We know it’s the bomb but what does it do exactly?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A. It’s been heavily researched (since its significance was recognized in the 1920s) and proven to have effect on cellular activity in the skin and is commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis, keratosis pilaris (‘chicken skin’), pigmentation, acne and aged skin.

Light and heat are the enemies of retinol causing it to degrade but with new technologies this has been overcome.

Retinol works by controlling the build up of deal skin cells within the pore and on the surface of the skin, so has an exfoliating effect of sorts. It decongests and clears away built up cells. This is great news for those with bumpy skin or acne. It is also a bit of a fighting machine when it comes to the removal of pigmentation because of this very process. Damaged (pigmented) cells are budged and eliminated from the skin in a speedier way.

Retinol has an effect on fine lines due to its ability to stimulate fibroblast activity and it’s those nifty little fibroblasts that stimulate collagen production. Our own natural collagen is great stuff as it keeps our skin nice and plump and firm. As we age the fibroblasts seem to think that they can slack off on the job. Retinol has the potential to come in and be the task master- it kicks their butt into action.

Which form is what?
So we know Retinol is a commonly used form of vitamin A, but there are other forms. Retinyl Palmitate is one variation (an ester form of vitamin A) however there is a lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness or action on skin aging. It is often used in topical cosmetics because it doesn’t have the side-effects of retinol.

Tretinoin is a prescription form of vitamin A in its strongest form: retinoic acid, and is commonly used to treat acne. This is the serious stuff - side effects often include irritation, skin redness and peeling .

So we can say that retinol is more or less the middle ground in topical application forms. It is metabolized by the skin to be converted into retinoic acid (the stronger form that the skin can then utilize) with less irritation than retinoic acid causes when applied topically.

Cautions:
Although there are no reports of topical retinol having any negative effect on fetal development, some problems have been reported when retinoic acid has been ingested so as a precaution retinol products are best not used in pregnant women or on you gals intending to become pregnant in the near future.

Retinol can cause the skin to be more sensitized to UV light so always ensure you wear a sunblock!

Retinol is always best recommended by a skin professional. It does not always agree with other highly active products so always consult your professional and I am always here for you to shoot the questions at!

thanks Allison, you must have read my mind :spin:. I was going to post a question regarding Retinol!

Thanx Lady girl
What are your fave Retinol products?

Allison YOU are the bomb!! Great run down!! I am a self-confessed Retinol floosie.

But there is one question I have regading skin cell renewal and collagen production of scar tissue.

I am aware of its wonderous effects on acne scarring but what about body scars. The fresh kind, still pink/red/purple. Do you think after the standard 6 week healing time that a regular application of Retinol would help minimise the scar formation??

What are your thoughts on a marriage of Vit C and Retinol in regards to anti-ageing and collagen repair/regeneration?? Would you ever recommend these 2 in the same application??

Thanks Miss Allison
:hugs::waving:

What are your thoughts on a marriage of Vit C and Retinol in regards to anti-ageing and collagen repair/regeneration?? Would you ever recommend these 2 in the same application??

The Ultraceuticals Ultra A Facial Treatment Cream has both Vitamin C and Retinol in it so i guess its ok ?

The Ultraceuticals Ultra A Facial Treatment Cream has both Vitamin C and Retinol in it so i guess its ok ?

Hey Tim tam,

No more Vit C in this product anymore. Thats why they changed the name from ACE cream to just Ultra A cream :waving:

Oh really? Why did they remove the Vitamin C

I still have this and use it at night. Dont really see much result from it though

Oh really? Why did they remove the Vitamin C

I still have this and use it at night. Dont really see much result from it though

I still have one too. They took out the Vit C because they are stream lining the range to just Vit C and just Vit C. Plus the Vit C they used in this product wasnt as potent as the Ultra C range.

Good move i think :clapping:

hey gals,

yes indeed the Ultraceuticals range is changing things a touch. The cream that was the ACE treatment cream is not the ultra A treatment cream. It now has an encapsulated form of vitamin A so may feel a little different on the skin. The idea is to ensure the best penetration of the retinol.

Now this cream does not contain the same amount of retinol as the Ultra A serum. The Ultra A serum has .3% which is a great way to start the skin off on a decent dose (the ultra A treatment cream has only .15% I believe however I will check this as the new formulation may have changed the percentage) The cream also contains some lactic and salicylic acids, vitamin E, bisabolol and green tea where the focal point of the serum is to deliver a higher dosage of vitamin A without the nourishing properties (the serum does however contain some vitamin e and green tea in lower quantities)

If you then want to move up once you know your skin is fine on a .3% you can look at the skinceuticals encapsulated retinols which come in .5% which is still VERY strong and the EXTREMELY STRONG 1% (which is the highest percentage without a prescription).

It is SO important to graduate your skin in levels. My skin still can't handle a 1% and I do push my skin pretty hard so please don't even think about it until you have been using a .5% for a while. I am SERIOUS here !!! :shakehead: Going to hard too fast will mean you have a red peeling retinol face :redcheeks:

Ultraceuticals will be bringing out the ultra C diminish cream (which will eventually come out in a sheer version) This one will have Vitamins A,C (10%) and E which are a great antioxidant fighting team when used together! The product will also have licorice to prevent and assist in pigmentation treatment. There will also be a matching eye cream.

There are benefits to all the formulations depending on how they are used and what serum they are used with and that is why I am about the forum- to ensure you get what you are after and also to ensure you use it as you should be using it to get the results you are after for your particular skin. The same rules of application won't apply to every skin for every product.

So yes in answer to TBA's question vitamin C and A work well together especially when combined with Vitamin E as the E allows the C to work harder and more effectively on a molecular level when fighting antioxidants.

As for skin healing in the initial stages of wound healing I would use vitamin C and E so as to calm and heal, once the wound is sealed and not angry you can integrate vitamin A.


Any other questions my pets???

xxxx

lady A

:glee: