Among the most common cosmetic problems, acne is the leader. They appear regardless of age. In young people, they appear as a reaction to puberty. But in any adult, a pimple jumps up with strong feelings, overeating or skin problems. So you have to have in your arsenal a few favorite acne control products. Recently, one can often hear about retinoids and their effectiveness.
What is it?
I want to be beautiful, but it doesn’t always work out. Let's say you are going on an important date or a business meeting where you need to be at the parade, and then a pimple star burns in your forehead. What should I do? Of course, fight, and with effective methods! To them, rumor relates retinoids. If you see a doctor, he can advise the use of retinol acetate or retinol palmitate. These funds contain retinoids, which, in fact, are analogues of vitamin A. Otherwise, it is called retinol. In the body, this substance is synthesized independently from beta-carotene coming from food. If beta-carotene is of animal origin, then the substances are called retinoids. With plant origin, these are carotenoids.
The Importance of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in many key processes in our body. Accordingly, its shortage negatively affects the regeneration of cells, the formation of bones, nails and teeth, the work of the brain, visual organs, as well as the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. But the difficulty is that a large number of people assure others that it is impossible to harm the body by taking vitamins, and therefore it is possible to take drugs containing retinoids uncontrollably. But the situation is completely different, especially if retinol of synthetic origin is implied.
In dermatology
Dermatologists can prescribe retinoids in exceptional cases when all the drugs have been tried and acne has not passed. In this case, various dosage forms can be prescribed: for oral administration, in the form of intramuscular injections, creams or drugs for external use. In rare cases, a specialist may recommend adding a couple of drops of retinoids to the moisturizer. Some retinoids can be purchased at the pharmacy, such as retinol acetate or retinol palmitate. By consistency, these substances are oily liquids. These two drugs are very different. The first is not contained in the human body and, in fact, is a salt of acetic acid. And the second is a physiological saturated acid, which after decomposition into unsaturated acids, necessary for the life of the body.
Who should be wary?
If you use retinoid as a drug for the treatment of acne, then you must take into account the existing contraindications. For example, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with hypersensitivity to the skin, liver disease and allergies, should refrain from taking such funds. Also, do not risk heavily smokers and drinkers. Young pregnant women should be especially careful, since acne retinoids are drugs that are unacceptable at this time. They can cause developmental defects in the fetus.
Side effects of drugs
Just before taking it, you need to know that in such a tool contains 20 times the daily norm of retinol. Such an overdose may not be safe. Reviews confirm the fact that taking retinoids causes negative consequences. These are fetal defects, if the expectant mother is taking the drugs, a serious allergic reaction, if the reception takes place during the active sun. Slightly less serious problems, but still unpleasant, involve severe skin itching, redness and peeling of the skin. The skin may become dry. Sometimes there is a loss of hair and eyebrows. Probably enough arguments have been given in order to abandon self-medication with retinoids. Many doctors do not recommend them at all, saying that it is best when they enter the body with food.
How do retinoids treat acne?
Topical retinoids are most effectively treated with acne. Drugs of this type normalize the process of keratinization of the follicular epithelium and reduce inflammation. As an example, we can mention "Adapalen", which is a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid and is available not only as a cream, but also as a gel. Adapalene blocks the formation of comedones and removes existing ones. Due to the inhibition of leukocyte migration in the center of the inflammatory process, an anti-inflammatory effect is achieved. Apply the drug to the affected skin every day before bedtime, avoiding the lips and eyes. The effect is noticeable after a month or two of regular treatment. Persistent improvement is evident after a three-month course. Among the side effects of topical retinoids, dry skin and irritation of the mucosa are found. In the sun, skin irritation can be observed, since this group of retinoids thins the skin.
In addition, retinoids include tretinoin, isotretinoin, etretinate, acitretin, tazarotene and temarotene. Topical, in other words - external products include Effezel, Klenzit, Differin, Isotrexin, retinoic ointment, Adaklin and Radevit. Roaccutane, Aknekutan, Aevit, and Tegison can be classified as capsular analogues.
By groups
There are four broad groups or generations of retinoids used to combat acne, wrinkles, aging, and pigmentation.
- The first generation includes retinol and its esters. This is the most effective group of retinoids in the fight against acne. Preparations - retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, Retinal, Tretinoin and others.
- The second generation covers systemic drugs for the treatment of psoriasis and dermatoses. These are drugs such as etretinate and acitretin. In pharmacies, they are found under the names "Tigazon" and "Neotigazone."
- The third generation contains retinoids used in oncological practice. They are represented by polyaromatic compounds (arotinoid).
- The fourth generation of retinoids includes selective species, more recently synthesized. These are Tazaroten and Bexaroten. The first is used exclusively in the form of a gel and effectively treats psoriasis.
Retinol skin action
Local retinoids are topical preparations that have a positive effect on the skin of the body. In this case, possible side effects are minimized, since it is unlikely to achieve an "overdose" with this option. Treatment of acne with such means becomes several times safer. For external treatment of acne, both natural and synthetic retinoids are used. The isomers of retinoic acid , Isotretinoin and Tretinoin, are classified as natural. The latter is more used abroad and is not used in Russia, as it causes severe skin irritation. To the synthetic means include the already mentioned "Adapalen" and "Tazaroten".
Scientists have proven that retinol, or vitamin A, promotes skin regeneration, neutralizes the effect of free radicals. In addition, it stimulates all cells to regenerate, including even old and diseased ones. Vitamin A protects the skin from wrinkles due to the artificial synthesis of collagen and elastin. With the regular use of retinoids, the risk of photoaging is eliminated and the upper layer of the epidermis is updated.
When choosing a cream with retinol, you need to pay attention to concentration. Retinol is capricious in its essence, and without protection it is destroyed. Therefore, it is "hidden" in capsules, which must be opened before application.
For skin prone to inflammation and irritation, a gel preparation is more suitable.
Myths and Truth
Approaching the conclusion, I want to note that, in fact, retinoids are very unstable. The drugs, the names of which were voiced, have already proven themselves well and have proven their effectiveness, but many others behave differently for each individual person. Therefore, it is impossible to state with confidence that retinoids will help you.
At the same time, other myths about retinoids must also be dispelled. For example, skin moisture is not the main condition for effective application. Despite the recommendations to use the product before bedtime, it can also be used during the day, but only after the skin has become accustomed to retinol. For protection, it is better to apply sunscreen. Another myth says that the skin around the eyes is a forbidden area for their application. This is not entirely true, although the skin here is really the most delicate. If you carefully process this area, then no troubles will follow. Naturally, you do not need to come very close to the eyelids and do not treat the skin of the lips.
The bottom line is this: remedies with retinoids quite effectively eliminate the signs of skin withering, if all precautions and application technique are followed. Ideally, you must first go through the procedure under the supervision of a professional. And if he entrusts you with the independent implementation of care, then only it is worth moving on to partial self-medication. This is provided that the preparations are used in the form of gels, creams or capsules that need to be added to creams. Remember that over-drinking can be dangerous with uncontrolled treatment!