Retinoic ointment - instructions for use, composition, indications, side effects and price

Retinol is vitamin A. It was discovered in 1913. It is a fat-soluble substance and therefore accumulates in the body. In uncontrolled doses it causes toxic reactions and overdose. Participates in more than 30 biological processes: from sperm maturation to regulation of skin renewal processes. Neither man nor animal can live and develop without this substance. A deficiency or excess of the vitamin threatens a huge number of pathologies. Retinol is called a hormone-like substance because it acts on human cell receptors. Of course, in its pure form it is not capable of this. To act on cells, Vitamin A must enter the body and be converted into its active form - retinoic acid.

Retinol in cosmetics

Vitamin A has an unstable compound that oxidizes in air and loses its functionality. Therefore, using it in cosmetics is problematic. Manufacturers are trying in different ways to preserve the beneficial properties of the substance and make it more stable:

• embedded in microcapsules;
• connect with additional molecules.

One of the most popular forms of retinol used in cosmetics is retinol palmitate. The substance is not capricious, but not very active either. To work on the skin, it must be converted into vitamin A, then into retinoic acid.

There is a noticeable pattern: the more stabilizing molecules are added to vitamin A, the better it is preserved in air, in cream, but at the same time it becomes less active. Pharmacology does not stand still. Recently, a new hybrid of the molecule was developed that behaves more stably and does not lose much activity. It's called retinyl retinoate. The substance is actively used in cosmetics.

In addition to vitamin A and its derivatives, there are preparations with retinoic acid. The active form of retinol acts directly on cells. Retinoic acid is a pharmaceutical substance. Unlike retinol, which is used in anti-aging cosmetics, acid is used to treat diseases. Often found in medications designed to relieve acne. Diferin, Retinoic ointment and other similar products are medicinal drugs and should not be used for skin rejuvenation.

Analogs

Retinoic ointment has a number of analogues with a similar mechanism of pharmacological action. They are presented on the market not only in the form of an ointment, but also in the form of a gel and cream. The active ingredients often differ, as do the dosages and frequency of application. But in case of intolerance to the drug in question, it is better to use one of the following analogues:

• Delex-Acne;
• Retasol;
• Klerosil;
• will erase;
• Klenzit.

The substitute is prescribed only by the attending physician, based on the characteristics of the pathological process.

Retinol for facial skin

The stratum corneum of the epidermis becomes thinner over time, and the number of fatty layers increases. Retinol enhances the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Due to biological processes, the skin becomes fresher, more hydrated, smoother, and fine wrinkles disappear.

It is recommended for people to use retinol:

• over 30–35 years old;
• with photodamage to tissues.

The symptom complex of early aging is manifested by thinning tissues, a large number of wrinkles and pigmentation disorders.

What do the drugs have in common?

Both drugs are used in the treatment of acne. Available in forms for external use. They have a number of contraindications:

When treated with either drug, adverse reactions may occur:

The drugs perform the same external actions:

1. Reduction of sebaceous glands in size.
2. Normalization of sebum composition.
3. Reduction of inflamed foci within the hair follicles.
4. Increasing the protective properties of the skin.
5. Healing of affected areas.

Before applying medications, do not use soap (solid) or alcohol solutions.

Rules for using retinol

Most retinol molecules are unstable in the sun. For this reason, the substances are used in the evening. Fat-soluble vitamins can be accumulated by the body, so preparations with retinol are used in a course. The duration of treatment is usually from one to three months, repeated every other year.

• Can be applied to the area around the eyes.
• They have an irritating effect, the higher the activity and concentration, the stronger the side effects.
• The skin gets used to vitamin A.
• Begin therapy with mild forms with a lower concentration of the active form.
• When using strong drugs, there is a possibility of side effects: allergies, irritations.

The use of external medications should not be combined with internal ones. To avoid an overdose, it is not recommended to drink even fish oil.

