While a new buzzword grips seems to grip the beauty world every week (particularly in anti-ageing), one ingredient that has stood the test of time is Vitamin A.
This anti-ageing powerhouse has many important functions in the body and it plays a large role in the development of healthy tissue, including all parts of the skin.
Why is Vitamin A so important?
Retinoids (including retinol) are the best-known derivatives of Vitamin A. They act as antioxidants and neutralise the free radicals that result from exposure to light. A proven method to increase the thickness of the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin where wrinkles form), they help the skin to appear and function younger and healthier.
“Vitamin A is essential for virtually every skin condition. Retinoids currently treat over 125 skin conditions. This cosmeceutical can be likened to the skin’s thermostat as it can restore balance to the skin,” says founder and cosmetic chemist at Synergie Skin, Terri Vinson.
“Vitamin A achieves this by normalising cell turnover to produce a more compact, youthful skin surface. Its benefits are numerous, including: reducing epidermal inflammation; reversing photoageing by repairing DNA solar-induced damage; preserving and stimulating collagen by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down collagen and stimulating the cells that create collagen; regulating oil production by binding to the oil gland receptors and normalising the growth of the cells that produce sebum; and addressing pigmentation to normalise skin discolouration.”
Retinol is the most effective cosmeceutical form of Vitamin A that everyone can benefit from. It is extremely effective and widely used in topical anti-ageing solutions. It works to reduce many visible signs of skin ageing, especially fine lines and wrinkles, and encourages better cell turnover in the upper layers. In layman’s terms, this means surface cells are sloughed off evenly, in addition to reversing the damaging effects of UV light on the skin cells, which result in hyperpigmentation.
Research has also shown that the use of retinol on the skin can create new collagen, blood vessels and capillary formation. Dramatic improvements have also been observed in regard to skin smoothness, evening of skin tones and overall skin rejuvenation. Retinol also plays a major role in conditioning the skin prior to many cosmetic procedures such as facial surgery, laser resurfacing and chemical peels, as well as a tool in treating acne.
So, how much retinol is best?
It’s no secret that a common side effect after starting topical Vitamin A treatment is temporary redness and irritation. If you’re new to retinoids, it’s best to start slow and apply every few days, gradually building to once a day.
It also goes without saying that stabilised high-concentration retinol formulations will be more effective than run-of-the-mill products, but will also typically be more irritating to the skin to begin with. Thankfully, any irritation at all may be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are now developing different optimum forms of Vitamin A which are less irritating, if at all.
We recommend
1. Synergie Skin Ultimate A, $129
2. PCA Skin Retinol Renewal with restorAtive Complex, $150
3. Skinstitut Retinol Serum, $30.15
4. Image Skincare Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque, $115
5. asap Super A+ Serum with Retinol, $89
6. Obagi 360 Retinol 1.0, $79.95
7. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, $127
8. L’unico Regenerative Neuropeptide Night Formula, $340
9. MEDIK8 Retinyl Retinoate Youth Activating Cream (r-Retinoate), $298
10. Ultraceuticals Ultra MD Ultimate A² Anti-Ageing Serum, $179
11. Dermalogica AGE Smart Overnight Retinol Repair 1% & Buffer Cream, $148
12. Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Rides Retinage Filler Serum, $184
13. Retriderm Vit A serum 0.75% Retinol (PLUS), $124.95
