Retinol palmitate. What is this, instructions for using the vitamin in cosmetology and medicine. Price

Forms of release and composition of the product

The vitamin is produced in 2 main forms:

• oil solution. It has a transparent, liquid consistency with a yellow tint. Sold in tinted glass bottles with a dispenser. Volume from 10 to 200 ml;
• gelatin capsules. They have a spherical transparent shape. Inside it contains a yellow retinol oil solution with varying degrees of brightness. Capsules are packaged in cellular plates of 10 pcs. and in dark glass bottles containing 100 units.

  
  Retinol Palmitate is sold in the form of drops and capsules

Components of these forms and their description:

Creams and ointments for the skin and eyes are also produced based on the vitamin. Their appearance and composition are determined individually by manufacturers.

Pharmacological properties

Retinol palmitate (instructions for use describe the action of the main element after using the product) has a therapeutic effect when used externally and internally.

Therapeutic effect of retinol palmitate:

• strengthening the immune system;
• prevents the development of cancer cells and eliminates existing ones;
• normalizes protein and fat synthesis;

  

• regulates the reduction-oxidation process;
• metabolic processes are restored;
• the production of sweat, sebaceous and tear secretions is normalized;
• the resistance of mucous tissues (digestive tract, respiratory tract) from environmental influences and infections increases;
• regulates the process of cell regeneration, affects the rejuvenation of the skin and accelerates the healing of abrasions and wounds;
• slows down the aging process and keratinization of skin cells;
• protects the epidermis from dermatological pathologies;
• participates in the formation of dental and bone tissues; if it is deficient, their strength decreases;
• restores the process of hematopoiesis;
• increases the activity of leukocytes (participate in the destruction of pathogens) and macrophages (absorb dead cells and infection);
• stimulates the production of antibodies in infectious diseases;
• normalizes the quality of vision, including in the dark;
• restores and improves the activity of brain cells;
• protects the heart muscle from the development of pathologies;
• improves sperm quality and quantity;
• during pregnancy, it participates in the development of organs and tissues in the fetus.

After oral use, the components of the drug are absorbed in the intestine. Retinol is distributed unevenly throughout organs and tissues. The main accumulation and storage of the vitamin occurs in the liver and retina of the eyes. With prolonged use, an overabundance of the drug develops. The drug is eliminated by the kidneys and intestines.

Indications for use in medicine

Retinol palmitate (the instructions for use recommend the use of the drug strictly according to indications) is used in medicine in the presence of pathologies associated with vitamin A deficiency:

• eye diseases (conjunctivitis, dry cornea, severe sensitivity to light brightness);
• dermatological diseases (psoriasis, erythema, seborrhea);

  

• increased dryness of the skin;
• acne rash;
• rapid keratinization of the skin;
• epithelial damage due to burns or frostbite;
• increased hair loss and the onset of baldness;
• disorder of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and respiratory tract);
• ulcerative formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
• pathologies in a severe form of an infectious nature (including dysentery);
• liver disease (usually with cirrhosis);
• violation of bone tissue formation (rickets);
• poor nutrition when losing weight;
• long-term depression;
• during the period of increased growth of bones and tissues (adolescence);
• for work requiring increased brain or physical activity;
• a sharp decrease in immunity (accompanied by frequent colds).

Taking retinol is recommended for people who drink alcohol, as well as for drug and nicotine addiction. And also for the male sex, with deterioration in potency and sperm quality due to retinol vitamin deficiency. The effectiveness of taking the drug to eliminate stones and sand in the kidneys and gall bladder has not been proven.

Indications in cosmetology

For cosmetic purposes, retinol is recommended to be used in combination with vitamins E and B (to achieve greater effect) or independently.

Indications for use of retinol:

• premature aging of the skin (expression wrinkles);

  

• the presence of pigment spots;
• age-related darkening of the epidermis;
• acne;
• violation of the structure of hair and nail plates;
• excessive hair loss.

Taking the vitamin is more effective than using cosmetics based on it. When retinol is taken orally, the cause is eliminated and the skin and hair are naturally restored. Cosmetics give a temporary effect.

Contraindications

Before starting to take retinol palmitate, consultation with a physician or pediatrician is required. Specialists exclude the presence of contraindications and, if necessary, make an individual selection of a course of therapy.

Prohibitions on the use of vitamin A:

• intolerance to the components in the product or the presence of an allergic reaction to them;
• excess retinol in the body;
• dermatological diseases of inflammatory nature in acute form;
• the presence of stones in the gall bladder;
• chronic inflammatory processes in the pancreas.