Amount of vitamin A per 100 g of product

Properties of retinoic ointment

The medicine is officially intended for the treatment of acne, acne and other skin pathologies, but the unique properties of the product are also used for skin rejuvenation. Cosmetology salons recommend ointment for:

• increasing epidermal turgor;
• reducing the secretion of sebum (sebum);
• smoothing skin texture, smoothing facial wrinkles;
• improve complexion, lighten skin.

Retinoic ointment for acne helps to activate cellular metabolism, accelerate natural renewal processes, and skin regeneration. This ensures rapid recovery, stimulates the production of collagen, which increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Retion ointment will help cleanse the surface of the epidermis from sebaceous plugs, which promotes oxygen saturation, normalizes the function of the sebaceous glands and reduces sebum production, and inflammation disappears.

An important positive feature of isotretinoin is its ability to be absorbed into the deep layers of the skin. Other cosmetics affect only the stratum corneum (superficial) layer, but the retinol analogue penetrates deeper, affecting the function of the sebaceous glands, and improves the condition of the skin at the cellular level. These medicinal properties of the drug in combination with the keratolytic, anti-inflammatory effect determined the main purpose of retinoic ointment.

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Scheme for using retinol creams for beginners

Retinol cream is applied in the evening to dry, cleansed skin. The procedure is carried out 20–30 minutes after washing:

• the first two weeks - once;
• the third and fourth - twice each;
• fifth week - three times.

Further on the feelings. If there are no side effects, the number of applications is increased to every night. Sometimes at the adaptation stage, after retinol, dryness and tightness of the tissues are felt. In this case, after 15 minutes you can apply moisturizer, but it is not advisable.

Side effects

Vitamin A in large doses is toxic to the human body and can cause serious negative consequences. The most common side effect was an allergic reaction (irritation, redness of the epidermis). Be sure to apply a little product to the area of ​​skin before use to immediately notice an aggravation. Cover the treated area with a bandage and evaluate the reaction after a day. In addition to an overdose of retinol, the following side effects may occur:

• nausea;
• depressive states;
• the frequency of headaches increases;
• clouding of the cornea, photophobia, development of conjunctivitis;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• dryness, peeling of the skin;
• dermatitis;
• increased photosensitivity;
• muscle pain, sweating;
• anemia, nosebleeds;
• changes in blood parameters.

How to store vitamin A cream

Retinol must be stored correctly. The bottle with the substance should be kept in a dark, cool room. A refrigerator is suitable for this purpose. Once the package is opened, retinol in its pure form evaporates within two to three months. To increase shelf life, containers are of great importance. It is not recommended to store retinol in a jar. Give preference to products in a vacuum dispenser. In such bottles, contact with oxygen is minimal. The chances increase that beneficial substances will remain active longer.

Price for retinoic ointment

The medicine is sold in pharmacies and can be ordered for delivery from an online store. The cost depends on the manufacturer and region of sale. A doctor's prescription is not required to purchase. The approximate price for the product in Moscow is as follows:

Creams with retinol: ranking of the best

The list of the best creams includes 16 products that, according to user reviews, deserve special attention:

1. Redermic R Anti-Aging (La Roche-Posay)
2. Liftactiv Advanced Filler (Vichy)
3. Anti–Age Ystheal + (Avene)
4. Retino–A Tretinoin
5. Christina Retinol E Active Cream
6. Librederm Aevit nutritional
7. Holy Land Alpha–Beta Restoring Cream
8. Retinol Real White Cream
9. SesDerma Retises 0.25%
10. CAVIALE Vitamin A
11. Sefite anti-aging
12. L'OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT NIGHT CREAM
13. Natura Siberica Anti-Age
14. Milky Piggy Egf Elastic (Elizavecca)
15. Bielita Vitex Retinol+Mg
16. Tolk Retinol (Spring)

Vitamin A supplements are really effective. The usefulness is confirmed by various clinical trials and time.

Which drug should you prefer?

