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Uses of Retinol

Retinol, or Vitamin A, is a fat-soluble vitamin. Retinol is used to treat multiple conditions and is known for its benefits to the skin's appearance. Some of these uses have better or more consistent results than others. Your physician can advise you about whether your skin condition requires more treatment than retinol provides.

  1. Types of Retinol Products

    • Retinol can be purchased in many different forms. Retinol is found in products such as creams, lotions, serums, oils, eye treatments, acne treatments, hand treatments and lip treatments. These products can be purchased at most drug stores, although some are available only by prescription.

    Acne

    • Acne is one of the main uses for retinol. The treatments are made with derivatives of retinol, called retinoids. Some of the brand names for the acne products are Accutane, Retin-A and Avita. These medications are prescribed by a healthcare professional. When using an acne retinol drug, vitamin A supplements should not be taken. This can cause toxicity.

    Signs of Aging

    • Over-the-counter retinol products are often used to combat the signs of aging. Those who use retinol often notice diminished wrinkles and fine lines. It may give the skin a smoother overall appearance and more even skin tone. When using retinol products for the skin, sensitivity to the sun may increase. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be used when your are outdoors.

    Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

    • All-Trans-Retinoic Acid is a prescription treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia. It is a vitamin A derivative that can increase the survival rate of this form of leukemia. Vitamin A supplements should not be taken when undergoing this treatment.

    Eye Conditions

    • Because the eyes need vitamin A for vision, a deficiency can cause eye problems, even blindness. Retinol is used to treat Xerophthalmia and Bitot's spot, disorders caused by a vitamin A deficiency. Xerophthalmia is a dry-eye condition. Bitot's spot is the accumulation of keratin debris in the conjunctiva of the eyes.

    Other Uses

    • Retinol is sometimes used when a vitamin A deficiency accompanies measles in children. It can help alleviate some of the symptoms. It is sometimes used in a similar fashion with malaria patients. Some unproven uses of retinol are for diarrhea, pneumonia, cancers, wound healing, weight loss and as an antioxidant.

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