Retinol is taken under the supervision of a specialist for the following diseases:

• impaired renal function;
• impaired renal function;
• viral hepatitis;
• with alcohol abuse;
• disruption of the heart;
• children and old age;
• the period of gestation or breastfeeding.

  

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If there are contraindications, retinol can be replaced by consuming products containing vitamin A.

Medicinal properties

Retinol palmitate is a compound that is natural to the body, so absorption occurs very quickly. In contrast, another form of vitamin A, retinol acetate, after entering the body, must go through several stages of synthesis before taking the form of palmitate.

Taking Retinol palmitate helps improve the general condition of the body. It normalizes vitamin A levels and improves many important biochemical reactions:

• Activates metabolism
• Accelerates redox processes
• Normalizes tissue metabolism
• Participates in protein synthesis
• Improves cell division, activates their renewal and regeneration
• Slows down keratinization
• Increases the body's resistance
• Improves the functions of the endocrine glands
• Activates intercellular connections.

As a result of the action of the substance:

• Hypo- and avitaminosis A is eliminated
• Strengthens the body's immunity and resistance
• Improves lipid and cellular metabolism
• Skin condition improves
• The functioning of organs and glands returns to normal.

In addition, vitamin A maintains the condition of the retina and is involved in the formation of rhodopsin, a visual pigment that ensures adaptation to darkness.

Retinol is almost completely absorbed in the intestines and distributed throughout the body. Most of all it settles in the liver and retina. It is also present in the kidneys and adrenal glands, and other organs. Vitamin A breakdown products are excreted through the kidneys. The drug leaves the body completely within a month. Therefore, if the drug was taken in high doses. This should be taken into account by women who are planning to become pregnant.

Instructions for use for medicinal purposes

Retinol palmitate is used after the drug has been prescribed by a specialist. He also discusses the nuances of using the vitamin. The standard treatment regimen with the drug is described in the instructions.

Basic rules for using solution and capsules:

• It is recommended to take the product orally after meals, 10-20 minutes;
• for single use, take after breakfast or dinner;
• Do not chew the capsules.
• If you have difficulty swallowing medications, drink with clean water.

The maximum single dose for an adult is 50,000 IU, for children 5,000 IU.

Instructions for using retinol according to indications:

For children and after 60 years of age, adjustment of the dose and course by a specialist is required. In case of vitamin D deficiency (few sunny days), it is recommended to increase the single dose by 2 times (with the permission of the doctor).

Reviews about the advantages and disadvantages

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Retinol palmitate

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Reviews of supplements with retinol palmitate are positive. They note affordable prices and easy portability. Most reviews about the high effectiveness of use in cosmetology. Among the disadvantages, a local inflammatory reaction is noted, which disappears after a few days.

Methods and instructions for using retinol palmitate in cosmetology

For cosmetic purposes, the drug is recommended to be taken orally, according to the regimen to replenish vitamin deficiency, and externally. A comprehensive intake of retinol will speed up the process of restoration of the skin and scalp.

Vitamin A to restore hair thickness and structure

The easiest way to restore the appearance of hair is to rub an oil solution into the scalp. To facilitate the process, the hair should be slightly moisturized. Leave the product for 40 minutes and rinse with shampoo (preferably without additives). The number of procedures per week is no more than 3 times. After 30 days there is a break for up to 3 months.

Recipes for hair care masks

If the procedures are carried out regularly, the effect is observed after 7-10 days.

Masks are used for 30 days, every other day. They can be used to grow eyelashes (careful application required).

Retinol palmitate to normalize the condition of the skin

The solution (in its pure form) can treat minor abrasions and scars, as well as acne. When adding a solution (1-3 drops are enough) to cosmetic products for skin care, there is a significant improvement in skin tone and elasticity, and the number of wrinkles decreases. The course is up to 30 days with a break of 30-45 days.

Recipes for masks to eliminate acne and facial wrinkles

These masks can be prepared at home, the result is similar to procedures in salons.

It is recommended to use masks in the evening, first checking for an allergic reaction. The number of procedures is no more than 2 per week. After 30 days a break is required.

Features of dosage and methods of application

Vitamin A in the form of retinol palmitate is used as prescribed by a doctor; how many drops are needed for administration is calculated individually. Typically, supplements are taken once a day. It is recommended to take the drugs fifteen minutes after meals, late in the evening.

