We here at the Beauty Brains almost always end up telling you about things that don’t work. We try to be positive but there is just so much Beauty Care BS we may start to sound like cynics.However, in our hearts and souls we hold out hope and dream of better beauty products. So, when we see something that is proven to really work, we love to report it.
A recent study about the effect of Vitamin A on wrinkles and skin aging is one such development. According to researchers, work done at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, showed that a vitamin A (Retinol) lotion was effective in reducing wrinkles, roughness and overall skin aging.
In the study, the scientists took suitably wrinkly volunteers (average age of 87) and applied lotions to either their right or left upper, inner arms. One lotion was a placebo and the other contained 0.4% retinol. They did this for 3 times a week for 24 weeks.
Happily, they found that the skin was significantly improved. The authors theorize that the extra vitamin A likely increases collagen production and helps the skin retain water. The best part is this is a study published in a PEER REVIEWED journal (Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:606-612) and not just some clinical study conducted by a biased company. It’s this extra level of proof that is new.
Beauty Brains Bottom Line
So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you are concerned about wrinkles be sure to find a skin lotion that contains vitamin A or retinol. Of course, this won’t guarantee your skin will improve since companies can put tiny amounts in the formulas and still say it’s in there, but at least there is a chance it will help.
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SageRave Says:
what great news. Glad to see a test that doesn’t bolster the position of a company! Now I can continue adding retinal to my face creams and not feel that I am wasting my time.
Henna Says:
I thought that Retinol and Vitamin A were different things and that Retin-A was the stuff that worked! Is Retinol the same thing as Vitamin A? If so, what is Retin-A?
Piri Says:
Henna: Retinol is part of the vitamin A “collective”; ingested vit A is often in the form of retinol or proretinol (also known as carotenoids). Once inside the body the vitamin will undergo a series of changes, yielding firstly retinal (which is readily interchangeable with retinol) and then an irreversible change into retinoic acid (which you may also know as Retin-A!). Retinoic acid, in turn, functions as a messenger, telling cells to start proliferating. I’d wager retinoic acid is the most potent one of all the vit A derivatives I just mentioned.
patientia Says:
Is retinyl palmitate effective too? Does retinol/retinyl palmitate convert to retinoic acid on the skin?
Jenny Says:
Hi… it is common knowledge that too much Vit. A (retinol) is dangerous for women who want to get pregnant/ are pregnant. it can harm the unborn child.
So…I would be careful with putting too much Retinolcontaining products on your body..
thebeautybrains Says:
Since common knowledge isn’t always common it’s good to provide references to such statements. Here’s a link to the NIH’s website with information about Vitamin A. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamina.asp
In reality, the levels of Vitamin A in wrinkle creams (.4% or less) should not significantly increase the amount of Vitamin A in your body.
Rachita Says:
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thebeautybrains.com » Blog Archive » How Egg White Makes Skin Feel Smoother Says:
[...] really no significant benefit to this kind of facial. It doesn’t get rid of wrinkles like Retin-A [...]
atelier Says:
Would you recommend any retinoic acid products ? Who makes them and what else in in there with it ! Thanx so much for a long over due website/forum !
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » Is Botox Bad For Your Brain? Says:
[...] Despite their hype, most wrinkle creams do not have a significant effect on actually reducing wrinkles. The creams are typically just good skin moisturizers with an added “special” ingredient that makes for a good story but doesn’t actually do anything. (The exceptions are ones with effective levels of retinoids). [...]
Is Botox Bad For Your Brain? | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:
[...] Despite their hype, most wrinkle creams do not have a significant effect on actually reducing wrinkles. The creams are typically just good skin moisturizers with an added “special” ingredient that makes for a good story but doesn’t actually do anything. (The exceptions are ones with effective levels of retinoids). [...]
The Derma Divas Says:
Retinoids and their benefits on aging skin was discovered as a “side-effect” to treating acne. Some actual side effects can be redness, irritation and flaking. If this is the case, AHA’s and BHA’s (specifically Salycilic Acid) are good alternatives. Of course there should be no sun exposure when using retinoids, and an adequate broad-spectrum SPF is in order to protect the skin (retinoids make the skin more sun sensitive.)
For more detailed information, check out:
http://myfacialfacts.com/index.php/2008/07/07/wont-exfoliation-dry-out-my-skin/#more-31
To your skin’s health!
The Derma Divas
My Facial Facts: Is Your Skin The Best It Can Be? » Blog Archive » Won’t Exfoliation Dry Out My Skin? Says:
[...] Retinoids: A vitamin A-based chemical that includes prescription tretinoin or retinoic acid (example…Tretinoin is a prescription drug. [...]