TOP 15 best drugs with Vitamin A (Retinol) in tablets

The functioning of all human organ systems occurs due to the supply of sufficient nutrients to the body. Science knows many microelements, without which full life activity is impossible. Among them are fat-soluble vitamins, of which retinol is considered one of the most useful. Its main part enters the body with food. When retinol becomes insufficient, there is a need to replenish the deficiency with vitamin A tablets.

What is vitamin A? A brief history of its discovery

Vitamin A obtained from food goes through a series of biochemical processes that lead to the conversion of beta-carotene into a form available for absorption by the body - retinol. This compound acts as the active form of vitamin A and is recommended for use as a dietary supplement when a deficiency is detected. The vitamin was discovered by the German scientist Stepp in 1909 during an experiment on mice. The research involved observations of young rodents. It turned out that the active growth and development of mice stops if the food they receive is exposed to alcohol and ether. This fact is associated with the fact that under the influence of the compounds used, fats and lipoids dissolve.

In 1913, scientists came to the conclusion that mammals cannot fully develop without lipoids. And in 1914, they studied the chemical structure of products containing these substances and discovered an element that was given the name “growth factor” or “fat-soluble factor A.” In 1916, the discovered substance received its modern name - vitamin A.

Pure retinol -

Real retinol, and not its esters, is already found in not too many cosmetic products. Moreover, very often manufacturers resort to deception - on the packaging in large letters they write that the product contains retinol, and in the ingredients in small print they may already write about retinol palmitate. The most important thing you should know about cosmetics with pure retinol is its concentration. Let's figure out which concentrations are effective.

1) Effective concentration of retinol –

We have already said above that the most effective form of vitamin A is “retinoic acid” (tretinoin). There are a large number of clinical studies that show that the optimal therapeutic concentration of tretinoin for the treatment of aging skin is 0.025%. And this is exactly the concentration recommended by the FDA (the most authoritative organization in the world that studies the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and treatment methods). And as you will see below, this has a direct bearing on retinol.

Evidence base: 1) study “Griffiths CE, Kang S, Ellis CN et al. Two concentrations of topical tretinoin cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation." The study followed patients over 48 weeks and concluded that using a lower 0.025% tretinoin concentration for skin aging treatment had exactly the same effects as a higher 0.1% concentration. This is how the effective therapeutic concentration was determined.

2) Study “Olsen EA, Katz HI, Levine N et al. Tretinoin emollient cream: a new therapy for photodamaged skin. J Am Acad Dermatol 1992" shows that the use of products with tretinoin concentrations below 0.01% was not very effective. In this case, there was no significant difference in the condition of the skin before and after. And this also has a direct bearing on the effective concentration of retinol.

Important: the fact is that 0.1% pure retinol is approximately equivalent in effectiveness to 0.0025% tretinoin. It turns out that the 0.025% concentration of tretinoin recommended by the FDA for the correction of aging will correspond to 1.0% of pure retinol. That is why the world's leading manufacturers of anti-aging cosmetics with retinol, SKINCEUTICALS® and ZO® SKIN HEALTH, have products with 1.0% pure retinol in their lines. And these products are intended specifically for the correction of wrinkles in older patients.

Products with 0.3% pure retinol are suitable for correcting fine lines, as well as increasing skin elasticity, evening out skin tone and texture (products with 0.5% should add shallow wrinkles to the above). In addition, products with 0.1-0.3% pure retinol are suitable for correcting wrinkles in the corners of the eyes (while the 0.1% concentration is suitable for daily use, and 0.3% - only 3 times a week). The fact is that the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, and therefore lower concentrations will be effective here.

In addition, a 0.1-0.3% concentration can be used to prevent aging, as well as to acclimate the skin to retinoids (as a preparation before using a more concentrated 1.0% form of pure retinol).

2) Duration of use of retinol –

The study (“Two concentrations of topical tretinoin cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation” Griffiths CE, Kang S, Ellis CN et al.) shows that to achieve significant correction in older patients, the course of treatment should be at least 48 weeks . If we are talking about an average correction, the duration of the course should not be less than 36 weeks. And in any case, for any patients, the course should not be less than 24 weeks.

