IS VITAMIN A THE SAME AS RETINOL?

What is Vitamin A?  

A powerful skincare active, retinol—alongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate—is essentially a form of retinoid, or vitamin A,  which is one of the body’s key nutrients for boosting cell turnover.  

Vitamin A is considered to be one of the most proven ingredients in skincare, because it promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, reduces acne, and boosts the collagen production! It also functions like an antioxidant to help address free radical damage, which leads to visible signs of aging. 

When did Vitamin A become more commonly known as Retinol or Retinoids?  

Topical retinoids became common place in the 60’s, when an American dermatologist began testing a Vitamin A derivative on his acne patients. The cream was effective in treating acne- but there was another, unexpected side-effect: the patients using the cream also had smooth, wrinkle-free skin and clear, even skin tones.   

A key reason that retinoids can be effective at both acne prevention and wrinkle prevention is exfoliation. When applied to the skin, retinoids bind to corresponding receptors in the skin, and peel off the top layer.    

This somewhat aggressive exfoliation thins the outer layer of the skin by about a third, which also lowers the skin’s natural UV barriers by several points. For this reason, it is not recommended that you apply retinoids to your skin immediately before sun exposure. 

How does Vitamin A work?  

Vitamin A, in its retinyl palmitate form, is naturally found in our skin, and is the largest store of Vitamin A for its use by our body. Vitamin A works through accelerating the rate of cell turnover (this makes way for ‘new’ skin to appear on the surface quicker than it normally would), it helps treat a number of concerns including dullness, pigmentation and skin texture and the skin renewal process helps boost collagen and elastin production to help improve the appearance of fine lines. 

What type of Vitamin A is the best for my skin?  

While the use of retinol and retinoids have become popular in skin care, the most common complaint about them is the irritation and burning sensation experienced when using products containing these ingredients. When choosing skin care products, the important factor to consider is not only the percentage concentration or the purported strength of the ingredient within the formulation but the overall pH of the formulation. 

 After all, your skin is the largest organ of your body and as anything we do to and with our body, any skin care product or ingredient needs to work with, in harmony with our skin’s natural system, especially the pH of the skin’s natural biome, its protective acid mantle. Retinol products, even in low percentage concentration can be irritating to the skin, resulting in redness and burning like sensation as its exfoliation affect can be excessive for the skin to tolerate.  

As a retinoid, Vitamin A in the retinyl palmitate form, is a form of retinoid naturally found in our bodies, therefore its more familiar to our skin than any other retinoids.  

Retinyl Palmitate is the least irritating of all four retinoids. It’s a great option for almost all skin types and anyone who wants to keep their pores clear and skin youthful!  

Its’ main benefits include: 

•  proven to be safe (in the right formulation) for decades and decades of use with repeated scientific reviews conducted globally,  
• works as an antioxidant and also helps protect the skin from UV exposure (note, this does not eliminate the need for hats and sunscreen).  
• Boosts collagen production in the skin, minimizing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by thickening the dermis to slow down the formation of wrinkles. 
• Improves skin tone and smooths the texture of the skin  
• Helps unclog pores 
• Gentle enough to be used daily! 

But most of all, Vitamin A in the retinyl palmitate form is gentler and yet effective in the right formulation and, does not have high irritation and burning risks associated with retinol and retinoids! 

When should I start using it in my skin care routine?  

The recommended age to start incorporating Vitamin A in the retinyl palmitate form, can be as early as teenage years when acne issues can arise or from mid- late twenties, which is when the first signs of aging show up on the skin.   If you are pregnant, please refer to this blog post about Vitamin A & pregnancy!

A skincare system (with Vitamin A as its key ingredient!) that’s proven to work 

With the Metrin Skincare System its safe to start using it from an early age as it has been used from babies to grandmothers successfully since 1932! All Metrin Skincare System product ingredients are clean, vegan, cruelty free, fragrance and gluten free!  Our comprehensive skin care system works symbiotically to establish a healthy foundation for all skin types and conditions. Scientifically formulated to enhance your skin’s natural renewal process, each unique step works together to balance and clear your skin while delivering vital nutrients to its deepest layers.  

The best skin care routine starts with a proven double cleanse method.  

All the lotions and potions aren’t worth using, if the skin isn’t properly cleansed. Before you apply your retinol (Vitamin A), have you properly double cleansed your skin? Learn more about the proven way to double cleanse your skin here

Don’t Stop at your Face!  

When applying a retinol (Vitamin A) infused elixir, such as Metrin Skincare System’s #5 Enriched Vita Conditioner, don’t neglect your neck or décolletage! These are the areas notorious for showing the signs of aging, yet often overlooked. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s very important to take time to treat the skin from the neck down. Retinol can be helpful when treating stretch marks, keratosis pilaris (which is also known as ‘chicken skin’ and often appears on the back of the arms) and overall tone and texture. Take one full pump of #5 Enriched Vita Conditioner and gently massage it into your neck, décolletage to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful! 

 *Top tip – Our #5 is an amazing body lotion & eye cream! –especially if you suffer from dry skin or Keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin) Use in conjunction with our #2 lathering cleanser as an exfoliating body wash in the shower – then apply #5 enriched vita conditioner to help nourish the body.  When using it as an eye cream, you only need a tiny amount!! Apply gently around the outer eye lid and along the crows feet of the eye to instantly hydrate and reduce puffy/swollen eye bags and smooth out those fine lines!
Did you know that Metrin Skincare offer a 180 money back guarantee on all first purchases of the Metrin Skincare System? Try Metrin risk free today! New customers can use the coupon code VITAMINA to get a discount on their first order with us! *Please note this coupon code can only be used by new customers*