The brand's signature capsules have a cult following, and this retinol-infused option was created to fade even your deepest lines. If your initial thought was how bad these capsules must be for the environment, don't worry—these little guys are 100 percent biodegradable! Another advantage to these capsules is that they keep the serum protected from air and light, and in case you didn't know retinol can break down when exposed to UV rays. Plus, you can easily pop these in your makeup bag for easy travel.

Some dermatologists believe that applying retinoids to damp skin increases the risk of irritation, since damp skin is more permeable and enhances absorption. But others say this is a myth, so it’s really up to you. If you want to be on the safe side, try waiting about 20 minutes after washing your face. 2. Use a Pea-Sized Amount In this review, I’ll be covering: what’s in A313, how it compares to Avibon, how to use it in your routine, and what results you can expect. If you’re keen to try an inexpensive yet powerful retinoid, read on! ContentsWhile making sure your skin is dry, you will probably notice some irritation during the first few applications. Try to ride it out if you can, because this eventually goes away once your skin gets used to it. if too much irritation occur, then stop and leave a few days before reapplying. A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A occurs in the human body in the form of retinol , retinal (in the retina), retinoic acid (in bones and mucous membranes) or retinyl palmitate (reserves stored in liver). Vitamin A was first isolated from the retina, hence the name " retinol" . Vitamin A is obtained directly by the body from foods of animal sources where it is present in the form of retinol.

I tried it again a few nights later, still unable to believe the A313 with its very limited Vitamin A content could provide such results, and awoke to the same soft and plump skin. I looked so healthy and youthful.To answer all of your burning retinol questions, we looked to the experts to decode the ingredient in the simplest terms. Ahead, we broke down the need-to-know info to add retinol into your routine, including the shopping tips and our favorite retinol creams and serums to date. What Is Retinol? I decided it was time to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine once I hit my mid-twenties, but I've heard the horror stories of getting acclimated to the ingredient. To test the waters of retinol, I started using this Versed serum and I'm so glad I did. While it did take a few weeks to notice results, all of the textured spots on my skin have magically disappeared and my face looks so much smoother. The best part? No irritation, flakiness, or dryness in sight! The Vitamin A derivative in the A313 is Retinyl Palmitate. Therefore we would all presume, gentle and potentially not very effective? Especially for us more seasoned Vitamin A users right? Wrong.

Yet every review I found of actual users of the product, all claimed that it worked absolute wonders?Alas, I didn’t make it there before the manufacturer, Sanofi, suddenly discontinued it in 2013. According to a trade publication at the time: “Sanofi has stopped marketing its Avibon vitamin A skin ointment in France. After batches of the ointment were recalled in March 2013 due to ‘product stability’ problems, Sanofi’s ‘various attempts at improvement’ had not resulted in ‘a product that met current quality standards.’” 2 It would be easier for me to list what it doesn’t do. As you can see it is a phenomenal, proven skincare ingredient. Ointment A313 with vitamin A in a 50 g tube, on sale in our online pharmacy, is a vitamin A-based medicine indicated for the adjunctive treatment of irritative dermatitis . What is retinyl palmitate? It’s not retinol—but it is another type of retinoid called a retinyl ester. Retinyl esters are the mildest vitamin A derivatives, because they need to be converted three times within the skin: first to retinol, then to retinaldehyde, and finally to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A). 3

The following products are—at the time of the latest update—fully available in the USA but only partially available elsewhere. Where appropriate we have selected and linked to regional alternatives. **As of the current update, we have only been focussing on the USA, France and the UK. Soma, Y., Kashima, M., Imaizumi, A., Takahama, H., Kawakami, T. & Mizoguchi, M. (2005). Moisturizing effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin. International Journal of Dermatology. 2005 Mar; 44(3): 197-202. So why is it so mystifying? Some people say retinol is the best thing that ever happened to them; others complain that it leaves their skin red and dry. Then there's the question of how to incorporate it into your skincare routine—you can't just slather it on willy-nilly or you could get burned, maybe even literally. Plus, with the hundreds of products on the market, how do you know which formula is right for you? Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H. C., Roeder, A. & Weindl, G. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006 Dec; 1(4): 327–348. Campos, P. M. B. G. M., Ricci, G., Semprini, M. & Lopes, R. A. (1999). Histopathological, morphometric, and stereologic studies of dermocosmetic skin formulations containing vitamin A and/or glycolic acid. Journal of Cosmetic Science. 50, 159-170 (May/June 1999).Drunk Elephant's retinol cream has long been a favorite among beauty editors because it produces some serious results. A little dollop of this cream goes a long way with this completely vegan formula. While it includes a potent amount of retinol (coming in at 1 percent), a triple peptide blend that works to strengthen and firm the skin is what takes this option up a notch. For even more firming power, the formula also includes Vitamin F, an ingredient that makes the skin look firm and supple. The difference between two drugs indicated for the treatment of skin irritations is their dosage. The ointment is by definition a water- in- oil emulsion while the cream is an oil- in- water emulsion. Since it takes about four to six weeks to get through the retinoid adjustment period (also known as “retinization”), it’s normally recommended to start slowly. Composition: Synthetic Vitamin A (from concentrate) in oily form — 200,000 IU (international units) The following products are—at the time of the latest update—fully available in the UK and France but only partially available elsewhere. Where appropriate we have selected and linked to regional alternatives. ***As of the current update, we have only been focussing on the USA, France and the UK.