidermis of dead cells, which allows deeper penetration of active substances into the epidermis and dermis.
Knowing about all the pitfalls of cosmetic products containing retinol, it is easy to conclude - we buy proven, high-quality products and only after consultation with a cosmetologist or dermatologist. This is exactly the case when excessive care can turn into a real disaster.
The use of retinoic creams is sometimes included in the care of oily and dehydrated skin. Why? Because it is they that allow you to create a protective film on the surface, and also improve the uneven relief inherent in the oily type.
Useful video about retinoic creams:
List of the best creams that can be found in the pharmacy
So, you come to the pharmacy and are faced with a choice - what to buy? Moreover, on the shelf there are a wide range of retinol creams from different manufacturers.
Do the right thing - reviews of face cream with retinol will help you decide (but this is in addition to the recommendation of a specialist). We present a rating of products with the opinions of clients who have already tried such a product on themselves, their loved ones.
The best retinol creams from foreign manufacturers
"Lift Activ Retinol" from Vichy. The popular brand did not stand aside from the release of pharmaceutical preparations with retinol. The cream has proven itself to be an effective remedy with a minimum of side effects. It additionally contains thermal water and hyaluronic acid. It perfectly copes with dry skin, completely eliminates fine wrinkles and significantly reduces more pronounced ones.
Albina, 35 years old, Moscow
“Either I have a tendency to form wrinkles, or the way of life and its frantic rhythm affected my appearance, but I began to notice very strong age-related changes with pronounced wrinkles, pigmentation on the cheekbones, dryness and flaking of the skin on the face, especially in the area of the nasolabial triangle .
The cosmetologist advised me to use a cream with retinol, but only from the pharmacy. He said that it would be more effective and better than a product from a cosmetic store. Vichy cream intrigued me because I heard about this brand from my friends.
I’ve been using it for about a month and the results are noticeable - the skin is moisturized, wrinkles have become less pronounced, the spots on the cheeks are not so bright. And the smaller ones have completely disappeared."
Valentina, 47 years old, Tver
“I won’t go into detail about what skin problems women my age have. And I want to look as impressive as I did ten years ago. I’ll be honest – I didn’t go to a cosmetologist or dermatologist. I know about all my features. Therefore, before buying the cream, I took just a drop of Lift Active from Vichy from a friend and did an allergy test. As it turned out, I can use it, although I have the sin of being overly sensitive to any cosmetics.
What can I tell you – the result is visible and good. But even such an excellent cream is not able to stop time, as the manufacturer promises.”
"Redermic R" La Roche-Posay - the cream is very light in texture and practically does not cause irritation, since the retinol in it is presented in a form with low irritating potential. However, it is effective with long-term use and can be used year-round. Only in hot and sunny seasons should you additionally use products with UV filters.
Lyudmila, 42 years old, Perm
“The cream is really very light, soft and pleasant. Absorbs very quickly, softens the skin, makes it moisturized and tightened. The only thing is that I expected a faster effect.
But if you need prolongation, and not an immediate result, then you cannot find a better remedy. At least I won't look for anything else."
Oksana, 39 years old, Samara
“I’m not very happy with this cream, but I expected the result to be more pronounced and faster. But if you use it for a long time and regularly, it will probably be good. For now, I lubricate my face in the evening to avoid the appearance of pigmentation (the cosmetologist told me about this). And now I’m thinking - maybe it’s worth it twice a day and take another filter in addition, then it will be faster and more effective?!”
“Kinetinol” Mart >Irina, 32 years old, Surgut
“Northern latitudes are not conducive to blooming appearance due to constant temperature changes. So I suffered from these effects - after giving birth, my skin became very dry and flaky. It even cracked in the cold. Pigment spots appeared that irritated me terribly.
Another trip to the cosmetologist ended with me going to the pharmacy and buying myself a cream with retinol. I’ve been using it for three months now and I’m happy - the dryness has begun to appear less, the spots have gone away, my face has brightened and smoothed out.”
Victoria, 28 years old, St. Petersburg
“Difficult childbirth, taking hormones and the problems that arose as a result did not have the best effect on my appearance. Spots appeared on the face and they began to progress. Then acne came along. The doctor recommended a cream with retinol. Kinetinol Martiderm turned out to be very effective. He still really helps me cope with defects that are slowly going away.”
