The development of fine lines and wrinkles on your face is a natural part of the aging process. These signs of aging are accelerated by lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays, a process known as photoaging. As you smile, laugh or frown, over time your skin also forms dynamic wrinkles. Several treatments are available to soften or remove these signs of aging. One skin treatment that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and photoaging is vitamin A, along with its derivatives, known as retinoids. Retinyl palmitate, one vitamin A derivative, is a gentle exfoliator that causes shedding of your skin and new cell formation.
Clinical Research
A review by Riccarda Serri and Matilde Iorizzo published in the November/December 2008 issue of "Clinics in Dermatology" explored the effectiveness of retinoids on treating photoaging. The review concluded that topical application of retinoids ameliorates the appearance of aging skin. In fact, although many surgical procedures are beneficial in improving the appearance of photoaged skin, the application of retinoids is the only topical treatment with proven effectiveness. Application of retinoids may help prevent or slow the development of new wrinkles.
Improves Actinic Keratoses
In another clinical study by Dr. Cathy Green and colleagues published in the February 1998 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Dermatology," researchers found significant improvement in those individuals who experienced actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are reddish spots that form as a result of chronic sun exposure. In these individuals, all lesions had disappeared by 48 weeks. Retinyl palmitate produced this result even where regular liquid nitrogen cryotherapy had previously been required to control them.
Overall Skin Improvement
Although some retinoids require a prescription, retinyl palmitate is approved for over-the-counter products and is safe for use in facial creams and lotions. According to Serri and Iorizzo, within one month of using retinyl palmitate, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in your skin elasticity. You skin will feel softer and smoother. By accelerating cell renewal and stimulating the collagen in your skin, retinyl palmitate reduces wrinkles and fine lines with continued use.
Warnings
Retinyl palmitate is a gentle cosmetic ingredient, but after being applied to the skin it converts to retinoic acid, a stronger form of vitamin A that can cause irritation to your skin. Your skin may experience redness, itching, burning and peeling as a result of retinoic acid's strong effect on cell differentiation. This irritation should subside after the first two weeks of application. You can choose to apply the product every other day to reduce the chance of irritation and gradually increase to daily use.
References
- "Clinics in Dermatology"; Cosmeceuticals: Focus on Topical Retinoids in Photoaging; R. Serri, et al.; November-December 2008
- "Clinical and Experimental Dermatology"; A Clinicopathological Study of the Effects of Topical Retinyl Propionate Cream in Skin Photoageing; C. Green, et al.; July 1998
- DTC Health Sciences: Topical Vitamin A
Member Comments