But there is one exception. Products with retinol can be prescribed for preparation before hardware rejuvenation methods, such as fractional RF lifting or laser resurfacing. In this case, even a 2-3 month course of pure retinol can significantly increase the effect of hardware methods. If you want to be guaranteed to get a pronounced anti-aging effect, and sooner than after 1 year, then the following scheme is suitable.

Carry out a course of 3 months with effective concentrations of pure retinol, after which do several fractional RF lifting procedures. These can be the following devices - 1) the “Venus Viva” device with a special “NanoFractional RF” applicator included in the kit, 2) a special tip for fractional grinding “Sublative RF”, which comes with the eTwo™ and Elos Plus™ devices. And it will be very effective.

3) Retinol microencapsulation technology –

If we talk about retinol esters, although they are not very effective, they have good stability. Those. the retinol in them is not destroyed by exposure to light and air. But pure retinol is quickly destroyed by both. Therefore, high-quality manufacturers use microencapsulation (or liposome) technology to stabilize pure retinol. In these cases, pure retinol molecules will be hidden in microcapsules or liposomes.

This protects pure retinol from degradation. When such technologies did not yet exist, high-quality manufacturers produced their products with pure retinol - only in opaque containers with a pump (dispenser). If retinol comes encapsulated, then such a dispenser is no longer needed. In addition, retinol in microcapsules has another excellent property - it significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation, which often occurs when using retinoids.

Important: many manufacturers of inexpensive cosmetics may not indicate the concentration of retinol at all. In addition, most manufacturers use non-encapsulated pure retinol in a cream or serum - and the product can come in a container without a dispenser, or in a transparent bottle (serum). Please note that if a manufacturer uses stabilized retinol in microcapsules or liposomes, this will always be written on the packaging. But don’t be confused: sometimes manufacturers write that their product contains a stable form of retinol, but we are talking about retinol palmitate, and not stabilized pure retinol (24stoma.ru).

Properties of vitamin A. Benefits for the body

Retinol tablets act as an effective remedy in the complex treatment of infectious diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Vitamin A also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is associated with its ability to regulate the immune response of cells (). Retinol is involved in the synthesis of leukocytes, and also activates the production of antibodies when hostile viruses and bacteria enter the body.

It has been proven that vitamin A in tablets and other forms of release can prevent age-related skin changes. Characteristic signs for them are tissue dehydration, decreased collagen production and the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol starts the process of active synthesis of the skin matrix, thereby preventing skin damage and also ensuring its elasticity and firmness ().

The use of retinol in tablets promotes:

ensuring the health of mucous membranes;
preventing the development of pathological neoplasms;
improving bone structure and strengthening it;
maintaining the full functioning of the reproductive system;
reducing the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
preventing kidney stone formation.

Vitamin A for eyes in tablets is prescribed for its deficiency, since the lack of this substance can provoke a number of pathological changes in the visual organs. They begin with a decrease in the quality of vision in twilight conditions. This phenomenon is called night blindness. It is associated with the fact that retinol is involved in the formation of rhodopsin. This visual pigment is responsible for the adaptation of the visual organs to lighting conditions (). The benefits of retinol for the eyes are also related to the fact that it prevents the appearance of macular degeneration and the development of age-related vision loss.

What retinoids to use for acne

Having understood how retinol works for acne, the question arises: what form of retinol is best to use to treat acne?

To answer this question, you need to understand:

When treating acne, the goal is not to activate fibroblasts and basal keratinocytes to stimulate cellular renewal and synthesis of the dermal matrix.
With acne, skin barriers are often compromised. Therefore, the requirement for the selected Retinoid is to minimize aggression and eliminate irritating effects that could provoke the client’s desire to refuse therapy.

Irritation from retinol

Conclusion

At the beginning of therapy, give preference to atraumatic forms of Retinoids without affecting RAR receptors (fibroblasts and basal keratinocytes). Pure retinol and retinol acetate are excluded from acne therapy, especially in the initial stages of treatment.

