Retinoid face cream: action on the skin and review of the 5 best products

Retinol and its derivatives are components of many cosmetic products. These substances have a number of useful properties that have made them popular in cosmetology. But they also have their own peculiarities of use, selection criteria, contraindications for use. Therefore, the purchase of products based on retinoids experts advise to treat seriously and scrupulously.

Retinol and retinoids – what are they?

Vitamin A is a natural anti-aging and anti-inflammatory component. Retinol is one of its varieties, which does not differ from it in any way, except for the only feature: retinol has a higher bioavailability.

As the cosmetic industry has evolved, new substances, vitamin derivatives, have been developed and are used in the manufacture of face creams, serums and lotions more often than the nutrient itself. The best known and most commonly used retinoids are:

1. Retinol.The most common and frequently used form of vitamin A in cosmetics. Has a cumulative effect: the longer you use it, the less pronounced the wrinkles and inflammation of the skin.

2. Retinyl palmitate.The most stable, but least active form of vitamin A. The skin needs a lot of resources and energy to release retinol. Retinol-based creams and lotions are therefore more suitable for preventing skin aging than for treating the signs of aging that have already appeared.

3. Retinyl Acetate.Retinol ester, which also has low potency. It is a kind of antioxidant that does not play a significant role in cosmetics, so in the description of the composition of products it is on the last positions in the list.

4. Retinoic acid.The substance is rarely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. It is mainly found in medicinal products. The component works at the cellular level, visibly reduces wrinkles, but has a high irritant potential.

All of the above mentioned elements are natural retinol derivatives. But there is a synthetic analog, which can not be called as useful and safe. Isotretinoin is highly active, so it penetrates the skin’s cellular cores immediately and works almost instantaneously. However, the substance is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can have a teratogenic effect – interfere with the intrauterine development of the fetus. Isotretinoin-based creams are therefore contraindicated in cases of.

Useful properties and action of retinoid creams

Retinoids are valuable substances with positive effects on the skin.Under their influence is noted:

1. epidermis cell renewal;

2. Suppresses excessive sebum activity;

3. prevention of the formation of pustular acne;

4. Stabilization of sebum production;

5. stimulation of the process of exfoliation of keratinized skin particles;

6. skin lightening;

7. Smoothening of static and expression lines and wrinkles;

8. Narrowing and clearing enlarged pores on the face;

9. elimination of postacne;

10. improvement of the complexion;

11. Increasing skin elasticity.

Retinol and its derivatives provide moisture retention in the skin, preventing dryness and flaking.

Contraindications for the use of retinoid creams

While vitamin A derivatives can cure many skin concerns, they are not completely safe. Consequently, they have contraindications for use, which should not be neglected.It is not recommended to use cosmetics with retinoids in cases of:

1. Planning for pregnancy and after pregnancy;

2. chronic pancreatitis;

3. Gallstone disease of any severity;

4. Acute or chronic nephritis;

5. Heart failure in the decompensation phase;

6. overabundance of vitamin A in the body;

7. cirrhosis of the liver;

8. Hepatitis of viral etiology.

It is also not time recommended to abandon the use of retinoid-based creams during breastfeeding.

Indications

The use of a cream based on vitamin A or its derivatives is advisable when:

1. hyperpigmentation;

2. deep and fine wrinkles;

3. Increased oiliness of the skin;

4. pore enlargement;

5. blackheads.

Important!Retinoid cosmetics should be used only as directed. For the prevention of skin problems it is better to find alternative products based on tocopherol, hyaluronic acid or collagen.

Possible side effects

If the exact amount of retinol or its derivatives is not mentioned on the cream package, it means that retinol concentration is low. You can safely use such a product even for a long period of time.

When using the cream for the first time an allergy test is recommended. But even if he did not show hypersensitivity to the components of the product, can not be completely excluded the risk of side effects. Recognize them by their appearance:

1. Irritation, itching, hyperemia, swelling and burning in the treated area;

2. atypical allergic reactions with uncharacteristic symptoms;

3. Dry epidermis;

4. In the absence of UV protection – hyperpigmentation or sunburn;

5. peeling.

In severe cases of systematic abuse of retinoid creams during pregnancy irreversible fetal mutations may occur.

How to choose retinoid cosmetics?

