Is Retinol Safe for the Face?
Retinol is an active ingredient in many anti-aging skincare products. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes retinol products as "cosmeceuticals," capable of enhancing the appearance of the skin without need for a doctor's prescription Does this Spark an idea?
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About Retinol
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Retinol is a topical application of vitamin A used to encourage the rate at which skin cells turnover, which can help reduce or prevent wrinkles. The more potent form of retinol, tretinoin (Retin-A and Renova), is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat wrinkles, and is available by prescription only.
Side Effects
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The AAD warns that over-the-counter products that contain retinol can cause the skin to become irritated and dry, as well as result in peeling--also common side-effects noted in prescription tretinoins.
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Cautions
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The Mayo Clinic advises that those who are pregnant, or who intend to become pregnant should avoid using all products derived from vitamin A, as there is a risk for birth defects. The AAD adds that irritant or allergic contact dermatitis--burning, itching, reddened skin, and blisters where the product is applied--is a problem associated with cosmeceuticals.
Suggestions
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Retinol products are not vetted by the FDA for safety or efficacy, says the Mayo Clinic. The FDA typically intervenes only when a certain ingredient in a product poses a known health hazard. The AAD suggests testing all skincare products for four to five days by applying a small amount to the inner forearm to make sure it's safe to use.
Other
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Retinol skincare products can be perfectly safe for the face if tested and used according to the product's instructions. The Mayo Clinic points out, however, that retinol, being a less-concentrated source of vitamin A, may not yield the desired results in remediating cosmetic concerns, such as wrinkles.
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