Retinol acetate (capsules): instructions for use and reviews

From this article you will learn:

• how effective is retinol for the face,
• what forms of retinol are there,
• effective concentrations, timing of application.

Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics, which helps even out skin tone and texture, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is just one of many forms of vitamin A, which also include retinoic acid and retinaldehyde, as well as the so-called retinol esters (for example, retinol palmitate or retinol acetate).

Below you will see that retinol and retinol esters are completely different in effectiveness forms of vitamin A. And it is preferable that retinol for facial skin be present in cosmetic products in the form of real pure retinol, and not its esters. And below we will tell you why this is so important and how it affects the effectiveness of correcting age-related skin changes.

The chemical formula of pure retinol is

In this article we will talk about the criteria for choosing retinol products for the face so that they are truly effective. And of course, the main criteria will be the choice of the correct form of retinol, as well as its correct concentration. We will also talk about the duration of courses for correcting age-related changes using cosmetics with retinol, and when you can notice the first visible results.

Release form and composition

Dosage forms of Retinol acetate:

• drops for oral and external use 3.44% and 8.6%: oily liquid from dark yellow to light yellow in color with a transparent structure, without rancid odor (10, 15, 30, 50 ml each in dark glass bottles or 10, 30 or 50 ml in bottles with a dropper cap, 1 bottle in a cardboard box);
• solution for oral and external use, oily 3.44% and 8.6%: transparent dark yellow to light yellow oily liquid without rancid odor (10, 15, 30, 50 or 100 ml each in dark glass bottles or 10 ml in a dropper bottle, 1 bottle in a cardboard box; 10 ml (3.4% solution) in a polymer bottle, 1 bottle in a cardboard box);
• capsules: yellow, spherical, free of mechanical impurities and streaks; the contents of the capsules are an oily liquid from light yellow to dark yellow in color, there is no rancidity in the odor (10 pcs. in a blister pack, 1-3 or 5 packs in a cardboard pack; 25 or 50 pcs. in dark glass jars , 1 can in a cardboard box).

1 ml of drops for oral and external use 3.44% and 8.6% contains:

• active substance: retinol acetate (including butylated hydroxytoluene and peanut oil) 100,000 International Units (IU) and 250,000 IU, respectively;
• auxiliary components: butylated hydroxyanisole, sunflower oil (refined deodorized sunflower oil).

1 ml of solution for oral and external use, oily 3.44% and 8.6%, contains:

• active ingredient: retinol acetate 100,000 IU (34.4 mg) and 250,000 IU, respectively;
• auxiliary components: frozen, refined, deodorized sunflower oil, grade P.

1 capsule contains:

• active substance: retinol acetate solution for oral and external use, oily 8.6% – 0.132 ml (33,000 IU);
• auxiliary components: refined deodorized sunflower oil;
• shell composition: glycerin (glycerol), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (nipagin), gelatin, quinoline yellow dye (E-104).

Price

The cost of all oil retinol options does not exceed 150 rubles, but the bottles are small and the volume varies. Palmitate sells for 80-100 rubles. for 10 ml, and acetate can be bought for 70 rubles, but it will already be 50 ml. If you decide to order the drug from a cosmetic company catalog, it may cost significantly more. An approximate picture of prices for pharmacies in Moscow:

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Retinol acetate, vitamin A, is a necessary component for the normal functioning of the retina of the eye, which binds to the pigment opsin to form visual rhodopsin purple, which provides visual adaptation in the dark. Vitamin A is also involved in the processes of bone growth, embryonic development, regulation of division, differentiation of the epithelium (stimulates the reproduction of epithelial cells, rejuvenates the cell population, suppresses keratinization processes), and ensures normal reproductive function. Vitamin A is a cofactor in various biochemical processes.

