From the Guidelines
Retinol supplementation should aim to achieve normal serum retinol concentrations for healthy, same-age individuals, and its use should be carefully considered in specific populations, such as pregnant women, individuals with liver disease, and those with chronic kidney disease. When considering retinol use, it is essential to assess the individual's vitamin A intake and blood levels to determine the need for supplementation 1. In cases of deficiency, supplementation may be necessary to prevent conditions such as night blindness, impaired immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections 1.
The recommended dosage of retinol varies depending on the population, with preterm infants on parenteral nutrition requiring 700-1500 IU/kg/day, term infants requiring 150-300 ug/kg/day, and older children requiring 150 ug/day 1. It is crucial to note that vitamin A undergoes substantial photo-degradation and adsorptive loss when given in combination with water-soluble vitamins, and supplying it with a lipid emulsion can help reduce losses 1.
In specific conditions, such as liver disease, chronic alcohol consumption, and chronic kidney disease, the risk of vitamin A deficiency is increased, and supplementation should be considered 1. However, in cases of chronic kidney disease, high retinol serum levels are often observed, and supplementation is not recommended 1.
Pregnant women should be assessed for vitamin A intake and blood levels before conception or early in pregnancy, and supplementation should be considered if plasma levels are low, with careful attention to keeping vitamin A intakes below 10,000 IU/day 1. Overall, retinol supplementation should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and health status, with careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
From the FDA Drug Label
USES Helps prevent sunburnif used as directed with other sun protection measures For external use only DIRECTIONS For sunscreen use:apply generously and evenly15 minutes before sun exposure
The retinol product is for external use only and is used to help prevent sunburn when used as directed with other sun protection measures. It should be applied generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every 2 hours.
- Key uses: prevent sunburn, decrease risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun
- Important warnings: do not use on damaged or broken skin, keep out of eyes 2
From the Research
Retinol Use in Acne Treatment
- Retinol is a common ingredient in moisturizers and topical treatments for acne, with 8% of moisturizer products containing retinol found to have anti-inflammatory properties 3.
- A study on the efficacy and tolerability of a topical combination regimen of benzoyl peroxide and retinol moisturizer for mild to moderate acne found significant reductions in global total acne count and improvements in Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of acne severity 4.
- Another study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new topical gel formulation containing retinol encapsulated in glycospheres and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, and found significant reductions in total acne lesions and GAGS score values 5.
Combination Therologies
- Combination therapies with topical retinoids and antimicrobial agents are considered the preferred approach for most subjects affected by mild-to-moderate acne 5.
- A multicenter prospective observational study found that a combination of salicylic acid-based products was effective in treating mild comedonal-papular acne, with significant improvements in acne lesions and personal discomfort related to acne 6.
- A comparison study between clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel and a novel composition containing salicylic acid and other ingredients found similar tolerance and efficacy for both treatments, although retinol was not specifically mentioned in this study 7.
Key Findings
- Retinol is often used in combination with other ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, to treat acne 3, 4, 5.
- These combination therapies can provide improved outcomes due to their ability to address multiple pathways involved in acne formation 4.
- The efficacy and safety of retinol-containing products can vary depending on the specific formulation and ingredients used 5, 7.