Retinoic ointment is suitable for patients with moderately oily skin and the presence of papules (nodules). It is used in monotherapy of mild forms of acne. For moderate acne, antibacterial agents are added.

Differin ointment is better for dry and sensitive skin, and gel for oily skin. In severe forms, combine with Baziron AS.

Both drugs are available without a prescription, but treatment without consulting a specialist is not necessary. An incorrectly selected drug will cause the condition to worsen. Only a doctor can recommend a medicine, taking into account the degree of the disease, skin type and concomitant diseases.

Medicine and healthComment

Contraindications

According to the instructions, retinoid ointment is not recommended for use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since treatment with ointment lasts a long time, you should consult a doctor even when planning to conceive a child. Not prescribed for patients with chronic pancreatitis, liver and kidney diseases, problems with the cardiovascular system, while being treated with tetracycline group medications, hormones. It is very important to obtain a doctor’s advice before using the ointment and subsequently to be observed by a dermatologist.

Cosmetic products

The range of products offered by different cosmetic brands to combat blackheads (and on the nose too) is extremely wide. The following ingredients are useful in combating them:

• zinc (exfoliates dead skin particles, dries and softens it, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands);
• salicylic acid (dissolves the contents of clogged pores, regulates sebum production, gives an antibacterial effect);
• fruit acids (act as a chemical peeling, “dissolving” dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, cleansing and tightening pores, destroying pathogenic microflora);
• extracts of green tea, lavender, citrus fruits (give an antibacterial effect).

Cleansing toner against blackheads and oily shine Clear skin from Garnier

The main beneficial ingredients are zinc and salicylic acid. You need to wipe your face with tonic every morning and evening. The skin becomes more matte, the tone is evened out, oily shine disappears, sebum production decreases, pores are cleaned and narrowed.

Garnier Clear Skin Cleansing Toner is specially formulated for oily and combination skin types.

The product does not contain additional caring components, so it is mainly suitable for combination and oily skin. It dries out normal and dry skin greatly, causing flaking. The average price is 350 rubles.

Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm by TonyMoly

An unusual warming balm first opens the pores, affecting them with heat (the same effect as steaming the skin), then deeply cleanses them. It is recommended to use it no more than twice a week. The product is applied to the skin of the nose and a light massage is performed for 3–5 minutes. During the process, a feeling of warmth appears, the gel changes color from transparent to white. Then the balm is washed off with clean water. Price - from 800 rubles.

Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm from TonyMoly simultaneously provides the effect of steaming the skin and cleansing the pores

The effect is provided by a combination of natural ingredients:

• sea ​​salt (destroys pathogenic microflora, deeply cleanses the skin);
• tiny eggshell particles (act as a very delicate mechanical peeling, removing dead epithelial particles);
• corn extract (softens the skin, ensures its restoration, stimulates the process of renewal of epithelial cells);
• egg yolk extract (tightens pores, mattifies the skin, evens out its tone);
• green tea extract (a powerful antioxidant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties).

Video: review of Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm from TonyMoly

Nose patches Speedy Solution Nose Pore Cleaning Patch from Missha

They look like a regular adhesive plaster - one side is fabric, the other is sticky. The characteristic shape ensures ease of use specifically for the nose. Patches are glued to damp skin and removed with a sharp jerk after 15–20 minutes. The active ingredients begin to work under the influence of water, the sebaceous plugs soften, the pores are cleaned, and the remaining contents are removed with a jerk, remaining on the patch. To get rid of a possible feeling of slight tightness and residual composition, wipe your face with tonic. It is recommended to use patches once a week or less often, as needed. Cost - about 400 rubles for 8 pieces.

Speedy Solution Nose Pore Cleaning Patch from Missha provides an effect due to the presence of natural extracts

The effect is provided by natural extracts:

• parsley (refreshes the skin, removes oily sheen);
• lotus (deeply cleanses pores, tones);
• barley (soothes the skin, relieves inflammation);
• witch hazel (destroys pathogenic microflora, tightens pores);
• ylang-ylang (normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands).