Supplements are prescribed in the form of drops:

• for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency 33 thousand international units (10 drops);
• for the treatment of ophthalmological diseases from 50 to 100 thousand international units (0.5 -1.0 milliliter);
• for skin pathologies from 50,000 to 100,000 IU;
• therapy of acne, ichthyoform erythroderma - up to 300,000 IU.

An eye ointment containing retinol palmitate is placed under the lower eyelid. The strip is squeezed out to the size of one centimeter.

The vitamin in capsules is taken once a day, late in the evening, one tablet containing 100,000 IU.

Features of use for the face

Vitamin A is used in cosmetics for:

• getting rid of acne;
• obtaining a rejuvenating effect;
• reducing the number of fine wrinkles;
• alignment of the facial structure.

The substance is produced commercially in creams and masks. Retinol palmitate in the form of a solution is added to regular creams. There are known recipes for effective face masks made at home.

Rules for using masks:

• It should be applied late in the evening, before bedtime - after the procedure, the skin is vulnerable to sunlight;
• applied to the face, neck, décolleté;
• up to 35 years of age, it is necessary to use retinol palmitate in the form of a solution, after that - in capsules;
• It is necessary to conduct an allergy test before use.

If anyone knows other recipes, please share your feedback.

Features of use for hair

Vitamin A is good for hair. Added to shampoos and masks. Application results:

• elasticity increases;
• shine increases;
• growth improves;
• the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation are reduced;
• moisturizes the scalp.

A few milliliters are added to shampoos, and different recipes are used for masks.

To be effective, the mask should be used every other day.

Vitamin A is used to strengthen and grow eyelashes and eyebrows. The solution is applied to eyelashes and eyebrows with a small brush every night.

Features of use for pregnant and lactating women

How to take retinol palmitate preparations for pregnant women is decided by the gynecologist. The first trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding are a contraindication. The rest of the time, women are recommended to have small maintenance doses of 5000 IU to avoid an overdose, which is more dangerous for the fetus than a deficiency.

Features of use for kidney pathologies

For nephritis, the use of the vitamin is not recommended. If an urgent need arises, how much supplement to take is decided by the attending physician, under the supervision of urine tests and biochemical blood parameters.

Features of use for liver pathologies

In case of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, the use of supplements must be agreed upon with a hepatologist.

Special conditions for children

Children under seven years of age should not be given vitamin A as a supplement. In conditions of vitamin deficiency, the pediatrician prescribes the use of the drug in a dosage of 5000 IU.

Elderly people

In old age, oral administration is dangerous; it is prescribed with caution, in a pediatric dose of 5000 IU.

Side effects

Retinol palmitate (the instructions for use do not recommend continuing to use capsules and solution if there is a negative reaction from the body) can cause side effects if the conditions of use are not followed.

Possible negative effects of retinol:

• allergic symptoms to the components included in the products;

  

• excess vitamin A;
• increased lethargy and drowsiness;
• moderate or severe headache;
• rush of blood to the face (feels hot);
• loss of appetite accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
• gait disturbance due to pain in the legs;
• general increase in temperature (more often observed in children and the elderly);
• dryness and flaking of the skin;
• impaired liver function or exacerbation of existing pathology;
• feeling of thirst due to dryness of the oral mucosa.

In rare cases, children may develop dropsy of the brain and protrusion of the fontanel due to increased blood pressure. After discontinuation of the solution or capsules, the negative reaction ceases, the body’s condition returns to normal (the use of medications is not required).

Overdose symptoms

If signs of vitamin A excess appear, you should stop taking the supplement and seek medical help. Symptoms:

• nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain;
• increased thirst;
• dry skin and mucous membranes;
• increased bleeding of gums;
• double vision, intolerance to bright light;
• frequent excessive urination;
• lethargy, irritability, sleep disturbance;
• the appearance of orange shades of the nasolabial triangle, the dorsum of the feet, and hands.

Overdose

If a single or daily dose is accidentally exceeded, as well as during long-term treatment, an overdose of the vitamin is possible.

This effect is accompanied by symptoms:

• severe headache;
• severe weakness and desire to sleep;
• nausea with vomiting, may occur repeatedly;
• loose, repeated stools;
• redness of the skin on the face;

  

• aches in the limbs and joints;
• incoordination of movement;
• increase in temperature to fever;
• increased sweating;
• profuse rashes on the skin accompanied by itching. After 12-24 hours, severe peeling of the skin will appear;
• deterioration in the quality of vision;
• loss of consciousness.