Pharmacokinetics

Vitamin A is rapidly absorbed from the duodenum, jejunum and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of bile acids, proteins, fats and pancreatic lipase. Normally, less than 5% is bound to plasma proteins. With excessive consumption of food with vitamin A and overcrowding of the liver depot, the connection with lipoproteins can be up to 65%. Hyperlipoproteinemia may also increase the amount of vitamin A bound to lipoproteins. Vitamin A, released from the liver depot, forms a complex with retinol-binding protein, in the form of which it is found in the blood. Small amounts pass through the placenta and into breast milk. The equivalent of the two-year requirement of an adult is deposited in the liver, and in small quantities in the kidneys and lungs. Mobilization from the depot requires the presence of zinc-containing substances.

Vitamin A is metabolized in the liver. It is excreted by the kidneys, and the unabsorbed part is excreted through the rectum.

Deficiency Symptoms

Hypovitaminosis A in children has a pronounced manifestation, so parents notice it quickly. Vitamin deficiency in a child is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• rapid deterioration of vision, development of night blindness;
• profuse lacrimation, redness of the mucous membranes of the eyelids, a feeling of sand in the eyes;
• insufficient height for his age;
• improper formation of the skeletal system;
• facial paralysis;
• increased tooth sensitivity;
• drying and peeling of the skin;
• frequent infectious respiratory diseases;
• inflammatory diseases of the genital and urinary organs;
• infectious pathologies of the digestive tract;
• deterioration of hair condition;
• pimples, the appearance of boils and other skin rashes;
• stomatitis;
• anemia, pale skin;
• drowsiness, lethargy, poor appetite;
• convexity of the fontanel in infants.

Indications for use

The use of Retinol acetate is indicated for vitamin A deficiency, hypovitaminosis and as part of complex therapy:

• eye pathologies: hemeralopia, retinitis pigmentosa, xerophthalmia, eczematous eyelid lesions, keratomalacia with concomitant vitamin A deficiency;
• diseases and skin lesions: ulcers, ichthyosis, psoriasis, hyperkeratosis, tylotic (callous, horny) eczema, subacute and acute stages of eczema, neurodermatitis, burns, frostbite, erosion, cracks, wounds.

In addition, oil solution for oral and external use and Retinol acetate capsules are used as part of complex therapy:

• seborrheic dermatitis, skin tuberculosis;
• gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, erosive gastroduodenitis;
• colds and infectious-inflammatory (including chronic forms) diseases (including measles, dysentery, tracheitis, influenza, bronchitis).

Also, Retinol acetate capsules are taken in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, and drops are prescribed as part of the complex therapy of atopic dermatitis.

What conditions are necessary for the absorption of vitamin A?

Based on the chemical characteristics, effective treatment or prevention is observed when taken simultaneously with fats, which is why most dosage forms of the substance contain vegetable oils.

However, this is not enough. For optimal absorption, a person should regularly receive from food:

• vitamins E, D, B;
• acids;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• phosphorus.

According to experts, in patients who had a clear deficiency of the vitamin, this condition was provoked by poor nutrition and all kinds of diets. After taking retinol (in the dosage prescribed by the doctor), everything quickly returned to normal. Moreover, the positive effect, according to reviews, was noticeable within a week after the start of treatment.

Contraindications

• acute inflammatory skin diseases;
• cholelithiasis;
• hypervitaminosis A;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• pregnancy period;
• age up to 7 years;
• individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

With caution, only after consulting your doctor, you can use Retinol acetate for liver cirrhosis, alcoholism, viral hepatitis, renal failure, and in old age.

In addition, caution should be exercised when prescribing the solution and capsules to patients with heart failure of degrees II and III, or with nephritis.

Side effects

When applied topically, a short-term increase in the local inflammatory process is possible due to the immune activity of the drug. During intramuscular injection, pain and the appearance of a lump at the injection site are possible. With individual intolerance, symptoms appear:

• rash in the area of ​​application, on the inner thighs, stomach;
• redness, peeling of the cheeks;
• itching;
• Quincke's edema is a severe allergic reaction in which the face swells, then the process spreads to the larynx, which causes breathing problems;
• anaphylactic shock is an acute reaction to an allergen, manifested by a sharp drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Long-term use of retinol in high dosages causes the following symptoms:

• disruptions in the functioning of the stomach and intestines;
• depression of the emotional sphere;
• decreased visual acuity.