How to take vitamin A tablets: recommendations and dosages

The dosage of the drug is selected individually according to the age, gender and health status of the patient. Retinol tablets are used strictly according to the instructions, since an overdose can lead to unpleasant consequences. The norm of vitamin A in accordance with age characteristics will be distributed as follows:

Age	Drug dosage, mg
From 4 to 8 years	0,9
From 9 to 13 years	1,7
From 14 to 18 years old	2,8
From 19 years old	3

To obtain an effective result, it is recommended to use vitamin A in tablets while eating fatty foods. The drug is drunk after meals. Most often, the course of treatment lasts 30 days. It must be repeated after 2 months.

What foods contain vitamin A?

Essentially, vitamin A is a combination of retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids are mainly found in foods of animal origin, carotenoids in plant foods.

Below is a list of products that contain large amounts of this substance:

Carrot.
Pumpkin.
Pepper.
Apricot.
Mango.
Broccoli.
Spinach.
Liver.
Fish fat.
Seafood.

Contraindications and possible side effects

Before taking retinol, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. These include:

individual intolerance to components;
acute or chronic nephritis;
decompensation stage of heart failure;
chronic pancreatitis;
detection of kidney stones;
excessive retinol content in the blood;
exceeding intracranial pressure readings.

Before using the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor. Vitamin A tablets should be used with extreme caution in cases of liver cirrhosis, renal failure, viral herpes, and in old age.

Retinol tablets, if recommended dosages are exceeded, can provoke adverse reactions such as headaches, rashes, and dry eye syndrome. Excessive intake of vitamin into the body can make a person irritable. Sometimes an adverse reaction manifests itself in the form of cracking lips and flaking of the skin.

Products with retinol: price

The world's leading manufacturers of cosmetics with pure retinol are definitely SKINCEUTICALS® and ZO® SKIN HEALTH. But we immediately warn you that the products of these companies are not cheap - from 6,500 rubles and above. In Kiehl's branded cosmetics stores, you can find a good cream-serum with retinol, Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum (Serum with a microdose of retinol for every day to combat the signs of skin aging). The cost of this serum is from 4300 rubles per 30 ml. More details about all these tools can be found in the link below.

Good cosmetics with retinol -

Products that contain 0.1% pure retinol + 0.1-0.2% retinol esters are available for purchase at the pharmacy (their cost will be from 2400 to 2700 rubles). In addition, on sites such as Amazon or Ebay, you can purchase products with pure retinol or retinaldehyde from another leading manufacturer, SIRCUIT® (a cream or serum from this company will cost $80).

And on the iHerb website you can purchase American and Neutrogena cosmetics for about 2,000 rubles. These are also well-known manufacturers of cosmetics with retinol, but they do not indicate the percentage of pure retinol in their products. At the link below, you can read the rating of the best products with retinol (according to our editors), as well as familiarize yourself with the composition and characteristics of these products.

→ The best products with retinol for facial skin

Interaction with other drugs

The vitamin should not be taken during long-term use of tetracyclines. Violation of this recommendation may result in increased intracranial pressure. The absorption of vitamin A is reduced during the use of cholestyramine, colestipol or mineral oils, which may lead to an increased need for the vitamin. A similar effect is observed when taking vitamin E. Its consumption in large quantities reduces the duration of vitamin A storage in the liver and reduces the effectiveness of its use. At the same time, it also has a positive effect associated with a decrease in the toxicity of retinol, which, on the contrary, increases with the use of isotretionine. Preoral contraceptive drugs can lead to an increase in the concentration of vitamin A in the blood plasma.

Retinol, retinoids. Cosmetic care for correcting age-related skin changes

The main age-related factor in the appearance of wrinkles is a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the smoothness of the skin and complexion.

Retinoids are biologically active forms of vitamin A that accelerate the process of cell renewal in connective tissue. In cosmetology, they are used to reduce the manifestations of photoaging (age spots), acne, hyperkeratosis, and wrinkles.

