Main effects of retinol palmitate on skin structures and the technology of its use in dermatological practice

Vitamin A and its synthetic analogues are used in the treatment of numerous skin diseases. The main genomic effects of the natural form of vitamin A (retinol palmitate) are associated with its active metabolite all-trans-retinoic acid and are compensated by several restrictive mechanisms. Numerous studies have proved that retinol stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes of the basal layer of the epidermis and endothelial cells, and also activates dermal fibroblasts to synthesize proteins of the extracellular matrix of the dermis. As a result, the thickening the epidermis, increases the mechanical strength of the skin and the hydrating ability of the dermis, angiogenesis increase. The ability of retinol to enhance the adhesion of endothelial cells and leukocytes, regulate the processes of keratinization and sebum secretion was found. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant. Retinol palmitate is used as the main or auxiliary drug for the treatment of a wide range of dermatoses. The principle of application is based on clinical studies and confirmed by existing experimental data. In the treatment, the following algorithm is followed. If retinol palmitate is necessary to improve epithelialization and strengthen the epidermal barrier, medium therapeutic doses should be used. For the treatment of disorders of keratinization processes, depending on the severity of the pathological condition, medium and high therapeutic doses of the drug are used. Violation of the processes of sebum secretion and severe hyperkeratosis respond better to treatment at high therapeutic doses. It should be noted that many skins clinical manifestations mostly regress under the action of vitamin A in doses that do not lead to the appearance of signs of toxicity of the drug.

Barrier function of the skin and the role of fat-soluble vitamins in the correction of its disorders

The main function of the skin is to protect the body from negative environmental influences. The physical barrier permeability is mainly represented by the stratum corneum; however, other layers of the epidermis and the dermis are its important components. The mechanical strength of the skin is provided by intercellular contacts in the epidermis and structural proteins of the dermis. The chemical-biological barrier includes lipids, acids, natural moisturizing factor and antimicrobial peptides. Mucosal immunity system creates a barrier against infection. The microflora of healthy skin counteracts its colonization by pathogens and is vital for its immune functions. Physiological processes in the skin are closely related. A violation in one of them often leads to the formation of a whole cascade of pathological reactions affecting all the links of its protection. Vitamins A, D and E are used to correct impaired barrier function of the skin. The most pronounced effect of vitamin A (retinol palmitate) is the proliferation of epidermal cells and synthesis of extracellular matrix structures of the dermis; vitamin D (cholecalciferol) regulation of differentiation and suppression of excessive proliferation of keratinocytes; vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) antioxidant effect. The combined use of these vitamins in the composition of RadevitActive ointment affects all the main elements of the protection of the epidermis and dermis: strengthens the mechanical strength of the stratum corneum and dermis, stabilizes chemical and physical protection, including prevents the penetration of foreign substances and microorganisms, reduces transepidermal loss of water and electrolytes, reduces the damaging effect of UV, increases antimicrobial and antioxidant protection.