Instructions for use of Retinol acetate: method and dosage

The use of Retinol acetate is carried out only under the supervision of a physician.

Drops for oral and external use 3.44% and 8.6%

The drops are taken orally after meals, 10-15 minutes later.

Recommended dosage of Retinol acetate:

• mild and moderate degree of vitamin deficiency: adults - 11.35 mg (33,000 IU), which corresponds to 0.33 ml drops with a concentration of 3.44% (13 drops from an eye dropper or 10 drops from a dropper cap) or 0.13 ml 8.6% of the drug (5 drops from an eye dropper or 4 drops from a dropper cap) per day;
• eye diseases: adults - 17.2-34.4 mg (50,000-100,000 IU), which corresponds to 0.5-1 ml drops with a concentration of 3.44% (20-40 drops from an eye pipette or 14-28 – from a dropper cap) or 0.2-0.4 ml with a concentration of 8.6% (8-16 drops from an eye dropper or 6-8 from a dropper cap) per day; children (taking into account age) - 0.34-1.72 mg (1000-5000 IU), which corresponds to 0.01-0.05 ml of the drug 3.44% (1-2 drops from an eye pipette or 1 drop from dropper caps) or 0.004-0.02 ml of the drug with a concentration of 8.6% (1 drop from an eye pipette or from a dropper cap) per day;
• skin pathologies: adults - 17.2-34.4 mg (50,000-100,000 IU), which corresponds to 0.5-1 ml of 3.44% of the drug (20-40 drops from an eye pipette or 14-28 from dropper caps) or 0.2-0.4 ml drops of 8.6% (8-16 drops from an eye dropper or 6-8 from a dropper cap) per day; children - 1.72-6.88 mg (5000-20,000 IU), which corresponds to 0.05-0.2 ml drops of 3.44% (2-8 drops from an eye dropper or 2-6 drops from a cap droppers) or 0.02-0.08 ml of the drug with a concentration of 8.6% (1-4 drops from an eye dropper or 1-2 drops from a dropper cap) per day.

The doctor determines the duration of treatment individually.

When treating ulcers, burns and frostbite, it is recommended to simultaneously treat skin lesions with an oil solution of Retinol acetate. To do this, apply the drug to the previously cleaned surface of the lesion 5-6 times a day and cover it with gauze. The frequency of lubrication as epithelization and scarring progress is reduced to 1 time per day.

Solution for oral and external use, oily 3.44% and 8.6%

Retinol acetate solution is taken orally, 10-15 minutes after meals (early morning or late evening).

Recommended dosage:

• mild and moderate severity of vitamin deficiency: adults - up to 33,000 IU, children over 7 years old - 5,000 IU per day;
• eye diseases: adults – 50,000-100,000 IU per day with simultaneous intake of 20 mg of riboflavin;
• skin pathologies: adults - 50,000-100,000 ME, children - from 5,000 to 20,000 ME per day. When treating burns, frostbite and ulcers, in addition to oral administration, local applications with the drug are prescribed, which are applied to cleansed affected areas 5-6 times a day during the acute period of the condition, then as healing progresses, the frequency of procedures is reduced.

A single dose should not exceed 50,000 IU for adults, 5,000 IU for children, 100,000 IU and 20,000 IU daily, respectively.

Capsules

Retinol acetate capsules are taken orally after meals late in the evening or early in the morning.

Recommended dosage:

• vitamin deficiency of mild and moderate severity: 1 pc. (33,000 IU) per day;
• eye pathologies: adults – 3 pcs. (100,000 IU) per day in combination with 20 mg of riboflavin;
• skin diseases: adults – 3 pcs. (100,000 ME) per day.

The maximum daily dose for adults is 100,000 IU.

