Does retinol cream enter the bloodstream?

Understanding Retinol and Its Absorption
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is widely celebrated in the skincare industry for its ability to combat signs of aging and treat acne. However, a common question arises: Does retinol cream enter the bloodstream?
Topical Application and Skin Penetration
When applied topically, retinol works primarily on the skin’s surface and within its layers. Studies indicate that topical retinoids, including retinol, are effective at low concentrations, suggesting that they do not require deep penetration to exert their therapeutic effects. The skin acts as a barrier, and while some ingredients can penetrate into deeper layers, the extent to which retinol enters theDoes Retinol Cream Enter the Bloodstream?
The short answer is yes, retinol cream can enter the bloodstream to some degree, but the extent of absorption depends on various factors.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in skincare products to address a variety of skin concerns, such as acne, aging, and sun damage. When applied topically, retinol is absorbed through the skin and can have both local and systemic effects.
Retinol is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) molecule that can penetrate the skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum, and reach the deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis. Studies have shown that topical retinoids, including retinol, can be therapeutically active at low concentrations, indicating that they are able to penetrate the skin and reach their target sites.
Retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol, has a protective action on the epithelium, which suggests that retinol can be absorbed and have systemic effects beyond the skin. Dermatologists and cosmetic chemists have confirmed that skincare products, including retinol creams, can be absorbed into the bloodstream to some degree after application.
However, the extent of retinol absorption into the bloodstream can vary depending on several factors:
Formulation: The type of retinol formulation (e.g., cream, serum, or gel) and the concentration of retinol can affect the rate and extent of absorption. Higher-strength retinol products may be absorbed more quickly than lower-strength over-the-counter products.
Application method: The way the retinol cream is applied, such as the amount used, the frequency of application, and the area of skin covered, can influence the absorption rate.
Individual factors: Factors like skin type, age, and overall health can also play a role in how much retinol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
In summary, while retinol cream can enter the bloodstream to some degree, the extent of absorption depends on the specific formulation, application method, and individual factors. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the appropriate retinol product and usage for your skin type and concerns.

Do topical creams get into the bloodstream?

Topicals act locally in the layers of epidermis and dermis. Very little if any gets absorbed systemically into the bloodstream. Surprisingly, topical products, i.e. CBD, do not absorb very well, since the skin is not very permeable.

Does retinol cream get into the bloodstream?

Some studies suggest that when applied to the skin, less of the medication is absorbed and enters your bloodstream. But there are reports of babies born with congenital conditions after topical retinoid use by their birth parent.

Is retinol absorbed systemically?

For the in vivo studies, total systemic absorption of retinol was less than the total retinol found in the skin. Total systemic absorption of retinol in vivo ranged from 19–33% of total penetration no matter which vehicle was used or time point measured (24 h or 72 h, Table 4, Table 5).

Can you get vitamin A toxicity from topical retinol?

Babies and children are more sensitive to vitamin A. They can become sick after taking smaller doses of it. Swallowing products that contain vitamin A, such as skin cream with retinol in it, can also cause vitamin A poisoning.

Are topical creams absorbed systemically?

By this definition, topical administration also includes transdermal application, where the substance is administered onto the skin but is absorbed into the body to attain systemic distribution.

What are the side effects of systemic retinol?

Systemic treatment may also cause: Mucocutaneous effects: cheilitis, dryness of the oral mucosa, epistaxis, xerophthalmia, xerosis, fingertip fissuring, hair loss, nail fragility, periungual granuloma, paronychia.

What effect does retinol have on blood?

In addition, the emerging evidence suggests that retinol has an important inhibitory effect on thrombosis and may also participate in an endothelial function by regulating the nitric oxide pathway (5, 6). A study found that blood retinol can regulate the chronic inflammation and stabilize plaque (7).

How much retinol is absorbed through skin?

In vitro studies using human skin and the gel and emulsion vehicles found 0.3 and 1.3% retinol, respectively, in receptor fluid at 24 h. Levels of absorption in the receptor fluid increased over 72 h with the gel and emulsion vehicles.

How safe is retinol cream?

Topical retinol has several associated side effects, but it’s widely considered safe for long-term use. One study notes that in young adults no systemic side effects have been observed in the past 30 years with long-term retinoid use.

Does what you put on your skin go into your bloodstream?

Not really. While it’s true, some ingredients can potentially absorb into our bodies up to 60%, most don’t! With so many ways cosmetic chemists and dermatologists can inhibit or enhance absorption, you can’t look at all cosmetics and make that blanket statement.