Retinol | Vitamin A | Provitamin A
Retinol, also known as vitamin A1 or vitamin Axerophthol, is the most potent form of essential and fat-soluble vitamin A.. The body cannot produce retinol itself but converts vitamin A or provitamin A into retinol. Unfortunately, this process of converting vitamin A into retinol, which is so important for the body and our skin, becomes increasingly difficult as we age. The natural ageing process itself, as well as exposure to UV rays, deprives the skin of large amounts of vitamin A, so that less and less retinol can be produced.
A deficiency of retinol causes connective tissue cells to collapse, the skin loses elasticity and moisture, becomes thinner and wrinkles form. The skin is thus weakened by this deficiency and also more susceptible to external environmental influences such as UV radiation or fine dust. This in turn leads to irregular pigmentation of the skin and makes it appear older.
Retinol is converted in the skin to vitamin A acid (Tretinoin) and is found in skin care products approved in Germany in a maximum concentration of 0.3 percent. Retinol stimulates collagen production, which has been proven to counteract wrinkles, and alleviates symptoms of UV-damaged skin such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation.
The basis for retinol, vitamin A, can only be absorbed by our body from the outside and mainly through food, from animal sources or its precursor, provitamin A, from carotenoid-containing plant foods such as oranges, carrots or spinach.
Essentially, there are three versions of retinol:
- Retinol esters, which are found under the ingredients as "Retinyl Palmitate" or "Retinyl Linoleate" and which are somewhat less effective, but also milder and more tolerable.
- Pure retinol, which is also stated in the INCIs as such, and
- Tretinoin or vitamin A acid, which can be extremely irritating and is therefore only found in prescription medicines.
When using retinol, it should be taken into account that the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun due to accelerated cell formation and renewal. Therefore, retinol preparations should be applied in the evening and temporarily discontinued completely in case of impending stronger sun exposure (holiday in more southern regions, sunbathing, etc.). As a precaution, pregnant women and nursing mothers should completely refrain from using retinol.