Overdose

In case of acute overdose in adults, after 6 hours the following symptoms of hypervitaminosis A develop: lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, double vision, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, irritability, diarrhea, bleeding gums, dryness and the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa, peeling lips, skin (especially palms), increased intracranial pressure, confusion.

Symptoms of chronic intoxication: bone pain, loss of appetite, dry oral mucosa, cracks and dry skin, vomiting, gastralgia, increased fatigue, hyperthermia, asthenia, severe abdominal pain, headaches, pollakiuria, nocturia, polyuria, photosensitivity, irritability , the appearance of yellow-orange spots on the palms, soles, in areas of the nasolabial triangle, hair loss, convulsions, hepatotoxic phenomena, oligomenorrhea, portal hypertension, intraocular hypertension, hemolytic anemia, the appearance of changes on bone radiographs.

Acute hypervitaminosis in children is characterized by excitement, anxiety, insomnia during the first day, drowsiness, signs of suffocation, vomiting, fever up to 39 ºC, protrusion of the large fontanel.

Treatment: drug withdrawal and symptomatic therapy.

What happens when there is a lack of retinol?

This problem is not uncommon nowadays. Vitamin A deficiency can occur in people of any age and gender, but it most often affects women, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In second place are the elderly.

A lack of a substance can manifest itself as the following symptoms:

• early aging (graying, sagging skin, appearance of wrinkles);
• decreased visual acuity;
• other ophthalmological pathologies;
• brittle hair and nails;
• dull complexion;
• slowing down metabolism;
• dry skin and eyes;
• low hemoglobin levels;
• the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth;
• peeling;
• dandruff, oily hair.

Young children may experience delayed mental and physical development.

It turns out that a lack of vitamin causes disturbances in the functioning of many systems. The deficiency most affects vision, reproductive function, growth and development (in children).

However, all of the above symptoms can be the cause of other diseases, sometimes very serious, so if they appear, you should consult a doctor and not run to the nearest pharmacy for a miracle cure.

Most people who have used vitamin A capsules claim that their appearance actually improves after a course of retinol therapy. The skin becomes tightened and silky, wrinkles are less noticeable.

special instructions

Retinol acetate should not be used in combination with other multivitamin preparations containing vitamin A to prevent hypervitaminosis.

For adults, the daily requirement of retinol is 0.9 mg, for children – 0.4-1 mg.

For nursing women and children living in the Far North, it is recommended to increase the dose by 50%.

The use of the drug in recommended doses does not affect the patient’s ability to drive vehicles and machinery.

Reviews

Consumer reactions to retinol acetate preparations and reviews are mostly positive. A positive effect is noted (improved vision, wound healing, etc.) after 2-3 days of use. Among the advantages is the low price. There are cases of overdose due to self-medication and incorrect use of the drug.

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Drug interactions

It is not recommended to prescribe vitamin A supplements during long-term therapy with tetracyclines, since this combination can cause intracranial hypertension.

With simultaneous use of Retinol acetate:

• oral contraceptives - help increase the level of vitamin A concentration in the blood plasma;
• glucocorticosteroids, salicylates - reduce the risk of unwanted effects;
• colestipol, cholestyramine, neomycin, mineral oils - reduce the absorption of the drug (it may be necessary to increase the dose of retinol acetate);
• isotretinoin – increases the risk of toxic effects;
• calcium preparations – reduce their therapeutic effect, causing the risk of developing hypercalcemia;
• Vitamin E – causes a decrease in the storage and use of vitamin A in the liver, drug toxicity and absorption; taking high doses of vitamin E can reduce vitamin A reserves in the body.

Nutrient-rich foods

The compound is found in the form of retinol in animal foods, and in the form of beta-carotene in plant foods. Rich sources of the substance are:

• liver;
• meat and fish of fatty varieties;
• hard cheeses;
• butter;
• egg yolk;
• carrot;
• pumpkin;
• bell pepper;
• tomatoes;
• apricots;
• leafy greens.

You can determine the vitamin content of a plant product by the color of its pulp and skin. All red, orange and yellow plants are rich in carotene.