Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, a powerful antioxidant, the main effect of which is to accelerate the process of skin renewal, and not only on the surface. Its effect leads to thickening of the skin.
There are several forms of vitamin A, called retinoids. Retinol, retinol esters, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid are most often used in cosmetics.
Description
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, a powerful antioxidant, the main effect of which is to accelerate the process of skin renewal, and not only on the surface. Its effect leads to thickening of the skin.
There are several forms of vitamin A, called retinoids. Retinol, retinol esters, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid are most often used in cosmetics.
Functions:
Retinoids are compatible with receptors in the epidermis and dermis, so the potential of vitamin A in the cosmetic field is enormous. Due to its low molecular weight, it easily penetrates the skin at the cellular level and affects not only the superficial, but also the deeper layers of the epidermis. Vitamin A quickly solves many problems:
- smoothes wrinkles and creases (including deep ones);
- accelerates the process of cell formation and regeneration;
- evens out tone and relief;
- lightens age spots;
- protects against negative environmental factors (antioxidant);
- stimulates the production of collagen and elastin;
- moisturizes and retains moisture;
- increases skin turgor (elasticity);
- improves blood circulation;
- fights acne (suppresses the activity of the sebaceous glands);
- fights post-acne (as a chemical peeling).
Kinds:
- Retinol (liquid 10%, 50%, 98%)
- Retinyl Palmitate (liquid 1.0~1.7 MIU, water-soluble powder dry concentration 0.25~0.5 MIU)
- Retinyl Acetate (liquid 1.0~2.0 MIU, water-soluble powder dry concentration 0.25~2.8 MIU)
- Liposomal retinol 5%
Application and dosage
Vitamin A is used in the cosmetics industry to make creams, lotion sprays, soaps, serums and other skin care products. This is an effective, but rather capricious component. Retinol is not resistant to daylight or solar radiation. Therefore, dermatologists recommend the following options for using cosmetics containing it:
- in the evening, an hour before bedtime;
- during periods of inactive sun, for example, in winter or late autumn;
- in the morning, followed by mandatory application of sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50.
- The concentration of retinol in home care products is 0.1%. In professional medicinal preparations for aesthetic procedures – from 0.4% to 1%.