Since retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, other natural oils that also have high concentrations of the vitamin—like rosehip oil and carrot seed oil—are sure to offer similar benefits.
Retinol is a type of retinoid found in vitamin A. Vitamin A is composed of two parts: retinoids, which include retinol, and carotenoids which inckude beta-carotine. Retinol is a type of vitamin A found in animal products like liver, kidney, eggs, and dairy products.
Retinol is a gentler derivative of vitamin A and can be found in lots of over-the-counter skin care products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, eye creams). Because retinol is milder, the enzymes in our skin must first convert it into retinoic acid. Once it's been converted, then it will be become effective.
Yes, some vitamin A supplements come in the form of capsules and can be broken and applied directly to the face. However, when it comes to topical application, it is best to consult a dermatologist before trying anything.
Evidence suggests topical retinoids — vitamin A, in other words — work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
Vitamin A helps to speed up healing, prevent breakouts and support the skin's immune system and it promotes natural moisturising - which means it helps to hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. It assists in promoting and maintaining a healthy dermis and epidermis; the top two layers of your skin.
The DV for vitamin A is 900 mcg RAE for adults and children age 4 years and older [7], where 1 mcg RAE = 1 mcg retinol, 2 mcg beta-carotene from supplements, 12 mcg beta-carotene from foods, 24 mcg alpha-carotene, or 24 mcg beta-cryptoxanthin.
One more note on retinoids and breakouts—I suggest using an exfoliating acid serum that contains salicylic acid on nights you're not using the retinoid. This will increase the retinoid's efficacy.
Where can you find natural retinol? As well as carrot seed and rosehips oils, broccoli seed, apricot kernel, peach kernel, avocado and baobab oils are NEOM's favourite sources of natural retinol.
Retinoids. Retinoids are the group of vitamin A derivatives that have been proven, study after study, to unclog pores, stimulate collagen production and improve collagen density.
Preformed vitamin A (retinol) comes only from animal fats that contain active vitamin A—such as liver, eggs, buttercream or cod liver oil—whereas carrots contain beta carotene, a provitamin A that is bioconverted to vitamin A.
Retinol has traditionally always been delivered via a serum or a cream. And while the hydrating properties of oil can help prevent irritation, it has no impact on the hero-worthy powers of retinol—meaning it's just as potent as it would be in a serum or cream.
Bakuchiol is a great retinol alternative for everyone that is sensitive to retinol side effects, but there is no need to replace the retinoids that have been working for you. And if you are on prescription strength, you won't find the same effects in Bakuchiol products.
In general, you can use both together, but if you suffer from irritated skin, then scale back the number of retinoid products that you're using, or take a break and slowly reintroduce it into your routine.
If you stop retinol and do not begin a prescription retinoid, the benefit of preventing acne will go away. The skin cycle of cells being “born” at the base of the skin and moving to the top, dying and desquamating into the surrounding environment takes about 4-6 weeks.
There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.
Use Retinol Only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day
"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.
As Dr. King mentions, peptides make a great retinol alternative. Versions such as copper peptides, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and hexapeptides increase skin elasticity and firmness, stimulate cell regeneration, and diminish creasing, respectively, making them extremely versatile when it comes to antiaging.
Also known as retinoic acid, tretinoin is about 20 times more potent than retinol. It's stronger because retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that acts directly on the skin to boost cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair.
Function. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin. It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Like so many other questions in life, the answer is: It depends. The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Use your Vitamin A serum or cream at least twice a week and you will reap benefits. However, for maximum effect use every night and, if tolerating well, any of the Osmosis MD Vitamin A products can be used morning and night. Keeping in mind that your skin will naturally start healing itself while you sleep.