Obagi is a whole line of products with retinol from American manufacturers. It is used only for the treatment of dermatological problems and exclusively in professional clinics.
Olga, 38 years old, Ryazan
“I have very serious problems with my face - acne has left not only scars, but whole “ditches.” Pigmentation, acne, psoriasis began. I was forced to go to Moscow for a consultation with a dermatologist. A friend took me to a specialized clinic, where I was given a couple of cleansing sessions and masks using American drugs.
They gave me the cream home and told me how to use it. I’m back to my old form!”
Elena, 34 years old, Murmansk
“Girls, these products are only for professionals. You can buy them at the pharmacy, but is it necessary?! The concentration of very retinol in different forms is high. Sami, you are unlikely to cope with their use within reasonable limits. The drug is effective, I won’t argue. But only in the hands of doctors"
The list of face creams with retinol from foreign manufacturers can be continued not with pharmacy products, but with purely cosmetic products. L'Oreal, Garnier, Oley did not remain aloof from producing creams with vitamin A. These are inexpensive but effective products that our compatriots love.
Natalya, 33 years old, Ramenskoye
“I have been using Garnier cream with retinol for quite some time. There were problems with dry skin, pigmentation, sagging. If you use it regularly, take day and night products, in addition to peelings and scrubs, then the result will be, believe me.”
Tamara, 42 years old, Samara
“Oley cream is my favorite. I have been using it for a long time and when it was time to take more radical measures to combat age-related changes, I bought a product with retinol from this brand without hesitation. I recommend it to everyone – the cream is simply a miracle.”
Creams with retinol made in Russia
Now let's turn our attention to Russian-made face cream with retinol. The list will also be quite long, and all the products have remarkable qualities.
"Shark Power" A whole line of products with vitamin A is presented: day and night cream, masks. Plant extracts and oils, vitamin complexes are used as additional components. The skin acquires an even color, elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed out, and turgor improves.
Valeria, 35 years old, Moscow
“I am a fan of domestic products, including cosmetics. Creams based on shark retinol are a worthy alternative to branded products."
Anna, 42 years old, Novosibirsk
“Given my tendency to allergies, it is very difficult to find the right cream or mask. "Shark Power" worked perfectly - there is no irritation, redness or rashes that appeared after one expensive and very advertised product"
Nature Siberian. Night rejuvenating face cream. In addition to retinol, it contains extracts from the unique Siberian plant Cladonia snowy, fruit acids and other plant extracts. Gives skin elasticity, radiance, freshness, eliminates wrinkles, slows down the aging process.
Daria, 38 years old, Murmansk
“Natura Siberica is a very good cream that fulfills all its obligations. It moisturizes, restores skin, softens and gives elasticity. Wrinkles are smoothed out, the color becomes even and radiant."
Larisa, 45 years old, Ivanovo
“Cream with retinol from Siberika helped me cope with many problems - in particular, it removed pigmentation, smoothed out wrinkles, moisturized the skin and evened out the tone of the face.”
Black pearl “Self-rejuvenation”. A popular series of creams - day, night, ultra lifting. It contains vitamin complexes and plant extracts that perfectly tone, moisturize, soften the skin, and effectively fight the aging process at the cellular level.
Evelina, 39 years old, Moscow
“I’m not impressed with the results of using the Black Pearl cream. Self-rejuvenation." The manufacturer's promises are greatly exaggerated. There is no such “wow” effect. An average cream that matches its low price. It is impossible to say that it is generally useless. But after reading the recommendations you expect more.”
Valentina, 45 years old, Irkutsk
“Black pearls have settled on my dressing table for a long time and firmly. I used all the suggested products according to my age. And now she has not changed her convictions. Creams with retinol met all expectations"
Belita-Vitex day and night cream. Regular use guarantees restoration of the skin, active tissue regeneration, deep hydration and adequate nutrition of the epidermis and dermis.
Tatyana, 40 years old, Syzran
“If I had found such a remedy earlier, many problems could have been avoided altogether, and some would not have been so bright and expressive. But the effectiveness is obvious, or rather, on the face. The oval is tightened, age spots disappear, the skin is smoothed, becomes velvety and even.”
