Retinol acetate for eyes. Retinol in modern cosmetology: properties and beneficial effects

Created 03/10/2016

There are many great "hero" skin care ingredients out there, but retinol stands out as one of the best.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin A discovered in 1913. It became the first vitamin to be discovered and therefore received the name of the first letter of the alphabet.

In the body, retinol is synthesized from beta-carotene (provitamin A), and natural sources include animal and plant products. The biologically active form is not retinol itself, but its derivative, trans-RK (tretinoin).

Retinol is included in various vitamin complexes and medicinal drugs. Now it is added to cosmetics. But, unlike medicines, cosmetics are mainly used long time and without medical supervision. Therefore, doubts arose whether it was worth including such an overly active component in products for daily care. After many years of research and clinical trials, compounds (natural and synthetic) were discovered that exhibit effects similar to retinol. These compounds are retinoids. The molecules of many synthetic retinoids differ significantly from the structure of natural vitamin A, but they act in a similar way.

Retinol, entering one cell, stimulates the production of biologically active substances in it, which are released into the intercellular space and, in turn, act on other cells.

Effect of retinoids on the skin:

  • light exfoliation
  • skin lightening
  • increasing skin firmness and elasticity
  • wrinkle smoothing
  • reduction of inflammation
  • acceleration of wound healing

So, vitamin A is involved not only in the regulation of skin homeostasis, supporting many physiological processes at the proper level, but also involved in restoration work that begins after damage. Retinoic drugs are indicated for skin diseases such as frostbite, burns, wounds, ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis, psoriasis, acne, some forms of eczema and other inflammatory and exudative processes.

Vitamin A is one of the activity regulators sebaceous glands and is necessary for their normal functioning. Its deficiency can lead to acne.

For acne mild and medium degree severity, local use of trans-RK (tretinoin preparations) is effective, which compensate for retinol deficiency.

But sometimes, for some reason, the rate of trans-RK metabolism in sebocytes increases, as a result of which its intracellular concentration is below normal and the symptoms of acne do not go away. In such cases, it is more effective to use synthetic retinoids, which are more resistant to intracellular transformations and are able to activate RAR receptors. Isotretinoin is considered one of the best synthetic retinoids for the treatment of severe forms of acne. It acts through RAR receptors. Systemic therapy with isotretinoin drugs leads to a reduction in the size of the sebaceous glands by almost 90%. Acne scars also heal and the skin renewal process accelerates. To treat acne, preparations with retinol are used internally ( oil solution), and externally (ointment).

The use of retinoic drugs is usually accompanied by a slight whitening effect. This indicates that retinoids interfere with skin pigmentation processes.

But retinol is better known as best ingredient anti-aging.

The gradual thinning of the dermal layer of the skin during aging is associated with two parallel processes:

  • activation of metalloproteinases - intercellular enzymes that destroy collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis
  • slowing down the synthesis of new collagen by fibroblasts

As a result of degradation of the intercellular substance of the dermis, the firmness and elasticity of the skin decreases, and wrinkles form. The use of local retinoic drugs stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and also reduces the activity of collagen-degrading matalloproteinases.

One of the signs of photodamage to the skin is the appearance of abnormal elastin material that replaces collagen. After ultraviolet irradiation, the expression of the elastin gene increases several times. Tretinoin applied to irradiated skin has the opposite effect - it inhibits the expression of the elastin gene, thereby preventing subsequent protein synthesis.

Retinoids also enhance the synthesis of another important component of the matrix - glycosaminoglycans. Correction and normalization of the composition of the intercellular matrix of the dermis leads to increased skin elasticity and smoothing of fine wrinkles.

Vitamin A deficiency underlies a number of common cosmetic problems, including dry, rough skin and sweat gland atrophy. But due to its high physiological activity, retinol for a long time didn't go beyond medical use. After lengthy laboratory and clinical trials, retinol began to be included in cosmetic preparations, but with great caution. Although they are sold without a prescription, they still require a lot of attention and accuracy when using.

Among the vitamins used in modern cosmetics, vitamin A occupies a special place. It is called a normalizing vitamin due to its unique ability to affect all living skin cells, regulating the processes of proliferation, differentiation and intercellular communication. Topical application of retinol leads to thinning of the stratum corneum and faster renewal of the epidermis, controls pigmentation, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and helps restore the dermal matrix - these properties are simply invaluable for anti-aging cosmetics and acne.