They have proven their effectiveness as an anti-aging component. By stimulating cell renewal, they reduce the area and number of wrinkles, and also trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Retinoids are the general name for forms of retinol, substances, both synthetic and natural, which are similar in action to retinol itself and contain vitamin A, have a similar effect on cells due to their action on receptors for retinoic acid (RA).

Vitamin A derivatives are divided into four generations - the substances of the first (retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin) are the most effective, but at the same time they are the most aggressive. All synthetic retinoids are medicinal substances and are not allowed in cosmetics.

Retinol is the first vitamin to be discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, which is why it received the “name” of the first letter of the alphabet. Retinol is true vitamin A, it is retinoic acid.

It is synthesized in our body from products containing beta-carotene, is responsible for healthy skin and hair, good vision, bone growth and immunity, slows down aging and is involved in the formation of new cells and restoration of the skin, and fights inflammation. It is because of a lack of vitamin A in the body that immunity decreases, hair begins to break and split, nails begin to peel, and skin begins to peel.

Retinol is known for its ability to renew the skin and have a slight peeling effect, stimulating collagen synthesis in the skin. As a result, the stratum corneum softens and evens out, and the first signs of aging disappear.

There are quite a few forms of retinol; several are used in cosmetics:

for problem skin use retinal, retinoic acid and tretinoin; Anti-aging products often use retinol acetate or retinol palmitate.

The concentration of retinol in homemade anti-aging creams is usually no more than 0.1%. In more serious medicinal drugs - from 0.4% to 1%.

Benefits of retinol:

smoothes wrinkles and creases (including deep ones);
accelerates the process of cell formation and regeneration;
evens out tone and relief;
lightens age spots;
protects against negative environmental factors (antioxidant);
stimulates the production of collagen and elastin;
moisturizes and retains moisture;
increases skin turgor (elasticity);
improves blood circulation;
fights acne (suppresses the activity of the sebaceous glands);
fights post-acne (as a chemical peeling).

How does retinol work?

Interestingly, it is not retinol itself that affects cells. First, it turns into an active form called retinoic acid, which is what affects the skin. Retinol itself is very unstable. When exposed to air, it instantly oxidizes and loses all its properties.

Therefore, using it in its pure form in a cosmetic product is problematic. Manufacturers have to find different ways to preserve the core functionality of a component. For example, use the least capricious forms. Retinol palmitate is considered one of the most effective.

It is placed in microcapsules or combined with stabilizing molecules. If you look at the composition, you can find a certain pattern: the more additional molecules “attached” to retinol, the longer the product will “survive” in the air. But there is also a minus: each new molecule makes vitamin A less active.

Retinol in cosmetics is considered an almost magical mixture, as it quickly solves many problems. Due to its low molecular weight, it easily penetrates the skin at the cellular level and affects the superficial and deeper layers of the epidermis.

Retinoids, due to their ability to regenerate the skin, are best used in the evening. And in the morning, be sure to apply a product with a high SPF to protect against ultraviolet radiation, because pigment spots can appear from solar radiation.

If you take a closer look at the composition of products aimed at solving various skin problems, you may find that retinol or retinoids can work either together or separately. In a duet they enhance each other's effect. Such combinations are used more often in anti-aging and whitening cosmetics, as well as in aesthetic procedures, for example, retinoic peeling.

Retinol is a capricious substance that does not like to be in second place and does not tolerate combination with acids and acne treatment components. Retinol and vitamin C do not combine so well that they even cancel each other out.

When combining drugs containing retinol and exfoliating components (glycolic, salicylic acid), keratalics or acne treatment components (antibiotics of the erythromycin class or benzoyl peroxide), you are guaranteed irritation.

Mild retinoids with caffeine are a great option for sensitive skin. With this duet they produce products for the area around the eyes, and this is the “most vulnerable” of all areas. Together they successfully fight dark circles under the eyes, fatigue and photoaging.

Trans-retinol (labeled “TR” on packaging) is a very serious type of retinol found in night serums. It successfully copes with wrinkles, increases the elasticity and density of the skin, and generally gives the face a fresh look.

The effectiveness of retinol decreases when there is too much of it.

It is better not to combine retinol in high concentrations with itself. It is possible to exceed the maximum percentage, which can even result in a chemical burn.