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque from Kiehl's

The product actively cleanses pores, tightens them, dries the skin, removes dead cells on its surface, and fights sebaceous shine. The mask is evenly applied to clean, slightly damp skin. After a quarter of an hour, it will dry out and you can wash it off with clean water or wipe it off with massage movements with a sponge, a damp towel or a special silicone face brush. Apply the mask 1-2 times a week. The cost on the manufacturer’s website is 2600 rubles.

The price of the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque from Kiehl's is quite high, but the large package lasts a long time

Active components:

• Amazonian white clay (rich in natural minerals, deeply cleanses the skin, removing excess sebum and dead skin cells, fights toxins and bacteria);
• bentonite (another type of clay that absorbs sebum);
• aloe vera extract and allantoin (soothe the skin, relieve redness and inflammation);
• corn starch and oatmeal (soften the skin, stimulate regeneration).

Pore ​​Vacuum from Propeller

A whole series of products that together provide deep cleansing of the skin, its disinfection and narrowing of pores. The price of each of them varies between 100–200 rubles. The series includes:

• gel-scrub for washing (does not contain alkali, gives the effect of mechanical peeling, reduces the amount of sebum production);
• face lotion for blackheads (contains plant extracts and fruit acids, cleanses the contents of clogged pores, tightens them);
• airy fluid (light cream, suitable as a base for makeup; chestnut, eucalyptus, nettle extracts mattify and even out skin tone, provide an antibacterial effect);
• cream care for skin with enlarged pores (designed for very oily and problematic skin; absorbs quickly, tightens pores, reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands);
• nasal cleansing strips;
• express gommage for the T-zone (“ambulance”, if you need to get rid of blackheads as quickly as possible, gives the desired effect in 1-3 minutes).

Express gommage for blackheads Pore Vacuum from Propeller - the fastest-acting product in the series

Video: Propeller nasal cleansing strips

Combination mask recipe

To prepare it you will need ointments:

• Salicylic acid – 1 tsp,
• Sulfur – 1 tsp,
• Zinc – 1 tsp.
• and tar - 3-4 drops.

Zinc ointment is good because it has a drying effect, fights inflammation, and is a good absorbent.

om and acts against bacteria. Salicylic and sulfuric acids kill bacteria and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. And tar (a product from birch bark) regenerates, eliminates redness and cleanses contaminated pores.

Attention! Due to the tar in its composition, the cream may have a pungent odor that is not entirely pleasant. Essential oils will help smooth it out.

You can add a few drops of any of your choice to the mixture:

• lavender,
• citrus - lemon, orange, grapefruit,
• tea tree.

Once prepared, this mixture can remain usable for up to 2 weeks if the jar is kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator. The properties of all components will be preserved. Therefore, you can prepare for half of the course of treatment, which lasts 1 month in total.

The product is applied to previously cleansed problem areas of the face where there are blackheads, left for 2-3 hours (judging by the recommendations on the forums), sometimes it is recommended to stay overnight, but 6tu4ka.ru still does not welcome this. Afterwards, rinse with boiled water, or better yet, with a herbal decoction (based on chamomile, celandine or string).

Liniment Vishnevsky

Vishnevsky ointment is a remedy that has been popular for decades. Like Ichthyol, this ointment removes sebum, purulent discharge, and impurities. If there are only a few dark spots, then apply Vishnevsky’s product locally with a cotton swab, and if the problem area is “strewn” with them, then you need to smear it entirely and leave it for an hour, then rinse it off.

Liniment Vishnesky is also effective for acne, especially red, slightly painful, large ones. Spread it thickly at night, apply a compress of cotton wool with a bandage or gauze, and leave it overnight.

If you believe the reviews, then Vishnevsky’s balsamic liniment will help deal with spots and pimples in a couple of sessions.