To eliminate symptoms and stabilize the condition, it is necessary to take drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids. Alcohol also helps remove excess vitamins, affecting the liver.

This method can be used for adults in the absence of the necessary medications. For children and elderly people, going to the hospital is necessary. Untimely assistance in infants can result in dropsy of the brain.

special instructions

Nuances for using vitamin A:

• if the activity of the kidneys, liver or cardiovascular system is impaired, it is recommended to use the product under the supervision of a specialist;
• It is prohibited to take vitamin complexes containing vitamin A (the risk of retinol overdose increases);
• When carrying a child or feeding it with breast milk, observation by a specialist is recommended.

With the simultaneous consumption of alcohol-containing drinks, the effectiveness of the vitamin is sharply reduced. It is not recommended to drive vehicles or perform work requiring increased concentration.

Drug interactions

Retinol palmitate (the instructions for use describe the existing contraindications for complex treatment with drugs) should be taken with caution when using the following medications:

• It is not recommended to take medications after long-term use of tetracycline antibiotics due to possible deterioration of the liver and a sharp increase in blood pressure;

  

• when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, it is necessary to maintain an interval of 60-90 minutes before taking retinol (it increases the concentration of cholesterol);
• simultaneous use of oral contraceptives increases the level of vitamin A in the body;
• drugs that increase calcium and retinol content increase the concentration of the first medications, and an excess of calcium develops;
• taking vitamin A together with the drug Isotretinoin increases the likelihood of developing side effects of the latter remedy;

The simultaneous use of glucocorticosteroids, mineral-based laxatives and vitamin E can reduce the likelihood of developing side effects from taking retinol.

Pure retinol -

Real retinol, and not its esters, is already found in not too many cosmetic products. Moreover, very often manufacturers resort to deception - on the packaging in large letters they write that the product contains retinol, and in the ingredients in small print they may already write about retinol palmitate. The most important thing you should know about cosmetics with pure retinol is its concentration. Let's figure out which concentrations are effective.

1) Effective concentration of retinol –

We have already said above that the most effective form of vitamin A is “retinoic acid” (tretinoin). There are a large number of clinical studies that show that the optimal therapeutic concentration of tretinoin for the treatment of aging skin is 0.025%. And this is exactly the concentration recommended by the FDA (the most authoritative organization in the world that studies the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and treatment methods). And as you will see below, this has a direct bearing on retinol.

Evidence base: 1) study “Griffiths CE, Kang S, Ellis CN et al. Two concentrations of topical tretinoin cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation." The study followed patients over 48 weeks and concluded that using a lower 0.025% tretinoin concentration for skin aging treatment had exactly the same effects as a higher 0.1% concentration. This is how the effective therapeutic concentration was determined.

2) Study “Olsen EA, Katz HI, Levine N et al. Tretinoin emollient cream: a new therapy for photodamaged skin. J Am Acad Dermatol 1992" shows that the use of products with tretinoin concentrations below 0.01% was not very effective. In this case, there was no significant difference in the condition of the skin before and after. And this also has a direct bearing on the effective concentration of retinol.

Important: the fact is that 0.1% pure retinol is approximately equivalent in effectiveness to 0.0025% tretinoin. It turns out that the 0.025% concentration of tretinoin recommended by the FDA for the correction of aging will correspond to 1.0% of pure retinol. That is why the world's leading manufacturers of anti-aging cosmetics with retinol, SKINCEUTICALS® and ZO® SKIN HEALTH, have products with 1.0% pure retinol in their lines. And these products are intended specifically for the correction of wrinkles in older patients.

Products with 0.3% pure retinol are suitable for correcting fine lines, as well as increasing skin elasticity, evening out skin tone and texture (products with 0.5% should add shallow wrinkles to the above). In addition, products with 0.1-0.3% pure retinol are suitable for correcting wrinkles in the corners of the eyes (while the 0.1% concentration is suitable for daily use, and 0.3% - only 3 times a week). The fact is that the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, and therefore lower concentrations will be effective here.

In addition, a 0.1-0.3% concentration can be used to prevent aging, as well as to acclimate the skin to retinoids (as a preparation before using a more concentrated 1.0% form of pure retinol).