Spectrum offered today cosmetic products with retinoids is quite wide - from face creams to nail care products. There are even sunscreens, although it is not clear why retinol is included in them, because under direct sunlight all its activity immediately disappears. The use of retinoids in after-sun and nighttime cosmetics is more justified. nourishing creams, in which the normalizing qualities of vitamin A are especially important.

IN last years There has been a tendency to use retinoic drugs in combination with other drugs. Whole ones are created cosmetic lines, which combine the effects of various drugs. Retinoic acid is included in only one of them. The functions of other drugs are usually auxiliary. Some of them prepare the skin for the application of a retinoic drug. For example, soft liquid soap degreases the skin and cleanses it of impurities. For more deep cleaning special ones can be used superficial peelings, softening the stratum corneum and removing dead cells. Most often, such peelings include: fruit acids (glycolic peels), there are also peeling products containing enzymes ( enzymatic peelings). Another category of drugs that make up the cosmetic series are products that soothe, soften, nourish, protect and restore the skin. Their task is to prevent the occurrence side effects associated with the action of retinol (erythema, inflammation, redness and others), or to alleviate the condition in case of already occurring unpleasant sensations.

An indispensable condition when using such a cosmetic series is strict adherence to the sequence of application of the preparations. Only in this case can you achieve positive results and avoid complications. Such A complex approach It is completely justified in cases of mild to moderate acne, photodamaged and aging skin.

Vitamin A is a very capricious substance that is quickly destroyed in light and oxidized in air. Vitamin A esters are more stable, however, they also require great care and careful adherence to all rules of storage and use. Even if all precautions are taken during the production of cosmetics and the loss of vitamin A is minimal, when the product is applied to the skin, it comes into contact with air and is exposed to light. Physical UV filters that act on the principle of a reflector - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - help partially prevent the destruction of vitamin A by UV rays. For this reason, they are included in cosmetic products.

To prevent the oxidation of vitamin A, vitamin E is also included in cosmetics (sometimes in combination with a stabilized fat-soluble form of vitamin C).

Another vitamin that is sometimes included in a retinoic formulation is vitamin D. When paired with vitamin A, it stimulates the growth of epidermal cells, regulates granulation and promotes better health. fast healing burns. The combination of four vitamins: A, E, C and D increases the skin's resistance to adverse conditions, such as cold, and also improves the stability of the drug.

Some retinoics include plant extracts enriched with antioxidants, such as green tea and ginkgo extracts.

The production of retinoic cosmetics is not only knowledge-intensive, but also technologically very complex. Therefore, the production of such delicate products is undertaken mainly by serious companies that have a powerful research and production base and are actively involved in research work. The authority of the manufacturer already to some extent guarantees the effectiveness and safety of the product it produces.

Of course, vitamin A can be obtained from food. It is found in the following foods:

  • orange or yellow vegetables and fruits
  • parsley, broccoli, spinach, celery, sorrel, cabbage
  • fish oil, egg yolks, beef liver
  • cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, butter


If you are a natural lover, then fruits containing vitamin A can be used in face masks. Cottage cheese and sour cream are good for this. You can buy an oil solution of retinol at the pharmacy and add it to face masks, but only in small quantity(1-2 drops of vitamin A per 10 ml of fatty base) and immediately before applying to the face.

Start using retinol products gradually by first testing it on a small area of ​​skin (over a few days) and if no adverse reactions occur, then you can continue. Start with minimal amounts, using vitamin A products every other day. You can then move on to daily use once a day (more frequent use may become harmful). Also, you should not use cosmetics with vitamin A for a long time. Excess retinol will lead to thin, dry skin and flaking. The interval is as follows: 2 months of use, 3 months break.

Side effects and contraindications

For some, retinol can cause a severe allergic reaction (redness of the skin, temporary peeling, rarely blisters, increased sensitivity to sunlight), and not immediately, but after some time. But it may not always be an allergy. Often, irritation appears as a reaction to increased regeneration. In this case, replace the product with retinol with one that contains it in a smaller dose. If this does not help, then stop using cosmetics with retinol, as they are not suitable for you.

