Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a photosensitive component of visual cells and is important for maintaining visual function under dim light.
Retinol and retinoic acid can regulate gene expression, weaken the differentiation of epithelial cells into scaly shapes, and increase the number of epithelial growth factor receptors.
Retinol promotes growth and development.
This is also related to the regulation of genes by retinol, and retinol has the same effect as steroid hormones, which can promote the synthesis of glycoproteins. The only prescription drug approved by the FDA for reversing skin photoaging.
Therefore, retinol has the following effects in the body:
Prevent night blindness, improve vision, maintain strong teeth, promote bone growth, keep skin moisturized, and enhance resistance.
Retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid are all its derivatives.
As a skin care ingredient, retinal is the mildest, retinol is the second, and retinoic acid is the strongest.
Retinol has the function of regulating the growth of epithelial tissue cells and maintaining the normal morphology of epithelial tissue.
It can prevent the skin and mucous membrane from drying and keratinization, and is not easily damaged by bacteria, so it helps to treat blackheads, pustules, furuncles, skin surface ulcers and other symptoms. At the same time, it has the function of removing free radicals and anti-oxidation, and has been sought after by major skin care brands in recent years.
Comparison of the effects of retinol and vitamin A
Comparison of the effects of A acid and retinol on improving skin tissue, 1.6% retinol is close to 0.025% A acid.
When the retinoic acid receptors of the skin bind to retinoic acid, a series of functions that are beneficial to improving skin color will be activated, strengthening cell diffusion, biosynthesis of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides, and cell metabolism, which are all key factors in combating and changing skin aging signals.
Vitamin A can act on the skin epidermis, promote cell reproduction, maintain normal skin circulation, repair lost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and relieve signs of premature aging.
Retinol can promote the secretion of glycosaminoglycans. After 24 weeks, glycosaminoglycans increased by 40% compared with the control group. Glycosaminoglycans are similar to hyaluronic acid and are components of the dermis. Retinol can also promote the synthesis of type I collagen. After 24 weeks, type I collagen in the skin increased significantly.
When you first come into contact with retinol products, try not to use them too much. After the first use, you should observe for 2-3 days. If there are no side effects, you can start to increase to twice a week. Be sure to wait until the skin adapts before gradually increasing. Irritation, redness, desquamation, dryness, burning, stinging, and peeling during the period are all normal phenomena. You can maintain the current concentration or reduce the concentration and continue to try.
Retinol itself is not photosensitizing, but it is converted into A acid after being absorbed by the skin. A acid is photosensitizing. Try to use it at night when using it, or be sure to do a good job of sun protection and light avoidance when using it during the day.
