Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin that is widely used in cosmetology. It can be found in anti-aging creams, hair and nail treatments. Many acne lotions also contain vitamin A (retinol). But it is undesirable to use products with it without consulting a specialist. The substance may harm the body.
Discovery history
Vitamin A was discovered in 1913. Then a group of scientists came to the conclusion that chicken yolk and butter contain a substance due to which the growth of animals occurs at an accelerated pace. It does not react with alkalis and is not pollinated by fractions. The new product was named "fat-soluble factor A". Already in 1916, it was renamed vitamin A (retinol).
In the first half of the last century, it was found that the lack of a sufficient amount of vitamin A in the daily diet leads to a decrease in immunity. Children grow slowly, and in adults hair falls out and nails exfoliate, vision deteriorates significantly. Retinol has been added to many medical and cosmetic preparations. Patient reviewsshowed that he alth and appearance improved after just a week of use.
Properties
In its pure form, retinol is a yellow crystalline substance. This vitamin is fat soluble. Vitamin is able to accumulate in significant quantities in the liver. Therefore, if you decide to use retinol, the instructions must be followed. In each case, the dosage will be different. But using retinol in large quantities to achieve a good result faster is not worth it.
Vitamin A occurs naturally. For example, carrots are high in retinol. Reviews show that daily consumption of this vegetable improves vision and skin condition. There are also varieties of vitamin A that can only be obtained artificially. Such synthetic isomers have practically no side effects, therefore they are widely used in cosmetology.
Influence on skin cells
The cosmetic properties of retinol are based on its effect on the cells of the epidermis. Vitamin A leads to various skin changes. If done correctly, these changes will be positive. But the independent use of retinol can lead to severe irritation and even burns.
Retinoid receptors are present in skin cells. When interacting with vitamin A, the metabolic activity of cells changes. This means that it has a stimulating effect on skin cells. There is a process of regeneration. It is no coincidence that retinol is used to treat acne. Instructions for use of preparations containing this substance describe the stages and procedure for skin treatment. Before using the tool, be sure to read the insert. The stimulating effect of vitamin A persists for another 4 months after the end of the course of its use. Therefore, it cannot be used continuously.
The substance contributes to the normalization of keratinocyte differentiation processes, helps to cure acne and makes the skin more elastic. Patients manage to perfectly treat seborrhea using retinol. Oil solution is best used in winter. Vitamin A can cause skin photosensitivity.
Retinoic peeling
Vitamin A is widely used both in home and salon cosmetology. In women over 30 years old, such a procedure as retinoic peeling is very popular. It can only be performed by a specialist in a properly equipped office. In order to remove fine mimic wrinkles, stretch marks, acne marks, retinol is used. The solution is prepared by a cosmetologist immediately before the procedure.
Retinoic peeling is absolutely painless. A special solution is applied to problem areas and wait a certain period of time. The duration of the procedure depends on the problem to be solved. Strong stretch marks or acne scars can be removed in just a few sessions. Retinoic peeling is recommended during the cold season. Immediately afterprocedure, a slight redness appears on the skin, which disappears the next day.
Retinol in the pharmacy
Vitamin is presented in pharmacies in the form of the drug "Retinol acetate". It has a wide application and can be prescribed to both adults and children. Only the dosage will differ. For normal growth and development of the body, retinol is primarily needed. Instructions for use of the above remedy describes its effect on the human body. The oil solution helps to increase the skin's resistance to harmful environmental factors, accelerates regeneration processes.
The drug "Retinol acetate" can be used both externally and internally. The oil solution in capsules can eliminate vitamin A deficiency caused by malnutrition. For children, most often the remedy is prescribed in early spring, during the period of beriberi. The drug helps to strengthen the bone apparatus, improve vision.
Do not use products containing retinol without a doctor's recommendation. Instructions for use of drugs with such a component in the composition describes the indications and dosage in various cases. But the individual characteristics of the body should also be taken into account. Retinol is adsorbed in the thin sections of the intestine and is half-excreted from the body only after 9 hours. Since vitamin A accumulates in the body, it can only be used in cycles.
"Retinol acetate". How to use
The drug is intended for oral and external use. Patients suffering from hypovitaminosisthe drug should be taken orally. A product that contains retinol, produced in capsules, is ideal. It must be used strictly according to the instructions. Adults are prescribed one capsule twice a day. The drug should be taken 20-30 minutes after a meal.
If you want to use retinol for acne, it's best to choose an oil solution that contains it. A few drops are applied to problem areas of the skin twice a day. Treatment of extensive acne can be supplemented by the use of vitamin A inside. In this case, the doctor will determine the correct dosage.
The substance is also successfully used in the treatment of burns. In this case, compresses with an oil solution are performed. "Retinol acetate" is applied to the affected area and covered with a gauze bandage. At the initial stage, it is necessary to change compresses several times a day.
Children and pregnant women
Preparations containing vitamin A are not prescribed to children under seven years of age. In rare cases, they may use retinol to treat skin problems. Instructions for use states that for babies, products containing this substance can only be used externally. The dosage will be minimal. For children over seven years old, it should not exceed 4 drops per day.
During pregnancy, the use of retinol is not prohibited. But it should be borne in mind that vitamin A can also be supplied to the fetus with food. To avoid overdose, the daily dose of retinol should not exceed 1 drop of an oil solution. Application Studiesvitamin during lactation, was not carried out.
Use in cosmetology. Reviews
Due to the fact that vitamin A promotes the regeneration of skin cells, it is widely used in various cosmetic products. Girls at home even add retinol to the cream. Reviews show that the vitamin helps to quickly get rid of acne and the first signs of skin aging.
Professional cosmetologists reviews of retinol leave ambiguous. On the one hand, this vitamin is simply necessary for cell regeneration and skin youth. On the other hand, retinol should be used with caution. After all, it can lead to severe irritation. Therefore, the use of preparations containing this substance, without consulting a specialist at home, is unacceptable. But high-quality creams with vitamin A, according to cosmetologists, will have a positive effect on the skin. And if a professional picks up the product, a wonderful rejuvenating effect is guaranteed.
Retinol acetate for hair
Vitamin A deficiency affects not only the he alth of the skin, but also the hair. This is especially noticed by the fair sex. In early spring, hair becomes dull and brittle, and begins to fall out. Retinol contributes to the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, accelerates the production of keratin, and this substance is the main building material for hair.
Retinol acetate for hair can be used in a variety of ways. Effective are masks with an oil solution. In one liter of wateradd 5 ml of solution. The product is applied to dry hair. Next, wrap the head with cling film and wait about an hour. The mask is easily washed off with warm water and shampoo. Additionally, the drug "Retinol acetate" can be used internally. It is very important to follow the instructions carefully.
Precautions
Cosmetics with retinol often cause dry skin and irritation. Accustom the body to vitamin A should be gradual. If you use a cream with it, then at first apply it only a few times a week. Cosmetics with retinol are used in courses. Do not forget that vitamin A accumulates in the body.
Retinol products should not be applied to the skin before going outside. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the substance oxidizes and becomes more aggressive. You can get severe burns. In general, treatment with the use of the drug "Retinol acetate" is best done in the cold season. If this is not possible, the remedy is used at night.
How to store properly
Vitamin A molecules oxidize very quickly under the influence of environmental factors. Therefore, to store drugs, which include retinol, is in a place well protected from light. Particular attention should also be paid to the packaging. It is undesirable to purchase the drug in a transparent container. No one can know how the product was stored before it got to the pharmacy. Under the influence of temperatures, retinol does not change its properties. Therefore, there is no need to store preparations with its content in the refrigerator.