Despite the fact that the concentration of retinoids in cosmetics is low and it is believed that they are practically not absorbed into the blood, it is still better to play it safe and not use it during pregnancy. Vitamin A has a strong teratogenic effect (in large doses it can cause congenital defects in fetal development) and retinoic medications are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.

Women under 30-35 years old should not use products with retinol. They may have the opposite effect: the skin will begin to age prematurely.

Retinol for facial skin is a form of vitamin A. The product is used for cosmetic purposes to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and slow down aging. Even in ancient times, people took vitamin A, which they received from fish oil. But such a product tastes unpleasant. IN modern world, when the beauty industry is constantly developing, there is no need to torture yourself with fish oil, because there are various means, based on retinol.

Features of retinol

Initially, retinol was used for the appearance of acne, with its help, treatment or prevention. The product also accelerated the healing of wounds on skin, which appeared as a result cosmetic procedures. Experts continued to study retinol; in the course of research, it was found that it is capable of smoothing the skin and increasing its elasticity. If you use a product with this component every day, then you can see the filling and smoothing of small wrinkles.

Important! To improve the effect of retinol, it is combined with various components. It is recommended to choose products that have a lot positive feedback and have been tested by experts more than once.

The effect of retinol

With the help of retinol-based products you can achieve amazing results. Namely:

  • The effect is observed. As a result, the epithelium is renewed faster, as cell development is normalized. The fact is that retinoids diffuse easily through membranes and bind to a specific protein. This leads to the fact that biosynthesis processes are turned on, and dead cells are exfoliated.
  • The deep layers of the epidermis become thicker. This leads to increased hydrophobic properties. Moisture will not evaporate much from the surface of the skin, so the skin will retain the necessary moisture.
  • Collagen is produced in greater quantities, as the action of fibroblasts is stimulated. As a result, wrinkles are reduced and the skin becomes more elastic.
  • Hyaluronic acid is produced in enhanced mode.
  • becomes lighter.

Given these properties, experts advise using retinol-based products for people over 30 years of age. In this way you can preserve youth and slow down aging.

Retinol also helps get rid of acne. The fact is that the cells die and accumulate in the pores, clogging them. But retinoic acid fights this process. It also reduces the production of sebum due to the fact that the work of the sebaceous glands is reduced. Retinol helps cleanse pores, increase local immunity, relieve inflammation, so acne disappears. In this regard, products based on this component are often recommended by dermatologists to people with problem skin.

Rules of application

How to use retinol preparations correctly? Initially, the skin needs to get used to the effect of the product. During the first use, the skin may react strongly to the application of cream or oil. This is due to the fact that such drugs have an active effect. If the product is used for the first time, and discomfort appears, then you do not need to use it every day. One application every 2 days will be enough. In this way, the skin will become accustomed to the active action of retinol.

If discomfort does not appear, then you can apply the product daily. This should be done in the morning or evening. To enhance the effect of retinol, it is recommended to massage your face for a minute. There is no need to stretch the skin; it should be lightly stroked, directing the movement of the hands from bottom to top. The product itself is worth applying point method in the area where wrinkles are located, or over the entire face. It depends on what purpose it is used for.

To get noticeable results, it is recommended to use retinol every day for about two months. After such an intensive course, you need to reduce application. To do this, the product is used several times a week to maintain the effect. If a person has dry or normal type skin, then the product is applied no more than 3 times a week.

There are also some negative sides retinol. During application of the drug, a burning sensation and slight tingling may be felt. Dryness occurs due to dehydration. To protect yourself from drying out your skin, you should use a moisturizer 30 minutes after using retinol. A mask with glucuronic acid is perfect for this purpose.

Experts highlight another disadvantage. After using the product, the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation increases, and a person runs the risk of allergies. To protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, it is recommended to use special creams with a protection factor greater than 15.

Contraindications

Not all people can freely use products with retinol, as there are some contraindications. If you ignore them, you may encounter undesirable consequences. To prevent this, you need to take into account the following restrictions:

Vitamin A can lead to allergies. Experts advise initially testing for an allergic reaction in the wrist area. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin.

If you use the product for pregnant women, then retinol will penetrate the placenta. The product may also get into breast milk. Taking this into account, doctors prohibit the use of the products by pregnant women and during lactation.

You should be wary of the drainage effect on the bile ducts or liver. If there are problems with these organs, then you should avoid using the product.

