Legislation to limit Retinol concentrations in over-the-counter skincare and body care throughout Europe was slated to go into effect at the end of 2023. However, the actual adoption will now be in June 2024, with a grace period of 18-36 months to allow the countries in the E.U. time to abide by the new regulations. By 2027, Retinol will be restricted to 0.3% in facial and hand care products, whereas body products will be limited to a much lower concentration of .05%. This includes Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate derivatives, but interestingly, Retinal and Retinaldehyde will not be limited. (Note: This won’t apply to prescription Retinoids.) This regulation arose from the E.U.’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety’s (SCCS) concerns regarding Retinoid safety dating back to 2012. The SCCS recently concluded that the cumulative Vitamin A exposure from diet, supplements, and skincare will exceed the upper safety limit, resulting in potential fetal abnormalities and skin and liver issues. It is important to understand that it is the overuse and improper use, not the small percentages of topical Retinol use alone, that has generated these health concerns. Excess intake of any vitamin is unsafe, which is why those who are pregnant are advised to refrain from retinoid use. In addition, those with liver issues who cannot adequately metabolize fat-soluble vitamins are also discouraged from using retinoids and other fat-soluble supplements.
Takeaway: This regulation does not mean Retinol is harmful when properly formulated and used. This more skin-friendly version of Vitamin A (versus harsher prescription retinoids) is an effective skincare active proven to boost cell turnover and reorganize skin cells, smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture, plus evening out skin tone and controlling breakouts.
Benefits of Retinol For Skin Vitamin A is also a skincare essential for an altogether different reason – it protects us against the damaging effects of pollution we are all exposed to. Whether we live in big cities or not, we can’t escape free radicals generated from smog, cigarettes, emissions from car exhaust, factories and machinery, chemicals used in farmlands and household cleaners, metal ions, and radiation. These destructive agents create nanoparticles with unstable, unpaired electrons in the air that penetrate the skin’s surface and our pores to steal electrons from our skin’s cells, hastening aging. While your skin is designed to shield, using an antioxidant retinol cream with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ceramide-rich natural oils will help fortify your skin barrier, making it the perfect offense against these geo-aggressors, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other outside elements. To overcome Retinol’s potentially sensitizing effects, Pevonia starts with naturally sourced Retinyl Palmitate from green leafy vegetables plus Carotene Dioxygenase from Beta-Carotene, a Carotenoid and precursor to Vitamin A. Then it is formulated with state-of-the-art technologies to deliver a smaller, more stable and skin-friendly form, yielding excellent results minus undue redness, irritation, flaking, and dryness. This enables each of the products in our Micro-Retinol® Collection, from the best natural face cleanser for aging skin to the Retinol cream, to rejuvenate and renew skin ravaged by time and sun damage. It supports elasticity and density for more youthful-looking skin.
Benefits of Retinol On Body Our De-Aging Body Balm - Papaya-Pineapple features an exceptionally innovative tegosphere, a time-released technology that delivers a small dose of Retinol throughout the day for optimal pro-aging results. Take a picture before you start, and with consistent use, you will marvel when you compare your retinol body lotion before and after images! What better way to begin the new year than with a new regimen to shed last year’s skin and start anew?
How To Use Retinol Safely Do not use Retinol during pregnancy. Use small quantities and refrain from mixing with other exfoliating products when first starting Retinol. If you experience sensitivity, try Retinol sandwiching by alternating with products from the Power Repair® Line or Essentials Line. Avoid sun exposure and abrasive exfoliating procedures and peel treatments when using products with Retinol. Be sure to stay ¼” away from the eye area.