Face creams with vitamin A or its derivatives should be chosen particularly carefully.Cosmetologists advise to be guided by the following rules:

1. Pay attention to the composition.In addition to retinoids, the formula of the cream should contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Optionally, you can buy additional nourishing cosmetics that retain moisture in the dermal layers, because vitamin A, as well as its derivatives, can noticeably dry out the epidermis.

2. Do not rush to cancel the cream if, after the first uses, the treated areas appear dry and flaky.These are non-hazardous, normal adverse reactions that go away within 1-2 weeks. If the unpleasant symptoms persist for a long time, it means that the cream was chosen incorrectly, and you need to look for a replacement.

3. Pay attention to the package.It should be dense, and most importantly, protect the tube with the remedy from exposure to light. If the cream is in a transparent bottle, it will quickly lose its properties and can even cause damage to the skin.

4. The texture and form of the product with retinoids should be selected according to the type of skin.Creams are better for dry epidermis, lotions – for normal and combination skin, serums and tonics – for oily skin.

If in doubt about the choice of a retinoid cream, you should seek help from a professional, such as a cosmetologist or a dermatologist.

10 Retinoid creams: inexpensive and premium products

When choosing creams with retinol or retinoids, first and foremost consider products from reputable manufacturers. Specialists advise buying the following products.

La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol

Rating: 4.9

The cream is designed to eliminate wrinkles and provide a strong lifting effect. It fights hyperpigmentation and improves the complexion. The cosmetic product contains pure retinol and retinol sequential release, so the product acts gradually. The cream has a cumulative effect, which allows results to be maintained for a long time, even after stopping its use.

The cosmetic has a light and delicate texture. Leaves no greasy residue or sticky film on the face. It is quickly and completely absorbed by skin cells and is suitable for all types of epidermis. Studies have shown that the cream is well tolerated and causes no adverse reactions. It can be used for a long period of time and can be combined with other facial care products.

L’Oreal Paris REVITA Anti-Aging Night Cream

FT

Rating: 4.8

The cream serum stimulates regenerative processes in the skin layers. Its ingredients help to reduce wrinkles, helping to clarify the contours of the face and make the epidermis look fresher. The skin becomes naturally rosy and has a healthy sheen.

The cream-serum combats oily epidermis, but does not cause its excessive dryness. It softens the skin, smoothes out wrinkles and has a lifting effect. All thanks to a balanced formula of “3-in-1” cosmetics. Retinol, its peptides and microspheres are present in the product. All substances are of plant origin, they are safe for the health of the skin and are designed to protect it from the negative effects of ultraviolet light.

Vichy

ftactiv Advanced Filler

Rating: 4.8

Retinol low cost cream for all skin types. Highly effective against wrinkles and age-related changes in skin cells. Protects the epidermis from UV rays and does not clog pores.

In addition, the cosmetics are economical. One 40 ml tube is enough for 45 days of application. It helps minimize pores, reduces shine, and alleviates the overproduction of subcutaneous fat. Its light texture makes it easy to apply and it absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. Does not form a sticky film, does not stain clothing. It’s the best option among low-cost retinol creams.

SESDERMA RETISES 0.25% CREAM

Rating: 4.7

The cream from the Spanish manufacturer contains retinol propionate, which has a softer effect on the skin than other vitamin A derivatives. The substance does not cause dryness or irritation of the epidermis. It has a gentle texture, spreads easily over the face and is quickly absorbed by dermal cells. The use of the cream starts the natural process of collagen and elastin production.

Complementary ingredients in the cream are boswellic acids, antarticin and asuorbyl glucoside. They provide a firming of the skin, reduction of pigmentation, elimination of inflammation and protection of the epidermis from the sun.

Gigi Retinol forte skin

Bleaching Cream

Rating: 4.7

Intended for night skin care. With its help one can achieve anti-aging and lifting effect, whiten the face and smooth wrinkles. The cream contains pure retinol with a concentration of 1.0%.

Substances of plant origin, such as Szechuan pepper extract, sunflower seed oil and rosemary extract, are additional ingredients in the product. Antioxidants in the form of vitamins C and E. A cream designed to correct the first signs of aging.

When choosing a retinol cream or its derivatives, you should be guided not only by price variations. They are cosmetics that cannot be economized on, so as not to damage the health of the skin. And when in doubt about which product to choose, you should seek the advice of a cosmetologist or dermatologist.