Retinol-based preparations

There are various manufacturers of retinol products. They are produced by domestic and foreign companies. But some drugs have gained great popularity.

NameFeatures and Properties
Retinol Fusion PMThis is a serum for night use. Concentrated retinol is used for its production. Serum is used to remove fine wrinkles, varicose veins, acne. It is suitable for a variety of skin types.
RoCThis is a cream that is intended for night use. It moisturizes the skin well, so experts advise using it for those with very dry skin that is flaky. The cream contains vitamin A, as well as ascorbic acid and shea butter.
KorffThis is a lifting pencil containing hyaluronic acid, which has a positive effect on the skin and compresses elastane fibers. Retinol is also included in the product, it provides hydration to the skin. Such a pencil with hyaluronic acid You can buy it at a pharmacy and use it at home.
RegetsinThis is a gel with medicinal properties, which contains many vitamins. It is prescribed for the development of psoriasis, seborrhea and other chronic skin diseases. With its help you can get rid of pain, itching, and it whitens the skin.
Proteik GfIt contains retinol and pro-xylan. The product removes wrinkles in the lips and eyes, reduces the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
Retin-AThis cream can be purchased with a doctor's prescription. It must be used with caution, as its action resembles chemical peeling. This cream removes pigment spots, small wrinkles, and provides skin restoration.
Belita-VitexThese are Belarusian products that have proven themselves to be excellent. The cream can compete in quality with expensive foreign drugs. Magnesium is used for its production, which perfectly restores the epithelium.
ThiogammaThis is a tonic with a rejuvenating effect. It is recommended to use it as an addition to various drugs designed to combat wrinkles. It contains no alcohol. This allows it to be used by those with dry and sensitive skin types.
Benefit WrinkleResist24This is a mask that is applied to the area around the eyes. She provides instant effect. With its help, swelling and bruising are removed. This is an emergency drug.

Retinoic ointment, which is produced in Russia, deserves special attention. This product can only be purchased at a pharmacy. Its price is about 60 rubles. Many people have tried this ointment, most of them respond positively to it. The effect can be noticed after the first use.

As a child, suffering from congestion in the corners of our mouth, we first become acquainted with the cosmetic magic of retinol. Vitamin A was discovered first, and still does not lose its leading position in the beauty industry. But, as it turned out, the effect of the “gold standard” is two-faced. How to avoid the tricks of cosmetological Janus on the path to skin perfection?

Already at the beginning of the last century, humanity discovered unique properties. And although dermatologists very quickly accumulated data on its use, the first medicinal and cosmetic products appeared only after 1960. It was then that the unstable vitamin was placed in a polymer microcrystal. Containment and new formula significantly increased its lifespan. Today, beauty products contain retinol and other chemical clones of vitamin A.

When is Retinol useful?

Retinol molecules are able to penetrate cell membranes, causing a change in the functional state of cells:

  • Antioxidant properties include successful fight free radicals. These particles disrupt the integrity of cell membranes and interfere with the normal functioning of the cell, causing it to age.
  • UV protection. Penetrating deep into tissue, retinol molecules restore damaged cells.
  • The rate of cell division increases, which promotes tissue regeneration And rapid rejuvenation skin.
  • Increases immune status. By activating nonspecific immunity and normalizing metabolism, retinol reduces inflammatory processes.
  • Improves blood microcirculation. Strong, healthy capillaries fully enrich tissues nutrients and oxygen. Combined with retinoic acid-enhanced cell membrane permeability, this prolongs the youthfulness of the skin.

The effectiveness of retinol has been proven by many years of research for problems:

  • Acne, seborrhea and other skin manifestations of metabolic disorders.
  • Age-related aging of the skin associated with loss of firmness, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Unhealthy skin color and texture. Including age spots.
  • Dilated facial vessels, called "spider veins".

Side effects

Active interference of retinol in metabolism can provoke allergic reactions. Skin adaptation to vitamin A and normalization metabolic processes in the first weeks of using the drugs may be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms:

  • Redness;
  • Peeling.

Sometimes these manifestations are accompanied by a slight tingling sensation.

If used too rarely, the skin does not have time to adapt and positive effect is absent, but negative symptoms increase. However, with hypersensitive skin, even following all the rules leads to deterioration: the texture changes - the skin becomes tense, unnaturally thin and acquires a varnish shine.