Retinol is “friendly” with components that enhance its positive effect on the skin (they can be classified as retinol-like): adenosine, jasmonic acid derivatives, vitamin E, tocopherol, which protects retinol from oxidation and is therefore found in almost all retinoid preparations.

Rules for the use of retinoids in cosmetic care:

Gradual introduction of products with retinol and retinoids. If you plan to use cosmetics with a high concentration of vitamin A, then the course should begin with an adaptation period: first use the product 2 times a week, gradually increasing the frequency of use.
It is imperative to use cosmetics containing retinol in courses to avoid side effects.
Products containing retinol must be applied correctly. It is better to apply a cream containing vitamin A in a thin layer, as excess will oxidize, turning the skin a dirty yellow color. Retinoid cream is applied like all other cosmetics, unless otherwise stated in the instructions.
It is necessary to apply products with SPF protection, face creams, and foundations before going outside. Retinol can increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and pigmentation and inflammatory processes may appear on skin exposed to sunlight.
In creams the concentration does not exceed 0.01–2%, but all skin types react to vitamin A differently. If the skin is thin and sensitive, it is better to start with a concentration no higher than 0.025%. If oily - with 0.5% (retinol can be drying and will slightly “slow down” the work of the sebaceous glands). Observe the skin reaction and gradually increase the dosage.
Pay attention to additional components, because retinol does not work well with all components. For example, a duet with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid will provoke severe redness and peeling. But benzoyl peroxide (may be in anti-acne products) deactivates retinol, and the product simply will not work. To minimize the negative effects of vitamin A, look for formulas with natural oils, green tea extract, vitamin C, ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
As a rule, products with retinol are distributed by age categories: 35+, 45+, 55+, 60+. The main task of cream 35+ (retinol concentration from 0.1%) is anti-aging. Cream with retinol 45+ (concentration from 0.4 to 1%) fights signs of aging and evens out the appearance. And “after 50” products (concentration from 1%) are aimed at restoring and regenerating cells, smoothing out deep wrinkles and creases, and synthesis of collagen and elastin.
The texture of the product matters. Choose a product based on your skin type.
Since the active forms of vitamin A are unstable and are destroyed when exposed to sunlight, packaging and bottle are very important when choosing a product with retinol. An opaque tube or bottle is ideal.

The main contraindication is the presence of cancer. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also not use products containing retinoids. Of course, preparations with high concentrations of vitamin A cannot be bought in stores - they are sold in pharmacies. However, it is better to consult a cosmetologist rather than prescribe retinol yourself.

Martinex peelings.

The mechanism of action of retinoic peels is fundamentally different from the mechanism of action of other chemical peels.

Retinoids do not damage the skin and do not coagulate proteins. By interacting with their own nuclear receptors of basal keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts, retinoids:

increase the level of mitotic activity of basal keratinocytes;
normalize the processes of differentiation and keratinization in the epidermis;
stimulate the synthesis of epidermal lipids;
activate the synthesis of components of the intercellular matrix of the dermis;
normalize melanin synthesis;
reduce the number of atypical cells.

As a result, the appearance of age-related skin changes of various etiologies slows down, pigmentation decreases, and skin texture and relief improves. Referring to superficial peels in terms of penetration depth, according to the results obtained, the BLOCK AGE PEEL CREAM peeling from the Medic Control Peel line is comparable to medium-impact peels, such as 25% trichloroacetic peel. Histological studies have shown that the stimulating effect on the cellular structures of the skin persists for another 4 months after the last application of retinoids. The formulation of the drug includes retinoic acid at a concentration of 5%, which ensures high performance of BLOCK AGE PEEL CREAM. The glycolic, phytic and ascorbic acids included in the composition also complement the action of retinoids and ensure maximum results and comfort of the procedure.

BLOCK AGE PEEL GEL - chemical peeling based on retinoic acid 5%.

It has all the advantages of drugs in this group: a complex effect on the skin and high effectiveness, which is combined with an atraumatic procedure and a short rehabilitation period. As a result of the procedure, skin aging slows down, a pronounced rejuvenating and brightening effect is provided, and the texture and relief of the skin improves.

