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Consuming ingestible retinol supplements is becoming the newest fad, leaving users intrigued and perplexed in equal parts.

Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient. Should you be ingesting it as a supplement?

Ingestible retinol supplements is becoming the newest fad, leaving users intrigued and perplexed in equal parts

There are ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid which are fairly easy to incorporate into your daily regimen, whether in the form of topical skincare products or ingestible supplements. And then, there are some like retinol that come with a side of caution. Just when consumers started getting comfortable with navigating their way through retinol skincare products, retinol supplements are now being touted as the ‘pill for prettier skin’. But how safe are they to consume, in the first place? We ask experts to weigh in their opinion.

Understanding retinol supplements

“Retinol supplements typically contain synthetic forms of vitamin A, specifically retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate,” says Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. “These forms of vitamin A are commonly used in supplements because they are more stable and less likely to break down than other forms, such as beta-carotene,” she adds. Retinol and other retinoids are the most common vitamin A derivatives found in such supplements, which is why, more often than not, they’re deemed as retinol supplements.

“Retinol supplements typically contain synthetic forms of vitamin A, specifically retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate,” says  Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

“Retinol supplements typically contain synthetic forms of vitamin A, specifically retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate,” says Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

Topical retinol products can be highly effective, but they may also cause skin irritation, redness and dryness if not used properly, according to Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

Topical retinol products can be highly effective, but they may also cause skin irritation, redness and dryness if not used properly, according to Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

“It's important to note that retinol is a specific form of vitamin A, and not all vitamin A supplements necessarily contain retinol. Some supplements may contain other forms of vitamin A, such as beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.” In addition to the retinyl esters, retinol supplements may contain ingredients such as fillers, binders, and excipients; some supplements may include additional vitamins, minerals or antioxidants, shares Sharad.

What are the benefits?

According to New Delhi-based celebrity dermatologist, Dr Kiran Sethi, as a dietary supplement, it [retinol supplements] helps treat several skin conditions. “If you are consuming vitamin A supplements, and deriving retinol from those, there are a host of benefits, for both your skin and overall health. Retinol supplements are thought to work well for anti-ageing but there is no data to back this.” We’re all aware of retinol’s prodigious consumption across the globe, and subsequently the number of products that boast the ingredient. “Retinol, in topical skincare products, has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, as well as to increase collagen production and improve skin texture. Oral retinol supplements may also have similar benefits for the skin,” states Sharad.

“TOPICAL RETINOL WILL INDUCE EPIDERMAL DIFFERENTIATION AND ALSO BOOST COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN SYNTHESIS. IN CONTRAST, DATA FOR ORAL RETINOL IS POOR, AND ALSO HAS A RISK OF SIDE-EFFECTS AS IT IS FAT-SOLUBLE AND CAN STAY IN THE SYSTEM FOR YEARS”

Dr Kiran Sethi

However, besides its much-known benefits for the skin, the ingredient, when consumed in the form of a supplement, also offers advantages for your overall health, starting with improving your eyesight. “‘Eat your carrots for better vision,’ we were always told in our childhood,” reminds Sethi. “Retinol is converted into the pigment rhodopsin, which is necessary for the eyes to detect light,” says Sharad. Retinol supplements also play a significant role in fortifying the immune system, boosting bone growth and development and smooth functioning of the reproductive system in both males and females, she adds. .

Retinol supplements versus topical products

While topical retinol skincare products have surged in popularity, both Sharad and Sethi are of the opinion that they pass as the better first choice if you’re just starting out and hoping to achieve healthier and youthful-looking skin. “Retinol pills and topical retinol creams and serums contain the same active ingredient, which is retinol, a form of vitamin A. However, they are formulated differently and have different modes of delivery, which can affect how they work and their potential side-effects,” says Sharad.

Dr Kiran Sethi vouches for topical retinol skincare products over  supplements if transforming your skin, unclogging pores and plumping your skin are your top skincare goals. Image: Pexels

Dr Kiran Sethi vouches for topical retinol skincare products over supplements if transforming your skin, unclogging pores and plumping your skin are your top skincare goals. Image: Pexels

As a rule of thumb, never subscribe to retinol pills or supplements before assessing your overall health and understanding your exact expectation from the ingredient. Image: Pexels

As a rule of thumb, never subscribe to retinol pills or supplements before assessing your overall health and understanding your exact expectation from the ingredient. Image: Pexels

“Once ingested, the retinol is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported throughout the body. Oral retinol supplements are often used for their systemic effects, such as supporting vision health and immune function, but they can also have skin benefits,” says the dermatologist. On the other hand, “topical retinol creams and serums—applied directly to the skin—work locally. They are often used to increase collagen production and improve skin texture. Topical retinol products can be highly effective, but they may also cause skin irritation, redness and dryness if not used properly,” adds Sharad. According to her, irrespective of the format you chose to consume retinol in, high doses will come with a side of potential ill-effects. 

“Topical retinol will induce epidermal differentiation and also boost collagen and elastin synthesis. In contrast, data for oral retinol is poor, and also has a risk of side-effects as it is fat-soluble and can stay in the system for years,” informs Sethi, who vouches for topical retinol skincare products over retinol supplements if transforming your skin, unclogging pores and plumping your skin are your top skincare goals.

What you must know

If increasing the intake of vitamin A in your body is what you’re looking for, there are many other sources, believes nutritionist Samreedhi Goel. “Retinol is found naturally in foods like mango, pineapple, carrot, pumpkin, apricot, peaches, milk and egg yolk; basically, yellow and orange-coloured fruits and vegetables are great sources.” She further advises, “Retinol supplements should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking this completely. As a nutritionist, I would recommend applying a topical lotion with retinol—as prescribed by a dermatologist—for acne and having it in its natural form, from fruits and vegetables.”

“Retinol is found naturally in foods like mango, pineapple, carrot, pumpkin, apricot, peaches, milk and egg yolk; basically, yellow and orange-coloured fruits and vegetables are great sources,” says Samreedhi Goel, a Mumbai-based nutritionist. Image: Pexels

“Retinol is found naturally in foods like mango, pineapple, carrot, pumpkin, apricot, peaches, milk and egg yolk; basically, yellow and orange-coloured fruits and vegetables are great sources,” says Samreedhi Goel, a Mumbai-based nutritionist. Image: Pexels

“It's important to note that retinol supplements should be taken with caution, as excessive amounts of vitamin A can be toxic,” warns Sharad. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin A for adult males is 900 micrograms, and for adult females is 700 micrograms, she shares. “It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label and speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.” As a rule of thumb, never subscribe to retinol pills or supplements before assessing your overall health and understanding your exact expectation from the ingredient. As many factors like age, liver health and ongoing medications can play red flags, it’s best to consult a doctor before consuming oral retinol. With topical application too, it’s best to either get your skin evaluated by a dermatologist, or begin with the milder concentrations available in the market.

Also Read: 8 retinol products that introduce your skin to the ingredient sublimely

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