Marina, 49 years old, Omsk
“Well, cream and cream are no better or worse than similar products in this price category. There is an effect, but it is not pronounced. It needs to be used for a long time and regularly.”
Caviale Vitamin A with oils and antioxidant complex. The very light texture of the cream allows you to use it at any time of the day, including as a base for makeup. Evens out tone, protects against free radicals and solar radiation, smoothes wrinkles, moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis.
Arina, 34 years old, Tver
“I didn’t expect that for such very little money you could buy such a worthy product. The cream is very pleasant, smells subtle and unobtrusive, is perfectly absorbed, and fulfills all its “obligations.” The foundation goes on smoothly on it. It doesn’t clog pores and doesn’t cause oily shine.”
Ekaterina, 42 years old, Tomsk
“The cream is above all praise - even somewhat better than expensive French analogues. It is absorbed easily and quickly and does not cause irritation (which is very important for me). The skin after it is soft, delicate, velvety and even.”
Vitamin A or retinol is especially useful for dry, aging and problematic skin. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties, this component is often used in cosmetology, including in the composition of creams, serums and masks. The latter, by the way, are easy to prepare yourself, using the most affordable products.
Content:
- Action and benefits of vitamin A for the face
- Vitamin A for the face, contraindications for use
- Recommendations for external use of vitamin A
- Homemade recipes for all facial skin types with vitamin A
Action and benefits of vitamin A for the face
Vitamin A (also called retinol) is a group of substances with a similar structure (retinol, retinal, carotenoids, carotene, xanthophyll, retinoic acid, retinol palmitate, retinol acetate) that perform a number of important biological functions in our body. Retinol has two forms: it is ready-made vitamin A and provitamin A (carotene), which enters our body and is converted into vitamin A.
In relation to the skin, vitamin A for the face performs a number of functions that ensure overall skin health and radiance:
- accelerates blood circulation in the skin;
- eliminates inflammatory processes, including acne;
- as a strong antioxidant, it has a neutralizing effect on free radicals, preventing early skin aging;
- stimulates cellular renewal processes, providing a general rejuvenating effect;
- evens out the relief of the face, eliminates age spots and improves complexion;
- increases the skin's resistance to negative environmental influences (sun, low temperatures, etc.);
- helps restore and strengthen the epithelial cells that make up the skin.
- moisturizes, increases elasticity and strengthens the skin structure.
If a sufficient amount of this substance enters the body, the skin of the face looks healthy, toned and fresh; if it is deficient, a variety of cosmetic problems begin to arise, the main ones being wrinkles, acne, and dry skin. To get rid of them, just drink a vitamin complex with retinol in the composition. Such complexes should be selected by a doctor after a preliminary consultation.
Vitamin A is the main active ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products. Usually such funds are not cheap. For home facial skin care, vitamin A can be effectively used as part of natural masks (not used in its pure form), but it is recommended for women over 35 to do this on a regular basis. Before this age period, there is no need for frequent use of this substance; 1 procedure per month is enough to improve skin tone. The effect of such a vitamin mask is complex and noticeable immediately. Despite everything, vitamin A is still a pharmaceutical drug and should be used with great caution! Experts recommend making masks with retinol during cold periods of the year.
If there are contraindications to the use of vitamin A, products rich in this substance (viburnum, parsley, spinach, egg yolks, dairy products, pumpkin, carrots, fish oil, algae) can be used as ingredients for homemade masks.
You can purchase vitamin A for the face (retinol acetate) at any pharmacy, and in several forms:
- oil solution for oral administration;
- in capsules with oil content;
- in ampoules.
Pharmaceutical retinol preparations are highly concentrated, so their use has contraindications.
Video: Magnificent vitamin A for the face in Malysheva’s program “Live Healthy!”
Vitamin A for the face, contraindications for use
- Skin damage, open wounds with purulent contents.
- Skin diseases.
- Allergic reactions.
Women should use retinol with caution (after consultation with a doctor) during pregnancy and lactation, since its excess can cause disturbances in the development of the fetus. An overdose of vitamin A manifests itself in the form of nausea, loss of appetite, headache, and enlarged liver.
Recommendations for external use of vitamin A
- Before using retinol, you should test for the presence of allergic reactions, for which the substance in its pure form should be applied to the skin of the wrist. If there is no itching or redness of the skin, then vitamin procedures can be carried out without fear.
