Among the variety of modern cosmetic products for facial rejuvenation, products based on retinol, better known as vitamin A, are especially distinguished. It’s not difficult to buy a similar cream with retinol in a pharmacy or in a store today, however how to choose the right one and how to use it in the future so as not to harm and get the most benefit?
The principle of action of retinol
Before you make a long-awaited purchase and begin home-based anti-aging procedures, you should become more familiar with the principle of vitamin A. In addition to regular nutrition and saturation, it provides a slowdown in age-related changes. The effect of rejuvenation is achieved by:
- The antioxidant properties of retinol.
- Stimulation of the production of collagen fibers, as well as elastin.
Useful information on the composition of creams
When choosing a cream with retinol in a pharmacy, pay attention to the concentration of the components in it. It is believed that the content of 0.3 to 10 percent of vitamin A is normal, a greater amount is present in lotions and serums. It is also extremely important that the product contains special components - conductors that facilitate the transfer of retinol to the deeper layers of the dermis through the pores (for example, AXA acid).
Can a retinol face cream also contain ascorbic acid? Retinol in the cream does not get along with vitamin C, so this combination is obviously a fraudulent advertising move by negligent manufacturers.
Contraindications
Having purchased a cream with retinol in a pharmacy, be sure to read the instructions for it, in particular the contraindications section. Please note that such funds are strictly prohibited to use when:
- Pregnancy
- Individual intolerance to the components of the product (in particular, vitamin A).
- Feeding a baby with breast milk.
- Oncology.
- The severe course of any ailment.
- The presence of inflammation on the skin at the intended site of treatment.
- Herpes.
- The use of vitamin in any other form.
Before using the cream, you must conduct a preliminary test for an allergic reaction. To do this, a small amount of the composition is applied to the most delicate skin located on the bend of the elbow. It is not washed off during the day to control a possible reaction. Such a check is especially relevant for people with dry, sensitive and thin skin.
Use pattern
It is very important to use retinol correctly. Cream (instructions for the use of such compositions in most cases is universal) is applied only during the period with the lowest solar activity, that is, in late autumn and in winter. This is a basic rule.
The thing is that creams with retinol increase photosensitization, after using them, a violation of the pigmentation processes in the skin is possible. In order to avoid such side effects, you need to use sunscreen before going out and wear hats with brim to create a shadow on your face.
The compositions are not applied to the entire face, they are used for spot treatment of problem areas of the skin. Unless otherwise provided by the instructions, the cream is used once a day, in the evening, before going to bed. Due to the high concentration, the skin should be accustomed to retinol gradually. During the first week, funds are used twice, then 4 times, and only after a month will it be reasonable to use them on a regular basis.
With dry skin, the cream should not be used constantly, it will be enough to apply it twice a week. Before applying the skin, it is recommended to moisturize it additionally by sprinkling with thermal water. With increased sensitivity of the skin, dilution of the cream with retinol is usual for children in the ratio of 1: 1.
In addition to following the recommendations for using the product, you must properly store it. For this, all tubes and containers are placed in a dark place with moderate or low temperature. Please note that the compositions must be in containers with dark walls that do not allow sunlight.
Popular products from the store and pharmacy
You can buy drugs with vitamin A not only in the pharmacy. Many large cosmetology companies produce such drugs. The following products may well enter the popular list of creams with retinol:
- “Enew” from “Avon.” The tool promotes the synthesis of new cells, the elimination of lethargy and increase skin elasticity. It differs from analogues at an affordable price. It costs about 500 rubles.
- Ultra Lift by Garnier. Helps smooth out fine lines and reduce the depth of large folds. It is also used to increase skin tone, as a prevention of ptosis. This cream is recommended for ladies from 40 years old, and its distinctive qualities are a pleasant aroma and light texture, which contributes to rapid absorption. The cost is about 600 rubles.
Pharmacy products:
- "Liftakt Retinol" from Vichy. A popular pharmacy product with high efficiency. In addition to vitamin A, it contains hyaluronic acid and thermal water. Provides deep hydration, fights wrinkles, age-related and caused by active facial expressions.
- Redermic R by La Roche-Posay. It has high efficiency, does not irritate the skin, has a pleasant light texture.
- Eluage by Avéne. An excellent product for sensitive skin based on retinoldehyde, improves skin elasticity. The range of products includes emulsion and cream (for different skin types). Kinetinol by Martiderm. In addition to retinol, the composition includes kinetin, macadamia oil, shea butter , jojoba oil, vitamin E and a regenerating complex. It has a restorative and nourishing effect.
Prices for pharmaceutical products are about 2000 rubles.
Home recipe
Do not want to buy a cream with retinol in a pharmacy? Try to cook it yourself. There are many recipes for the remedy, the simplest of which is given below. To get started, prepare the basic components in the following proportions:
- Orange wax - 5 grams.
- Castor oil - 2 tbsp. spoons.
- Jojoba oil - 2 tbsp. spoons.
- Vitamin A (oil) - 1 tbsp. the spoon.
- Vitamin E (oil) - 2 tbsp. spoons.
First you need to melt the wax over low heat to a liquid state, then add jojoba oil to the same container , and after a few minutes castor oil . The mixture is stirred and removed from the heat almost immediately. After that, the remaining components are added to it and, without ceasing to interfere with them, cool to a comfortable temperature. After the composition has become uniform in consistency, it can be placed in a container with dark walls (preferably made of glass), kept in the room for a day, and then used as necessary and stored in the refrigerator.
If you do not have enough money to buy a good cream with retinol in a pharmacy, the price of a home mixture will pleasantly surprise you. In addition, you will definitely be sure of the safety of your composition, the absence of harmful ingredients in it or violation of the shelf life of the product.
Reviews
By purchasing a face cream with retinol in a pharmacy and using it on an ongoing basis, women very soon notice a decrease in the depth of wrinkles, an increase in the overall tone of the skin and an improvement in its condition. Positive changes after the course of use of the product are also expressed in normalizing the color and structure of the face, minimizing sagging, eliminating age spots. However, in some women, such creams cause allergies.
Vitamin A products are also suitable for young skin. Reviews indicate that they are effective in combating small pimples and inflammatory foci, as well as to reduce scars and scars after disappeared acne.