Retinyl Palmitate: Anti-aging, Acne, and Usage

Asked by: choten56 On: October 17, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have some questions about using Retinyl Palmitate in skincare:

  • Is Retinyl Palmitate effective for treating acne? How does its strength compare to other forms like Tretinoin?
  • Can Retinyl Palmitate be used on skin with inflamed acne, or could it worsen the inflammation?
  • Can Retinyl Palmitate be mixed with other active ingredients in a formulation?
  • What are the general benefits and potential side effects of Vitamin A derivatives, and when is the best time to use products containing them?

Answer

Based on the discussion:

Regarding Retinyl Palmitate:

  • It is primarily used for anti-aging.
  • It is generally not strong enough for treating acne directly. Stronger forms like Tretinoin (Retin-A) are typically used for acne treatment.
  • Like other Vitamin A derivatives, it can cause skin irritation. If you have inflamed acne, it might potentially worsen the inflammation.
  • It can be mixed with other active ingredients. However, it's important not to exceed recommended usage limits to minimize the risk of irritation.

General points about Vitamin A:

  • Vitamin A derivatives are very beneficial for the skin, particularly for reducing wrinkles (medically accepted).
  • A common side effect is skin irritation.
  • Products containing Vitamin A are best used at night because they can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.