- If the mask recipe contains honey, oils and other active ingredients that require heating to increase their properties, then when vitamin A is included, this is not necessary to avoid reducing its properties.
- Before applying a mask with vitamin A to your face, you need to steam it (steam bath) and cleanse your skin with a scrub.
- The compositions are applied to the entire face, except for the area around the eyes, following the massage lines.
- Keep the mask on for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with herbal decoction or water at room temperature and lubricate your face with regular cream.
- Do the procedure an hour before bedtime. The wellness course includes 10-12 procedures, performed 1-2 times a week. After this, you need to take a break for three months.
- Retinol combines very well with vitamins D, E and B.
- Retinol is not recommended for long-term use; an overdose of the substance can cause dryness, thinning of the skin and flaking.
Homemade recipes for all facial skin types with vitamin A
Anti-inflammatory mask with aloe juice.
Compound.
Nourishing night cream for your skin type – 1 tsp.
Vitamin A oil solution – 10 drops.
Aloe juice – 5 drops.
Application.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a glass bowl and apply an even thick layer to a previously steamed and cleansed face. After 20 minutes, remove the remaining mask with a cotton pad.
Vitamin oil mask.
Compound.
Olive oil (unrefined) – 1 tbsp. l.
Retinol acetate in ampoules – 1 pc.
Application.
Enrich the oil with vitamin, mix thoroughly and distribute onto a clean face. There is no need to wash off the mask; after half an hour, remove the remaining product with a cosmetic napkin.
Curd and olive mask.
Compound.
Cottage cheese with a high percentage of fat content - 1 tbsp. l.
Olive oil – 1 tbsp. l.
Retinol – 10 drops.
Application.
Combine the components into a homogeneous mass and apply to a clean face. After 30 minutes, rinse the mask with water at room temperature and apply your regular night cream.
Mask with aloe and oatmeal.
Compound.
Aloe juice – 1 tbsp. l.
Chopped oatmeal – ½ tsp.
Vitamin A in oil – 5 drops.
Application.
Mix oatmeal with aloe juice and leave for 2 minutes. Add retinol acetate to the prepared mass and apply to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. After 20 minutes, wash with warm water and lubricate the skin with a cream appropriate for your skin type.
Nourishing milk mask.
Compound.
Fat sour cream – 1 tsp.
High fat cottage cheese – 1 tsp.
Retinol in ampoules – 1 pc.
Application.
Grind the milk components thoroughly until smooth, then add vitamin A. Spread the mixture onto your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water, then apply a nourishing product appropriate for your skin type.
Rejuvenating honey-oil mask.
Compound.
Sweet almond oil – 1 tsp.
Burdock oil – 1 tsp.
Liquid honey – 1 tsp.
Vitamin A solution in oil – ½ tsp.
Application.
Add retinol to the oil mixture and massage into the skin. Leave for half an hour, remove any remaining product from the skin by blotting with a paper towel.
Vitamin tonic for acne.
Compound.
Chamomile flowers – 1 tbsp. l.
Cool boiling water – 200 ml.
Vitamin A in ampoules – 1 pc.
Application.
Prepare a chamomile infusion by pouring boiling water over the raw material and leaving it until it cools. Include the vitamin in the finished filtered infusion and pour it into an empty and clean tonic or lotion bottle. Wipe the skin with the product twice a day after washing.
To maintain healthy skin and the body as a whole, vitamin A must be supplied to the body in sufficient quantities through food. Pure vitamin A is found in products of animal origin (meat, cod liver and eggs), in the form of provitamin A or carotene it is found in products of plant origin (sea buckthorn, carrots, apricots, tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits of red, orange and yellow color) . Include foods rich in this substance in your diet every day, but do not forget about moderation, because an excess of the vitamin is just as harmful as its deficiency.
We have all heard about the unimaginable benefits of vitamin A since childhood; it is also good for the skin and is often used in cosmetic preparations and in general it is like a rejuvenating apple. Let's try to figure out what retinol is and how it can be used on the skin, and when it is undesirable.
Vitamin A, or retinol, is one of the most widely recognized nutrients for healthy skin. Synthetic retinoids have been used as effective treatments for severe cases of acne and psoriasis since the 1980s, demonstrating how beneficial vitamin A can be in treating problematic skin.