Retinol acetate: impact factors

Concentration

The effectiveness of retinol cosmetics is enhanced not by the concentration of the vitamin, but by presence of a polymer capsule, protecting retinol from breakdown. The encapsulated form with a concentration of 0.5 will provide benefits more than twice that, but without the shell. People with normal skin It’s better to start with 0.5 percent, and for those who are sensitive - with 0.025% of the drug.

Release form and application

Tinted bottles and tubes help preserve the medicinal properties of the drug. The cream will please dry skin, and the gel will delight hypersensitive skin.

Mode of application:

Do not apply Retinol in large strokes

  • Up to 2 weeks- once every 2-3 days. It is better not to apply retinol preparations immediately after water procedures.
  • Over 2 weeks- in the absence of side effects, every other day, and then every day. The caution regarding skin moisture can be ignored.

It is not recommended to apply retinol in large strokes. A sufficient amount of the vitamin is contained in a pea-sized serving. Contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes can cause conjunctivitis and keratitis. Correctly applied product is removed warm water in 20-30 minutes.

The price of Retinol acetate in pharmacies is very affordable - from 6 to 150 rubles for 10 capsules.

Additional funds

Moisturizing the skin with other cosmetic products can only be done in 45 minutes. Substances applied before or during the use of retinol ointments can block the absorption of the vitamin. The simultaneous use of ointments based on sulfonamides and antibiotics (tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), as well as oral administration, can reduce the positive effect and cause an allergic reaction. The recommended break is 30 minutes.

Cosmetology procedures
It is better to postpone hair removal and the use of scrubs during a course of retinoids. Skin rejuvenation due to exfoliation of rough epithelium and active growth new cells make it thinner and more susceptible to microtrauma. Rough mechanical impact will destroy the young epithelium and give the skin an unhealthy appearance.

Solar Activity
In people with normal skin, retinoids do not affect the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. However, sun rays destroy vitamin A and activate melanin production. This has a negative impact on treatment age spots. Other contraindications are associated with active renewal of epithelial cells. This makes young skin more delicate, vulnerable and susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, it is advisable to combine the use of retin preparations with protective creams(SPF at least 30%).

For thin and hypersensitive skin, UV radiation causes "retinoic acid syndrome". Photosensitivity begins in open areas and gradually spreads further. Retinoic acid, being a product of vitamin A metabolism, under the influence of the sun causes impaired skin respiration, swelling, redness and fever.

It is recommended to avoid using retin drugs during the day or combine them with sunscreens. But the best solution would be to get acquainted with retinoids in autumn-winter period. Moreover, this will support the skin in case of hypovitaminosis and unfavorable weather conditions, preparing her to meet spring.

Chemistry or homeopathy?

Carotenoids are considered one of the “plant” forms of vitamin A. There are many of them in green plants and red-yellow fruits: peaches, pumpkin, bell pepper, sea buckthorn, seaweed, parsley, fennel, hops, plantain, oats, nettle, peppermint, etc. However, provitamins have a number of disadvantages:

  • Low content per 100g of product and inactive form.
  • Low digestibility. According to modern data, one microgram of retinol corresponds to the absorption of 24 micrograms of any provitamin A.
  • The absorption of carotenoids requires “support” in the form of fats and microelements.
  • Destroyed by exposure to oxygen sun rays, when heated or by the interaction of acids and alkalis.

But if cosmetic and pharmaceutical products have a number of limitations, then people with hypersensitive skin can afford homeopathic herbal masks. Fat-soluble plant pigments interact with the fatty components of cell walls and reduce their oxidation. This helps maintain skin tone and youthfulness. Carotenoids are also effective in the prevention of infectious and oncological skin pathologies, conditions caused by immunodeficiency or ionizing radiation.

The course will take from 10 to 12 weeks with the frequency of procedures - 1 time per week. Viburnum berries, cottage cheese and cream are often also used as ingredients:

  • Fruit and vegetable masks: carrot with oatmeal, from apricot and avocado pulp. This composition is rich in a whole vitamin-mineral complex, which increases the effectiveness of vitamin A and has additional antioxidant effects.
  • Herbal masks with the addition of retinol: from aloe juice with retinol acetate. From a mixture of burdock and almond oils with honey and retinol. Any of the options offered in pharmacies will do: oil solution, in capsules or injectable in ampoules. Many plants have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The unsaturated fatty acids and minerals they contain contribute to the absorption of vit. A.
  • Masks made from natural ingredients: from sea buckthorn pulp with egg yolk. Animal retinol has a more active form than plant provitamins. The complex combination of micronutrients with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids doubles the positive effect. This combination is suitable for people with thin, dry skin, but is not recommended for sensitive skin.

