Vitamin A is found in the liver, legumes, fish oil, and, of course, in many fruits and vegetables. Scientists have long been interested in its useful properties, but for a long time they could not use the substance in cosmetology. The fact is that in its pure form, the component quickly oxidizes and reacts with other ingredients. But that all changed when chemists managed to stabilize the vitamin in the form of a synthetic analogue.
Well-known cosmetic brands could not get past this news and decided to apply innovative development in the production of products aimed at combating the signs of aging. These included creams with retinol for the eyes, face, hands, neck, and even décolleté.
Skin effects
Vitamin A is needed not only for vision, bone health and the normal functioning of the immune system, but also for external beauty. In addition, it is the strongest antioxidant that can neutralize the effect of free radicals. And the substance stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin, removes toxins, fights pigment spots and rashes.
And this is how the presence of retinol in the composition of face creams affects the skin:
- produces a rejuvenating effect;
- protects against UV rays;
- stimulates metabolic processes at the cellular level;
- promotes rapid renewal of the upper layers of the epidermis;
- correctly selected concentration normalizes the hydro balance, preventing dryness and peeling;
- restores skin elasticity and tone due to the activation of collagen and elastin fibers;
- strengthens the walls of capillaries;
- reduces the sebum of the dermis;
- improves tone;
- eliminates age spots;
- smoothes wrinkles.
However, despite the impressive list of positive properties of face creams with retinol, reviews say that not everything is so smooth. Vitamin A often acts as a strong allergen, therefore, funds based on it should be used with great care.
Contraindications
There are a number of reasons why it is necessary to abstain or completely abandon the use of funds based on this substance:
- Sensitive and thin skin - retinoids can cause irritation.
- Diseases of the circulatory system - in this case, such drugs will have to be forgotten.
- Pregnancy - the component is capable of causing defects in the development of the fetus.
- Individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to vitamin A, which will lead to an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a test before using the products.
In addition, in many reviews of face creams with retinol, customers recommend not to expose their skin to direct sunlight immediately after application, since the substance increases the photosensitivity of the dermis.
Terms of use
There are not many of them:
- Redness often appears for the first time. Do not be alarmed - this is a normal reaction. To avoid irritation, apply the cream intermittently. For example, at the initial stage, twice a week before bedtime is enough, and then increase the number of applications as necessary.
- For young skin from 25 to 30 years, it is best to choose a product with a concentration of a substance from 0.5 to 1%.
- Cosmetic must be applied to a clean, dry face. At first, you will feel a slight burning sensation and tingling sensation. Over time, these feelings will disappear.
- The greatest effect can be achieved by combining two vitamins - A and C. in one preparation.
What to look for when choosing
Typically, the concentration of the active substance in skin creams with retinol does not exceed 0.01-2%. However, it is worth noting that each type of dermis reacts differently to vitamin A. For example, for thin and sensitive it is better to choose a product with a concentration of up to 0.025%, and for oily - from 0.5%, since the drying property of the substance will only benefit it. In any case, start using the drug 1-2 times a week, and then gradually increase the dosage.
It is worth noting that the vitamin sometimes dries the dermis and, as practice shows, often causes redness and peeling. To minimize the negative impact, look for cosmetics with complete information about the composition. For example, creams with retinol and vitamin C, green tea extracts, peptides, natural oils, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If after 2 weeks of regular use the skin remains dry, supplement the usual care with moisturizing masks and serums.
In addition, texture plays an important role. It must be selected based on the type of dermis:
- Fatty - a cream with vitamin A on a non-oil basis is suitable for it. Remember: no components clogging the pores.
- Dry - choose products with a dense texture and formula with moisture-retaining ingredients.
- Sensitive - in this case, a minimum concentration of retinol is necessary, with such additional active substances as aloe vera and chamomile.
- Normal - any water-based products.
Attention: experts do not recommend combining several creams with retinol in one treatment. It is better to give preference to one, but effective.
To combat the first signs of age-related changes, preparations with vitamin A begin to be used from 25-30 years. But at every age, the skin has its own characteristics:
- after 30, the main goal is the prevention of aging, so you can stop the choice at low concentrations (from 0.1%);
- after 40, the main task is to combat skin aging and wrinkles, and to enhance the effect, it is important to include an eyelid cream with retinol in the skin care system, which visually smoothes the surface of the epidermis and eliminates spider legs;
- after 50, vitamin A promotes cell regeneration and the synthesis of elastin with collagen, so the concentration of the substance in cosmetics should be from 1% or higher in order to remove the “mesh”, make the facial contour sharper and lighten age spots.
Review of creams from L'Oreal Paris
1. Revitalift Series:
- "Balancing care" is suitable for mixed skin. Among the active components are fibro-elastin, nutritional vitamins, including retinol.
- Daytime anti-aging - its action is aimed at the regeneration of cells. Result: powerful lifting effect, restoration of elasticity and reduction of wrinkles.
- Night cream with retinol. While you sleep, he will return to the skin beauty and youth. All thanks to fibroelastin and vitamin A, which contribute to smoothing and updating the dermis at the cellular level.