Release form:

Phase No. 1 (2.7 ml) - 5 pcs.

Phase No. 2 (2.3 ml) - 5 pcs.

Packed in a cardboard case. For one peeling procedure, two bottles are used (phase No. 1 and phase No. 2), the contents of which are thoroughly mixed before use.

A unique feature of Block Age Peel Gel is dimethyl sulfoxide (50%), which is part of the drug, which significantly increases the permeability of all cell membranes to retinoic acid, which ensures maximum effectiveness of the procedure.

Also, dimethyl sulfoxide (Dimexide) improves metabolic processes and has a moderate local anesthetic and antimicrobial effect.

BLOCK AGE PEEL CREAM - peeling with 5% retinoic acid.

Release form: Dispenser 30 ml

It copes well with the aesthetic correction of small facial defects: wrinkles, pigment spots, post-traumatic, post-operative scars, scars after previous acne. Let's compare with medium-impact peels, such as 25% trichloroacetic peel.

The glycolic, phytic and ascorbic acids included in the product complement the action of retinoic acid and ensure maximum results and comfort of the procedure.

The complex effect of the drug on the skin and the high effectiveness of the procedure are combined with its non-traumatic nature and short rehabilitation period.

Histological studies have shown that the stimulating effect on the cellular structures of the skin persists for another 4 months after the last application of retinoids.

Proper preparation for the chemical peel procedure, as well as the use of the necessary medications during the recovery period, are extremely important to achieve the best results from the peeling procedure.

THRIPHILANBALM

Release form: Dispenser 30 ml

A restorative anti-inflammatory balm for damaged skin. It is used immediately after the procedure of chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and until the completion of the rehabilitation period.

Quickly and completely restores damaged skin
Normalizes regenerative processes and has a wound healing effect
Has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects
Intensely nourishes, prevents dehydration
Eliminates erythema, symptoms of irritation and dryness, feeling of tightness
Restores the skin's natural immunity
Has an antioxidant effect
Protects skin from adverse environmental factors

Active Ingredients:

Shea Butter
Rapeseed oil
Coconut oil
Tamanu oil
Jojoba oil
Chamomile and calendula extracts
Retinol,
Vitamins C and E

Directions for use: Apply to skin daily 2 times a day or more often.

Release form: Tube 50 ml

Prepeel Active cream is intended for regular care of aging skin with signs of premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

It is also ideal as a preparatory agent for chemical peeling procedures, laser resurfacing, and photo procedures.

General action:

reduces and smoothes the stratum corneum
normalizes pigment synthesis, reduces the risk of post-peeling hyperpigmentation
stimulates the regenerative processes of skin cells
increases local skin immunity

Active Ingredients:

retinol (vitamin A) - stimulates cellular renewal processes, providing a general rejuvenating effect, helps restore and strengthen epithelial cells. Promotes rapid renewal of the epidermis, reduces pigmentation and improves collagen synthesis, normalizes the function of the follicular epithelium, and has a sebum-regulating effect

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, slows down the aging process, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and actively heals skin damage. Refreshes the skin, restores its water balance, protects against the harmful effects of UV rays and acts as a natural preservative.

Treatment of hypo- and hypervitaminosis A

Children more often develop conditions associated with a lack of this substance. To treat this disease, a drug is needed - Retinol acetate (vitamin A) . It is available in the form of capsules, solution for oral and external administration, and also as a solution for injection. The method of administration and dosage of a particular drug depends on its release form and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen (how to take, how to give) is prescribed by the attending physician.

If hypervitaminosis A develops, it is necessary to stop taking retinol, which will eliminate the pathological symptoms. In severe cases, it is possible to carry out detoxification therapy by using glucose-saline solutions (saline solution, 5% glucose and others).

Vitamin A is an essential substance for children. Retinol deficiency can affect the health of his eyes. Parents should monitor the baby's health condition. When the first symptoms of deficiency appear, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician, which will avoid further progression of the disease and disability in the child.