There is every reason that once it breaks out, the retinol hype in cosmetology only gains momentum every year. Just don’t trust manufacturers of skin care cosmetics who promise visible effects to absolutely everyone. It is not recommended to use a product with a high concentration of retinol before the age of 35-40. Cells deplete their vital supply too quickly and wrinkles appear much earlier. Universal creams contain too little vitamin A to get quick results.

R retinol is a fat-soluble compound belonging to the class of vitamins, and its properties have been used in cosmetology for more than 100 years. The effect of this substance on the skin of the face is extremely multifaceted and is not limited only to the fight against free radicals. Retinol acetate (aka vitamin A) is found in many plant and animal products (details below). In any pharmacy you can easily buy a variety of creams, ointments and lotions, and if you like to do everything with your own hands, then at your service are recipes for homemade masks, healing properties which allow you to care for your facial skin without any significant material costs. It turns out that retinol is the basis of modern cosmetology? Let's answer this question together!

Retinol acetate for face

If you are used to taking care of your health and have been able to properly organize your own diet, then there is nothing to worry about. Retinol in required volumes enters the body along with food. But the rhythm of modern life is such that various diseases caused by a deficiency of this vitamin have become constant companions for many of us. We especially note: facial skin suffers from a lack of retinol acetate no less than internal organs. What symptoms may be signs of its deficiency?

The main manifestations of vitamin A deficiency:

  • seborrheic dermatitis and acne;
  • early aging of facial skin;
  • increased dryness of the epidermis;
  • problems with the gastrointestinal tract: intestinal infections, gastritis, ulcers;
  • dry hair and dandruff;
  • decreased visual acuity, especially in poor lighting (“night blindness”);
  • anemia;
  • hypersensitivity of tooth enamel;
  • decreased protective properties of the body (lack of retinol acetate often provokes frequent respiratory infections and colds);
  • various ophthalmological problems: increased dryness of the mucous membranes, redness of the eyelids, a feeling of “sand” in the eyes.

Cosmetic effect:

    • Soft peeling. Strictly speaking, retinol for facial skin cannot be called an effective scrubbing ingredient, but its deficiency leads to a noticeable decrease in the rate of epithelial cell renewal and, as a result, keratinization of the dermis.

  • Antioxidant effect. Retinol significantly slows down cell aging, protects facial skin from toxins and promotes the rapid removal of free radicals from the body.
  • Normalization of the sebaceous glands by inhibiting the proliferation of epithelial cells. As a result, retinol directly affects the composition and properties of sebum.
  • Stimulation of collagen and elastin production provides effective rejuvenation facial skin and slowing down natural age-related changes.
  • Fighting photoaging of facial skin.

Therapeutic effect:

  • slowing down the growth rate of malignant cells;
  • strengthening local immunity;
  • pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Retinol for young skin:

  • treatment of acne and pimples;
  • improvement of facial relief;
  • reducing the area of ​​severe redness;
  • mild moisturizing effect.

Retinol for aging skin:

  • getting rid of age spots (the complex of substances contained in this vitamin allows it to act as an effective whitening agent, not burdened by the disadvantages of traditional lightening drugs);
  • increasing the elasticity of facial skin;
  • elimination of any manifestations of rosacea;
  • remarkable rejuvenating effect, the effect of which extends even to the deepest layers of the epidermis;
  • combating increased dryness of facial skin.


Products high in retinol (mg per 100 g):

  • chicken liver: from 10 to 12;
  • beef liver: 8.5;
  • pork liver: 3.5;
  • beluga caviar: 1;
  • eel: 0.8-0.9;
  • ghee: 0.6;
  • butter: 0.55;
  • quail eggs: 0.5;
  • chum salmon caviar: 0.45;
  • sour cream (fat content 40%) - 0.3;
  • cream (fat content 35%): 0.25;
  • chicken eggs: 0.25.