- Anti-aging for the face, contours and neck. A comprehensive tool to slow down and block the first signs of aging.
2. Series "Age Expert":
L'Oréal laboratory specialists have developed a whole line of cosmetic products aimed at moisturizing and restoring the skin - from the first wrinkles to deep regeneration:
- "35+" - provides food for 24 hours. Among the active ingredients is the prickly pear extract, which supports the natural process of renewing the dermis.
- "45+" is a formula based on vitalin and retinopeptides. Result: reduction in wrinkles and a clearer facial contour;
- "55+" - thanks to a unique complex of oils, the product deeply nourishes the dermis and tightens the oval.
- "65+" - has a wonderful lifting effect and brightens age spots.
Buyers' Choice: Top 3 Retinol Face Cream
On the shelves of stores there is a wide range of cosmetics based on vitamin A, both domestic and foreign. Practice shows that among them there are products no less effective than pharmacy. The only difference is the budget cost, which allows you to find the cream in the ratio of "price-quality". Here are some of them:
- RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle. Available in two versions: day and night action. In the latter embodiment, the concentration of vitamin A is higher. Daytime differs in a more gentle and light texture, and the composition is supplemented by components with UV filters. The formula lays well on the skin, is quickly absorbed and leaves a pleasant feeling of hydration. The result - wrinkles are smoothed out, the tone is leveled and a feeling of freshness remains for a long time.
- Demax Retinol Active. Face cream with retinol (after 40 years) promotes intensive renewal at the cellular level and activates the process of natural production of collagen. The concentration of vitamin A is very high, so the product is intended for the mature type of dermis, which needs special anti-aging care. The complex of active ingredients stops the aging process, smoothes out fine wrinkles, refreshes the face and eliminates signs of fatigue.
- Garnier day cream with ultra-lifting effect completes the rating. Despite the budget cost, the tool copes with the task perfectly: SPF filters protect the epidermis from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, and prorethinol helps restore skin elasticity.
The best creams with retinol from the mass market
An excellent budget option can be called products of domestic manufacturers. They are much cheaper than imported, but, judging by the reviews, no less effective. Among the brands represented on the market, customers identified brands such as Black Pearl, Natura Siberika and Shark Force. In the line of the latest brand, in addition to night and day cream, there is also a mask based on vitamin A. Additionally, it is enriched with oils of cinnamon, mandarin, corn and neroli.
Here are some more noteworthy brands:
- Caviale - Russian products suitable for any type of dermis, designed to restore elasticity and increase elasticity.
- Alpha-Beta-Retinol - creams with retinol from the Israeli brand are slightly more expensive from all those presented, but in terms of action they are the most effective. The formula is able to tighten the skin, even out tone, lighten age spots and narrow pores. At the heart of all products are fruit acids, salicylic acid and magnesium.
- Christina - in the arsenal of this brand more than 30 drugs with retinol, which are suitable for both salon and home use. The products are enriched with additional components that provide brightening, soothing and healing properties.
- Retinol + Mg from Belita Vitex is suitable for any type of dermis. Despite the suspiciously low cost, the product improves turgor, prevents age-related changes, and eradicates fine wrinkles. Light consistency, quickly absorbed and does not create a mask effect. Among the active ingredients, in addition to vitamin A, there are oils, extracts of medicinal herbs and fruit acids.
Pharmaceuticals with retinol
According to reviews of face creams with retinol, it is the products from pharmacies that cause the greatest confidence. Women are confident in their effectiveness and healing properties. Of course, the price for them is higher than for conventional cosmetics, but the result fully justifies the money spent.
Here are a few drugs that rightfully deserve the attention of buyers:
- Vichy's Lift Activ Retinol is a well-known product with a good composition. The formula is supplemented with hyaluronic acid and thermal water. Result: the epidermis is moisturized, facial and age wrinkles are smoothed out.
- La Roche Posay Redermic R is a concentrated anti-aging agent for intensive correction of signs of aging.
- Kinetinol from MartiDerm - contains not only retinol. Face cream is supplemented with other vitamins, as well as macadamia and jojoba oils, which provide maximum nutrition.
- Obagi is an American series of skin care products. Currently used only in clinics. The active components are antioxidants, vitamin A and plant stem cells. By the way, the concentration of nutrients in brand products is 10 times higher than in others.
- Retinol 0.3% of SkinCeuticals - was named by buyers as an absolute must-have for the autumn-winter period. The texture is ultra light, quickly absorbed without leaving a film or mask effect on the face. Despite the small volume (30 ml), the consumption is very economical: enough for 6 months of the full course, and even remains.
- Avéne Eluage - a range of products for the body, face and eyes. Retinol creams are available specifically for sensitive, dry epidermis. The preparations are presented in the form of an emulsion and are suitable for any type of skin.
- Absolute Care Retinol Day Cream - Ideal for dry and very dry type of dermis. The product effectively rejuvenates, moisturizes, improves the structure and maximally protects from the negative effects of the environment. It contains vitamins A and E. The first is presented in the form of mini-capsules, which slowly dissolving inside the skin stimulate the process of collagen formation and cell regeneration.
