Vitamin A is found in liver, legumes, fish oils and, of course, many fruits and vegetables. Its beneficial properties have long interested scientists, 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 everything changed when chemists managed to stabilize the vitamin in the form of a synthetic analogue.
Famous cosmetic brands could not ignore this news and decided to apply an innovative development in the production of products aimed at combating the signs of aging. These included creams with retinol for the eyes, skin of the face, hands, neck and even the décolleté.
Skin effects
Vitamin A is needed not only for vision, he althy bones and the normal functioning of the immune system, but also for external beauty. In addition, it is the strongest antioxidant capable of neutralizing the effects of free radicals. And the substance also stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin, removes toxins, fights age spots and rashes.
And this is how the presence of retinol in 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 hydro balance, preventing dryness and peeling;
- restores skin elasticity and tone due to the activation of collagen and elastin fibers;
- strengthens capillary walls;
- reduces the greasiness 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, so products based on it should be used with great care.
Contraindications
There are a number of reasons why it is necessary to temporarily refrain 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, you will have to forget about such drugs.
- Pregnancy -the component is capable of causing fetal developmental defects.
- Individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to vitamin A, which will lead to an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to test before using the products.
In addition, in many reviews of face creams with retinol, customers recommend not exposing their skin to direct sunlight immediately after application, as the substance increases the photosensitivity of the dermis.
Terms of Use
There aren't many:
- Redness often occurs the first time. Don't worry, this is a normal reaction. Apply the cream intermittently to avoid irritation. For example, at the initial stage, twice a week before bedtime is enough, and then increase the number of applications as needed.
- For young skin from 25 to 30 years old, it is best to choose a product with a concentration of a substance from 0.5 to 1%.
- Cosmetic should be applied to a clean, dry face. At first, you will feel a slight burning sensation and tingling. 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
Usually in skin creams with retinol, the concentration of the active substance does not exceed 0.01-2%. However, it is worth noting that each type of dermis reacts to vitamin A in different ways. 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 go to heronly for the benefit. 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 full 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 your usual care with moisturizing masks and serums.
Besides, texture plays an important role. It must be chosen based on the type of dermis:
- Oily - a non-oily vitamin A cream is suitable for her. Remember: no ingredients that clog pores.
- Dry - choose products with a dense texture and formula with ingredients that retain moisture.
- Sensitive - in this case, a minimum concentration of retinol is needed, with additional active substances such as aloe vera and chamomile.
- Normal - any water-based products.
Attention: experts do not recommend combining several creams with retinol in one care. It is better to give preference to one, but effective.
To combat the first signs of age-related changes, vitamin A preparations begin to be used from the age of 25-30. But at every age, the skin has its own characteristics:
- after 30the main goal is the prevention of aging, so you can opt for small concentrations (from 0.1%);
- after 40, the main task is to fight skin fading and wrinkles, and to enhance the effect, it is important to include eye cream with retinol in the care system, which will visually smooth the surface of the epidermis and eliminate 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 1% or more to remove the "mesh", make the facial contour clearer and lighten age spots.
Review of creams from L'Oreal Paris
1. Revitalift Series:
- "Balance Care" is suitable for combination skin. Among the active ingredients are fibro-elastin, nutritional vitamins, including retinol.
- Day anti-aging - its action is aimed at cell regeneration. The result: a powerful lifting effect, the return of elasticity and the reduction of wrinkles.
- Retinol night cream. While you sleep, it will restore beauty and youth to the skin. All thanks to fibroelastin and vitamin A, which help smooth and renew the dermis at the cellular level.
- Anti-aging for the face, contours & neck. A comprehensive treatment to slow down and block the first signs of aging.
2. Age of Expert series:
L'Oréal lab specialists have developed a whole line of cosmetic products aimed at moisturizing and restoringskin - from the first wrinkles to deep regeneration:
- "35+" - provides food for 24 hours. Among the active ingredients is prickly pear extract, which supports the natural renewal process of the dermis.
- "45+" - a formula based on vitalin and retinopeptides. Result: less wrinkles and a more defined 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.
Customers' Choice: Top 3 Retinol Face Creams
A wide range of cosmetics based on vitamin A, both domestic and foreign, is presented on store shelves. Practice shows that among them there are products that are no less effective than pharmacy ones. The only difference is the budget cost, which allows you to find a cream in the price-quality ratio. Here are some of them:
- RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle. Available in two versions: day and night action. In the latter version, the concentration of vitamin A is higher. The day one has a more delicate and light texture, and the composition is supplemented with components with UV filters. The formula fits well on the skin, absorbs quickly and leaves a pleasant feeling of moisture. The result - wrinkles are smoothed out, the tone evens out and a feeling of freshness is preserved for a long time.
- Demax Retinol Active. Cream forface with retinol (after 40 years) promotes intensive renewal at the cellular level and activates the process of natural collagen production. The concentration of vitamin A is very high, so the product is intended for a mature type of dermis that needs special anti-aging care. The complex of active ingredients stops the aging process, smoothes fine wrinkles, refreshes the face and eliminates signs of fatigue.
- Completes the rating day cream from "Garnier" with the effect of ultra-lifting. Despite the budgetary cost, the tool does an excellent job with the task: SPF filters protect the epidermis from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, and proretinol helps restore skin elasticity.
Best mass market retinol creams
An excellent budget option can be called the products of domestic manufacturers. They are much cheaper than imported ones, but, judging by the reviews, they are no less effective. Among the brands on the market, the customers singled out such brands as "Black Pearl", "Natura Siberica" and "Shark Power". In addition to night and day cream, the line of the latest brand also has a mask based on vitamin A. It is additionally enriched with cinnamon, mandarin, corn and neroli oils.