The properties of retinol acetate make its use in cosmetology not only possible, but also extremely desirable. But you must understand that to achieve maximum efficiency and complete safety only possible if certain rules are followed. Otherwise, the active substances contained in retinol can cause quite serious side effects.

  • Powerful anti-aging cosmetics containing retinol are the prerogative of aging skin. Its use at the age of 20-30 will only accelerate the aging process.
  • To prevent addiction, it is best to use any vitamin-containing preparations in courses: after 50-60 days of treatment - a 2-3 month break.


  • IN in rare cases retinol can cause redness or flaking, but if you are using such cosmetics for the first time, there is nothing to worry about: in 10-15 days your skin will get used to the new ingredient, after which unwanted effects usually they will pass. If this does not happen, treatment should be stopped for a while and consult a doctor.
  • Before using the drug for the first time, make sure it is safe. To do this, apply a few drops of the substance to your wrist and wait about 40 minutes. If during this time no pronounced side effects appear, you can congratulate yourself: retinol is perfect for you.
  • If you have sensitive skin, try not to let the product get on delicate skin around eyes.
  • The best time of year to start treatment is autumn or winter, when sun activity is minimal.
  • Cosmetics with vitamin A are best absorbed into the skin in the evening: in the morning or during the day, its healing properties will be significantly reduced.
  • To prevent moisture loss, purchase a good moisturizer from the pharmacy.
  • Choose cosmetics with a sufficient SPF factor (at least 15-20). In addition to additional facial protection, this will significantly slow down the oxidation of retinol and reduce the effect of harsh ultraviolet radiation on the skin.

What to buy?

As we have already said, you can purchase many products containing retinol at any pharmacy. Choosing the one that best suits your skin is a rather difficult task. First of all, you should focus on the composition of the product you like and its cost. Buying a cheap cream or ointment from a little-known brand will not require significant expenses, but the therapeutic effect will be rather weak. On the other hand, luxury cosmetics costing several thousand rubles have always been the preserve of only very wealthy women. Therefore, we decided to offer you high-quality mid-level drugs with a good price-quality ratio, but without pretense of exclusivity.


  • 4D Concentrated Lifting Cream With Retinol Day And Night Spf10 (Lirene, 50 ml/350 RUR). A good firming cream designed to sculpt the oval of the face. Contains vitamins (B, C, E), as well as active antioxidants, which not only have a good lifting effect, but also help get rid of wrinkles.
  • Professional Super Power Sleeping Mezo Mask (Bielenda, 50 ml/630 RUR). Rejuvenating mask with retinol, vitamin E and coconut oil. Its main advantages are effective skin hydration, combating expression wrinkles, restoration of epidermal cells and lightening of age spots.
  • Intense A Lifting Rughe (Clinians, 200 ml/RUR 690). In addition to retinol, this facial cleansing milk contains hyaluronic acid. Medicinal properties are diverse: removing dust and dirt from the surface of the skin, cleaning pores and stimulating intracellular respiration. The manufacturer claims that Intense A Lifting Rughe uses only natural active ingredients, due to which the risk of any side effects is practically absent.
  • Gialur Rejuvenate (Piel cosmetics, 30 ml/850 RUR). An effective serum with elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid that actively counteracts the first signs of aging. Well suited even for very dry skin. The product is not the cheapest, but the therapeutic care it provides compensates for this shortcoming.

How to do it?

Retinol can be used without any problems in home cosmetology, for example, when preparing masks. To do this, you will need the simplest ingredients, a little free time and the desire to do something with your own hands.

  • with retinol (10 drops) and aloe juice (1 tsp);
  • with retinol (1 ampoule) and olive oil(1 tbsp);
  • with retinol (1 ampoule), cottage cheese and sour cream (1 tbsp each);
  • with retinol (1 tsp), honey, burdock and almond oils(1 tbsp each).

Review from a cosmetologist

The effect of retinol on facial skin is a very interesting topic. Manufacturers claim that their products can fight wrinkles, stop inflammation, provide effective round-the-clock hydration and even slow down aging. How true are all these promises? If you are looking at a cream for 100-200 rubles, then it would be too naive to count on any noticeable results. Therefore, if you need a guaranteed cosmetic effect, prepare for considerable expenses. The means that the author mentions can be called optimal choice with certain reservations.