Vitamin A deficiency
A lack of vitamin A causes the skin to become keratinized and scaly - this is the first warning sign. In these cases, it is urgent to normalize the diet by including foods containing a lot of vitamin A.
Vitamin A for facial skin
Vitamin A really affects the physiology of the skin, promotes cell division, suppresses the formation of androgen hormones and regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Thus, this vitamin plays one of the first roles in preventing the formation of comedones that cause acne.
- Retains moisture in the skin, prevents it from overdrying, roughening, and cracking.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Prevents photoaging (reduces the destructive effects of UV rays).
- As an antioxidant, it fights free radicals, preventing aging.
- Promotes cell regeneration - and therefore skin rejuvenation (slows down collagen degradation).
For the treatment of skin diseases (including acne, eczema, psoriasis, herpes, wounds, burns, sunburn, and ichthyosis), experts have been prescribing the external use of synthetic retinoids for many years.
ATTENTION! But often synthetic vitamin A can cause allergic reactions, so cosmetologists are increasingly inclined to use cosmetics with natural analogues of this vitamin, rather than its synthetic versions.
The use of retinol in cosmetology
Many skin care product labels claim to contain "pure retinol" , although most do not contain enough retinol to produce the desired effect. A large number of consumers are under the impression that retinol, in any form, is the best way to reduce the signs of aging, although this is not always true.
To effectively reduce wrinkles, the product must contain high percentage of retinol . Since most creams do not list the percentage of retinol contained in the product, it is difficult to determine which products are effective and which are useless.
In fact, there is no difference in products between “pure retinol” and retinol.
MARKETING TRICKS! The word “clean” was added by marketers to attract consumers. The only product that can truly contain pure retinol is a product that contains only retinol – and no other ingredients. Thus, it is important to read the ingredient list when choosing a cream of any kind.
RETINOIDS
Many products also contain vitamin A derivatives - retinoids . As a rule, retinoids are much stronger than retinols, but more aggressive.
Any product that contains large amounts of ingredients other than retinol, such as caffeine, will not produce the desired effects.
Based on the above, it becomes clear that not all creams with vitamin A inside will actually work. The composition of creams is a delicate matter, but, of course, everyone chooses the one that suits them.
USING RETINOL AT HOME!
Many women have chosen a simple option - adding retinol (acetate or palminate) to a regular cream (with a minimum amount of ingredients, the more natural it is, the better!). But, again, no one knows how retinol will interact with other components - so it’s a kind of “Russian roulette”.
Therefore, many are inclined to exclusively natural remedies – for example, a mixture of olive oil with carrot or spinach juice (sources of beta-carotene).
Retinoic ointment for acne
Not many people are familiar with such a tool as retinoic ointment – it is sold in a pharmacy, is inexpensive, and contains form of vitamin A, with increased biological activity and isotretinoin is the main active ingredient.
It promotes cell division and reduces the amount of sebum. Initially, this ointment was used specifically for the treatment of acne and other serious skin problems: rosacea, oral dermatitis, papulo-putulous acne, nodular cystic acne, seborrhea).
ATTENTION! Since the ointment contains quite aggressive ingredients, it can be used only as prescribed by a doctor!and strictly for medicinal purposes, we will describe the rules of use below.
Retinoic ointment for wrinkles
During the treatment of problem skin, experts noticed that retinoic ointment also has a rejuvenating effect - perfectly smooths out wrinkles (or prevents their occurrence).
Reviews about retin ointment are ambiguous: some say that the ointment dries the skin terribly, others say that it is easily used as a cream, tightens wrinkles and moisturizes normally.
The ointment has such different effects because Retinol is not for everyone!.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
- Vitamin A makes the skin too sensitive to UV rays (despite the fact that it fights photoaging), so it is recommended to use any creams with retinol only in non-sunny seasons, and this retinoic ointment only in the evening.
- Ointment cannot be used continuously, since this is a rather aggressive drug (course maximum 3 weeks).
- Do not apply ointment to sensitive eyelid skin.
- Before applying it to your face, try the ointment on your wrist if you do not experience any allergic reaction – then start using it.
- Do not use the ointment in parallel with any medications, containing retinol (inside or outside), tetracycline antibiotics, as well as hormonal contraceptives (isotretinoin reduces the effect of progesterone).