Here are some more brands worthy of your attention:
- Caviale - Russian preparations suitable for any type of dermis, designed to restore firmness and increase elasticity.
- Alpha-Beta-Retinol - retinol creams from the Israeli brand are slightly more expensive than allpresented, but the action is the most effective. The formula is able to tighten the skin, even out tone, lighten age spots and narrow pores. All products are based on fruit acids, salicylic acid and magnesium.
- Christina - in the arsenal of this brand more than 30 products 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 texture, 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.
Pharmacy products with retinol
According to reviews of face creams with retinol, it is the products from pharmacies that inspire the most confidence. Women are confident in their effectiveness and medicinal properties. Of course, the price for them is higher than for ordinary cosmetics, but the result fully justifies the money spent.
Here are a few drugs that deserve the attention of buyers:
- Lift Activ Retinol by Vichy is a well-known product with a good composition. The formula is supplemented with hyaluronic acid and thermal water. Result: the epidermis is hydrated, mimic and age wrinkles are smoothed.
- Redermic R by La Roche Posay- A concentrated anti-aging treatment to intensively correct the signs of aging.
- Kinetinol by MartiDerm - contains not only retinol. The face cream is supplemented with other vitamins, as well as macadamia and jojoba oils, which provide maximum nutrition.
- Obagi is an American line of drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. Currently used only in clinics. The active ingredients are antioxidants, vitamin A and plant stem cells. By the way, the concentration of useful substances in brand products is 10 times higher than in others.
- Retinol 0, 3% by SkinCeuticals - was named by customers as an absolute must-have for the autumn-winter period. The texture is ultra light, quickly absorbed, leaving no film or mask effect on the face. Despite the small volume (30 ml), the consumption is very economical: enough for 6 months of a full course, and even more.
- Eluage by Avéne is a range of products for the body, face and eyes. Creams with retinol are produced specifically for sensitive dry epidermis. The preparations are presented in the form of an emulsion and are suitable for any type of skin.
- Retinol Day Cream by Absolute Care - perfect for dry to very dry skin types. The product effectively rejuvenates, moisturizes, improves the structure and protects as much as possible from the negative effects of the environment. 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 regeneration.cells.
- Chantecaille's Retinol Intense+ Retinol Night Cream contains pure vitamin A derived from marine collagen. Reviews assure: despite the very high cost (about 15,000 rubles), the American-made product copes with its main task by 200%: 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 oils. And narcissus, jasmine and mimosa flowers cleanse the surface of the skin, provide a flawless tone and restore 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 in such a way 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 found that the above information is not entirely correct. The same vitamin C, or more precisely, ascorbic acid, is a very capricious substance, stable, really only in solutions with low acidity. Fortunately, cosmetology has stepped forward and found a way out in the form of using its stable forms. On the packages they are represented by such names with the obligatory presence of the word"ascorbyl":
- Ascorbyl Palmitate.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
All of them easily penetrate the epidermis and are safely converted into vitamin C. The main thing is that these forms remain stable even 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, Retises 0, 50% Antiwrinkle Regenerative Cream Forte anti-aging cream with retinol from the Spanish brand Sesderma is ideal. But it is worth clarifying that the regenerating drug of enhanced anti-wrinkle action is intended for skin adapted to vitamin A after using the product of the same name only marked 0, 25.
Active ingredients:
- 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, leveling 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 to help even out skin tone.
Christina's drugs
As you already understood, retinol has long beenis in the center of attention of dermatologists and cosmetologists. During this time, it has been proven that vitamin A is not a one-day fashionable development, but a well-proven substance that shows amazing results. And judging by the numerous reviews of creams with retinol, the world leader in the production of cosmetics based on this component is the company "Christina".
At the moment, the brand has more than 30 products for both professional and home use. A feature of the products of the Israeli company is the presence in the formula of not only vitamin A, but also other active ingredients. AHA acids, brightening, soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients - all of them not only help in solving various aesthetic problems, but also allow you to choose an individual care program.
List of creams "Christina" with retinol:
- Unstress Harmonizing Eye & Neck Night Cream - night harmonizing for the area around the eyes and neck.
- Radiance Enhancing Cream pH 3, 2 - to improve complexion.
- FluorOxygen+C Alpha C Night Cream - with Vitamin C.
- Peelosophy Cell Rejuvenator pH 3, 5 - for cellular rejuvenation.
- Peelosophy Skin Refiner pH 3, 5 - for correcting problematic dermis.
- Peelosophy Cell Regenerator Forte - enhanced action.
- Peelosophy Complexion Repair pH 4, 6 - cellular repair.
Cooking the perfect home care
According to reviews, face cream with retinol can not onlybuy, but also do it yourself. And this is quite understandable: there will be no chemical additives of unknown origin. Only what you choose.
If your goal is toning, then 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.
Anti-inflammatory effect will have a mixture prepared according to the following recipe: 50 ml of melted butter combined with 15 ml of olive oil. Add the yolk and 10 ml of honey. The composition must be stirred intensively for 5 minutes, then add 15 ml of retinol acetate and dropwise introduce 30 ml of camphor alcohol. The resulting mass is an excellent tool in the fight against acne and acne.
In one of the interviews, the inimitable style icon Sophia Loren shared a recipe for an anti-aging face cream with retinol. After the age of 40, 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 heat, add 40 ml of tocopherol and 30 ml of retinol oil concentrate. Cool and beat until creamy.
