What is Retinol?

Kevin Herbert
2023-07-14T17:03:36+01:00

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is known for its beneficial effects on the skin for both treatment of blemishes and anti-ageing.

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Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is known for its beneficial effects on the skin. There are different types and forms of retinol and retinoids that are commonly used in skincare. Here are some of the commonly used ones:

Retinol: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in skincare products. It is converted into retinoic acid in the skin and helps stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Retinyl Palmitate: Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid. It is a milder form of retinol and is often used in skincare products for sensitive skin. It is considered less potent compared to other retinoids.

Retinaldehyde: Retinaldehyde is a more potent form of retinol. It is closer to retinoic acid in terms of efficacy, but it is generally considered to be better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to retinol.

Retinoic Acid: Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A and is available as a prescription-strength retinoid. It is the most potent form and is typically used to treat specific skin conditions such as acne and photoaging. It is only available with a doctor's prescription.

Retinyl Acetate: Retinyl acetate is another ester of retinol. It is commonly used in cosmetic and skincare formulations as a milder form of retinol.

Retinyl Linoleate: Retinyl linoleate is a combination of retinol and linoleic acid. It is often used in skincare products for its potential benefits in improving skin texture and promoting skin barrier function.

When using retinol or retinoid products, it's important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase usage to minimize potential skin irritation. It's also recommended to use sunscreen during the day when using retinol or retinoids, as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

It's advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the most suitable type and concentration of retinol or retinoid for your specific skin concerns and needs.

Always patch test, even if you've used a similar product before and always use SPF after use.

References

Dermatology, May 2014, pages 314-325
Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 308-319
Toxicological Research, March 2010, pages 61-66
Archives of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 606-612
The Journal of Pathology, January 2007, issue 2, pages 241-251
Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2019, pages 918-923; and March 2015, pages 271-280
Experimental Dermatology, August 2019, pages 906-913
Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2017, pages 275-283
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65