The Advantages and Drawbacks of Vitamin A for Skin

The advantages of vitamin A for the skin

Skin-friendly effects of vitamin A include:

• Reducing the visibility of wrinkles and sagging

EvidenceTrusted Source asserts that topical retinoids, or vitamin A, promote the formation of collagen, which lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By assisting in the removal of elastin fibers that have been damaged and encouraging angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, retinoids like retinol can also reduce skin elasticity and sagging.

• Minimizing sun damage such as hyperpigmentation

Cell deterioration, skin aging, and skin illnesses can all be avoided with a diet rich in carotenoids, such as beta carotene. In addition, carotenoids can help shield your skin from UV rays and other environmental factors like pollution that can harm the condition and look of your skin.

Retinoids encourage skin cell renewal. So they can contribute to a more uniform skin tone overall and aid with hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sunspots.

• Helping to combat acne

Topical retinoids are advised by the American Academy of Dermatology to help treat acne in both adolescents and adults. Retinoids can aid in exfoliating the skin's top layer by clearing out the pores of debris, oil, and dead skin cells to avoid breakouts.

Additionally, they penetrate the skin's surface to encourage the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which can help lessen the visibility of pores and acne scars.

• Aiding in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin ailments

Vitamin A is included in both prescription topical and oral medicines used to treat psoriasis. Topical retinoids prevent the development of inflammatory cytokines and interleukins as well as elevated skin patches. Another retinoid, oral acitretin, may also be recommended by a medical practitioner to treat severe, unresponsive psoriasis.

Another malignancy that can result in skin abnormalities including rashes, dryness, itching, and thickness is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is treated with the vitamin A-based medication bexarotene (Targretin).

Is a lack of vitamin A common?

Commercially fortified foods like morning cereal and milk, as well as a number of nutrient-dense foods including cheese, butter, fruits, and vegetables, all include vitamin A in the United States.

People above the age of four should take 400 mcg RAE of vitamin A daily, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source. Both plant and animal sources can be used to fulfill this need.

The majority of Americans consume sufficient amounts of vitamin A throughout their diets. Nevertheless, extra doses of this vitamin may be required by those who have cystic fibrosis and preterm newborns. Compared to adults of reproductive age and women who are nursing newborns, young children often need less vitamin A.

Vitamin A insufficiency is frequent in many African and Southeast Asian nations while being rare in locations with easy access to wholesome food.

How to use and consume vitamin A

Foods include vitamin A

A diet rich in a variety of foods strong in vitamin A can help to promote the health of your skin.

Retinoids are present in animal products like:

• salmon
• bovine liver
• dairy items such as cheese, butter, and milk
• eggs
• fish
• fish liver oil
• shrimp

There are several plant-based goods, including:

• carrots
• tomatoes
• candy potatoes
• green leafy veggies
• fruits like apricots, plums, and mangoes

Supplements with vitamin A

The majority of individuals obtain all the vitamin A they require from their diets, but if you're thinking about taking supplements, you have a few choices, including:

• The majority of multivitamins contain some vitamin A.
• carotene beta (provitamin A)
• Retinol palmitate or acetate (preformed vitamin A)
• a mixture of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A

Prescription and topical retinoids

Plenty of proof The advantages of topically administered retinoids are supported by Trusted Source. Your skin can become smoother and show fewer fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the increase in collagen and elastin synthesis as well as the growth of new skin cells. Additionally, retinoids have anti-inflammatory qualities. A reputable source that treats acne and helps to clear up congested pores.

You have the following choices if you wish to try topical vitamin A:

• oils, creams, and serums created to help minimize the look of wrinkles
• moisturizers
• sunscreen
• Acne products are available over-the-counter (OTC)
• acne medication on prescription

If your skin objectives are the basis for your choice research:

• Due to acne. Blackheads and whiteheads are examples of mild, non-inflammatory acne that responds well to over-the-counter retinoids. One OTC product that was previously exclusively available with a prescription is Differin gel. A dermatologist may recommend a different retinoid, such as tretinoin, or other therapies if you have inflammatory acne.
• For aging indicators. Creams and serums with retinol that are available over the counter can reduce the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and slight discoloration. You may purchase creams designed particularly for use around your eyes or neck in addition to full-face choices. Stronger retinoids can be prescribed by a dermatologist to aid with age spots, deeper wrinkles, and drooping skin.
• For psoriasis When treating psoriasis of the skin and nails, the prescription retinoid tazarotene is sometimes used with a corticosteroid. This retinoid aids in reducing thickness and scaling, improving coloring and edema, and slowing the proliferation of skin cells.

Safe use of vitamin A

Everybody is not a good candidate for vitamin A. Taking too much vitamin A topically or orally might have negative effects. In fact, it may potentially be dangerous, particularly for those who already have certain skin diseases or other health problems.

The following information can help you utilize vitamin A safely.

Retinoid creams

Retinoids-containing products might not be the best choice if you have:

• rosacea
• eczema
• skin irritation
• arid skin
• estrogenic acne
• scarring from mild to severe acne

The following are possible adverse effects of topical retinoids:

• scaling, itching, and redness of the skin
• an increase in UV light sensitivity (real and artificial)
• flare-ups of eczema

Vitamin A in capsule form

Most people consume enough vitamin A through food. Preformed vitamin A side effects that can be severe if taken in excess through supplements or pharmaceuticals include:

• headaches
• vision difficulty
• nausea
• dizziness
• a harmed liver
• problems in utero
• coma
• death

Beta carotene is a provitamin A that can color your skin yellow or orange. While beta carotene does not have the same hazards as too much preformed vitamin A, it can still be dangerous to consume large amounts of it. This is not a significant issue, and after you reduce your consumption of beta carotene, your skin will resume its normal hue.

There may be interactions between vitamin A and the following dietary supplements and medications:

• the psoriasis medication acitretin (Soriatane)
• T-cell lymphoma's skin side effects are treated with bexarotene (Targretin).
• Drug for weight reduction called orlistat (Alli, Xenical)

If you take any of these drugs or if you are pregnant, avoid using topical vitamin A such as retinol and other retinoids. 

Additional techniques to obtain and keep good skin. 

There are other solutions besides vitamin A if you wish to enhance your skin.

You may also get and maintain healthy skin by following these steps:

• Attempt to sleep for 7 to 9 hours per night.
• Consume an antioxidant-rich, nutrient-rich diet.
• Apply sunscreen daily. Before going outside, be sure to reapply sunscreen or protect your skin.
• Steer clear of tanning booths and excessive sun exposure, especially if you are not wearing sunscreen.
• Avoid smoking, and if you currently do, strive to stop.
• Every morning and evening, wash your face.
• Follow a consistent skincare regimen according to your skin type.

Working with a dermatologist is crucial if you have skin conditions like rosacea or acne. More advice on how to take care of your skin may be found by a dermatologist.

The conclusion

Typically, you may obtain all of the vitamin A you require through diet. However, vitamin A topical or dietary supplements may be useful for treating skin issues including acne, and minimizing the effects of sun damage.

Also, keep in mind that eating a diet high in other necessary vitamins and limiting your exposure to smoking and UV rays may all assist to maintain healthy skin.