- Chantecaille Retinol Intense + Night Cream with Pure Retinol contains pure Vitamin A from marine collagen. The reviews claim that despite the very high cost (about 15,000 rubles), an American-made product is 200% able to cope with its main task: restoring the texture of the dermis, reducing the number of wrinkles and neutralizing damage from sunlight. The deep layers of the epidermis are saturated with moisture due to the presence of macadamia, evening primrose and jojoba in the oils. And the flowers of daffodil, jasmine and mimosa clean the surface of the integument, provide an impeccable tone and restore the natural balance.
A + C
Many people know that vitamins A and C prevent skin aging. However, being in one cosmetic product, they are not able to have a beneficial effect. The fact is that the first substance reveals its properties at a pH above 6, and the second at an acidity below 5. It follows that it is impossible to combine acidity so that both components are active, which means that all drugs, including creams with retinol and vitamin C - money down the drain.
But, according to research, it was revealed that the information presented above is not entirely correct. The same vitamin C, or more precisely, ascorbic acid is a very capricious substance, stable, valid only in solutions with low acidity. Fortunately, cosmetology stepped forward and found a way in the form of using its stable forms. On the packages they are represented by such names with the obligatory presence of the word "ascorbed":
- Ascorbyl Palmitate.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
All of them easily penetrate into the epidermis and safely turn into vitamin C. The main thing is that these forms remain stable and at a high pH level. Therefore, the drugs where they occur are quite effective.
For intensive and comprehensive care of any type of dermis after 35 years, an anti-aging cream with retinol Retises 0.50% Antiwrinkle Regenerative Cream Forte from the Spanish brand Sesderma is ideal. But it is worthwhile to clarify that the regenerating anti-wrinkle enhanced drug is intended for skin adapted to vitamin A after using the same product with only 0.25 mark.
Active components:
- retinyl propionate - 0.22%;
- ascorbyl glucoside - 1%;
- retinol - 0.50%.
Due to the presence of a high concentration of retinol, the formula has a persistent lifting effect, and also rejuvenates the dermis, smoothing the relief, restoring firmness and elasticity. In addition, the drug powerfully stimulates cell regeneration and protects against the negative effects of free radicals. Regular use will eliminate signs of fatigue and lack of sleep, such as dark circles under the eyes and swelling. Retises 0.50% Antiwrinkle Regenerative Cream Forte also has a light whitening effect that helps even out the tone.
Christina preparations
As you already understood, retinol has long been in the focus of attention of dermatologists and cosmetologists. During this time, it was proved that vitamin A is not a fashionable one-day development, but a well-proven substance that shows amazing results. And judging by the numerous reviews of creams with retinol, the Christina company is considered the world leader in the production of cosmetics based on this component.
At the moment, the brand has more than 30 drugs in its arsenal for both professional and home use. A feature of the Israeli company’s products is the presence of not only vitamin A in the formula, but also other active ingredients. ANA acids, clarifying, soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients - all of them not only help in solving various aesthetic problems, but also make it possible to choose an individual care program.
List of Christina creams with retinol:
- Unstress Harmonizing Eye & Neck Night Cream - night harmonizing for the area around the eyes and neck.
- Radiance Enhancing Cream pH 3.2 - for improving complexion.
- FluorOxygen + C Alpha C Night Cream - with Vitamin C.
- Peelosophy Cell Rejuvenator pH 3.5 - for cell rejuvenation.
- Peelosophy Skin Refiner pH 3.5 - for the correction of problematic dermis.
- Peelosophy Cell Regenerator Forte - enhanced action.
- Peelosophy Complexion Repair pH 4.6 - Cellular Recovery.
Making perfect home care
According to reviews, a face cream with retinol can not only be bought, but also made independently. And this is understandable: there will be no chemical additives of unknown origin. Only what you choose for yourself.
If your goal is toning, it is enough to dilute 15 g of pink cosmetic clay powder in 30 ml of freshly brewed green tea and add an ampoule of retinol acetate.
The mixture prepared according to the following recipe will have an anti-inflammatory effect: combine 50 ml of melted butter with 15 ml of olive. Add the yolk and 10 ml of honey. The composition must be mixed vigorously for 5 minutes, then add 15 ml of retinol acetate and dropwise add 30 ml of camphor alcohol. The resulting mass is an excellent tool in the fight against acne and acne.
In an interview, the inimitable style icon Sophia Loren shared a recipe for a rejuvenating face cream with retinol. After 40 years, the epidermis begins to gradually fade, so here you need to use more powerful ingredients and work a little. So, for cooking, you need to melt 5 g of orange wax, stirring constantly, add 50 ml of jojoba oil, and after a few minutes - 30 ml of castor oil. The duration of heating of all components should not exceed 4 minutes. After removing the composition from the fire, add 40 ml of tocopherol and 30 ml of retinol oil concentrate. Cool and beat to a creamy consistency.