2) Duration of use of retinol –

The study (“Two concentrations of topical tretinoin cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation” Griffiths CE, Kang S, Ellis CN et al.) shows that to achieve significant correction in older patients, the course of treatment should be at least 48 weeks .
If we are talking about an average correction, the duration of the course should not be less than 36 weeks. And in any case, for any patients, the course should not be less than 24 weeks. But there is one exception. Products with retinol can be prescribed for preparation before hardware rejuvenation methods, such as fractional RF lifting or laser resurfacing. In this case, even a 2-3 month course of pure retinol can significantly increase the effect of hardware methods. If you want to be guaranteed to get a pronounced anti-aging effect, and sooner than after 1 year, then the following scheme is suitable.

Carry out a course of 3 months with effective concentrations of pure retinol, after which do several fractional RF lifting procedures. These can be the following devices - 1) the “Venus Viva” device with a special “NanoFractional RF” applicator included in the kit, 2) a special tip for fractional grinding “Sublative RF”, which comes with the eTwo™ and Elos Plus™ devices. And it will be very effective.

3) Retinol microencapsulation technology –

If we talk about retinol esters, although they are not very effective, they have good stability. Those. the retinol in them is not destroyed by exposure to light and air. But pure retinol is quickly destroyed by both. Therefore, high-quality manufacturers use microencapsulation (or liposome) technology to stabilize pure retinol. In these cases, pure retinol molecules will be hidden in microcapsules or liposomes.

This protects pure retinol from degradation. When such technologies did not yet exist, high-quality manufacturers produced their products with pure retinol - only in opaque containers with a pump (dispenser). If retinol comes encapsulated, then such a dispenser is no longer needed. In addition, retinol in microcapsules has another excellent property - it significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation, which often occurs when using retinoids.

Important: many manufacturers of inexpensive cosmetics may not indicate the concentration of retinol at all. In addition, most manufacturers use non-encapsulated pure retinol in a cream or serum - and the product can come in a container without a dispenser, or in a transparent bottle (serum). Please note that if a manufacturer uses stabilized retinol in microcapsules or liposomes, this will always be written on the packaging. But don’t be confused: sometimes manufacturers write that their product contains a stable form of retinol, but we are talking about retinol palmitate, and not stabilized pure retinol (24stoma.ru).

Analogs

If the components of the capsules or solution are intolerant, they are replaced with medications:

• Retinol acetate. It is produced in the form of capsules, dragees, and solution for injection. There are no age restrictions for oral administration;
• Retinol. Available in a variety of forms. Has no age restrictions;
• Aevit. It is produced in the form of capsules, injection solution and ointment. Allowed for use after 14 years.

  

These drugs are prescribed by the treating specialist. Independent replacement of drugs is prohibited.

Similar drugs

The following drugs are similar in their mechanism of action:

• Videstim - ointment for external use;
• Retinol acetate in oil - vitamin A based on acetic acid salts;
• Aevit - with the addition of tocopherol.

The unique properties of retinol supplements allow the substance to be used in many areas. External use avoids the risk of overdose, but the concentration in such cases is lower and the effect is slower. Ingestion should be supervised by attending physicians.

Watch the video about the benefits of vitamin A:

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

Retinol must be stored in a dark place, out of reach of children, at a temperature range of 4-10 degrees. Capsules remain shelf life for 12 months, solution for 24 months, subject to the required conditions.

To purchase the products, instructions from a doctor are not required.

Where to buy, how much does retinol palmitate cost?

Retinol palmitate can be purchased in a network of city pharmacies or in an online pharmacy. The price range varies depending on the region of purchase.

Price range for vitamin A:

When ordering online, delivery costs will be added to the indicated price.

Retinol palmitate allows you to quickly replenish vitamin A deficiency (when compared with food). Additionally, the solution is used to restore the structure of hair and skin, replacing expensive products. Rules for use for different types of pathologies are indicated in the instructions; individual dosage may be required.

Author: Kotlyachkova Svetlana

Article design: Vladimir the Great

General information

Retinol palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A and palmite salt. A fat-soluble substance that compensates for vitamin A deficiency in the body. The substance is not synthesized independently; it enters the body with food. The content in plant foods is lower than in animal foods. A shortage has serious consequences:

• premature aging of the skin, formation of wrinkles;
• the appearance of pimples, blackheads;
• increased susceptibility to infections;
• decreased reproduction;
• decreased functionality of the eye analyzer;
• increased fragility, hair loss;
• deterioration of tooth enamel;
• developmental delay in children.

Retinol based on palmite salt or ester is completely processed by the body. Unlike retinol acetate, synthesized using acetic acid. Manufacturers are different.