When it comes to Vitamin A benefits for skin it is considered to be the most beloved ingredient in all of dermatology. Confused because you perhaps haven’t heard of it? Well, you probably have heard of retinol or retinoids, right? They’re all one and the same; retinoids are the preformed, or active, a form of vitamin A.
Preformed vitamin A, or retinoids, is found in animal products like meat, poultry, and dairy. ProvitaminA, or carotenoids, is found in plant products like fruits and vegetables.
Your liver converts both types to retinol. Then, it’s either stored in your liver or transported by the lymphatic system to cells throughout your body.
Your skin is retinoid-responsive, which means it can readily absorb vitamin A when you apply it topically.
Vitamin A Benefits For Skin
Here goes the list of Vitamin A benefits for the skin:
Promotes Healthy Cell Regeneration
The carotenoids present in Vitamin A — retinol and retinoic acid — are vital for the production of healthy cells. Vitamin A is also a known stimulant for fibroblasts, cells that develop tissues responsible for the firmness of the skin at the dermis level.
Vitamin A promotes healthy cell production, which strengthens the outer layer of the skin – the first barrier against infections, bacteria, and pollution. A lack of carotenoids and Vitamin A can weaken your skin and lead to problems such as slow healing wounds and skin dryness or pruritus.
Gives Your Skin A Glow And Even Skin Tone
Vitamin A-containing lotions can help lighten discoloration and make your skin sparkle. These creams speed up the process of removing damaged and dead cells from the body. Giving the skin an even tone, healthier, younger, and newer cells rise to the surface.
Vitamin A creams contain retinoids, which act as blockers of the enzyme that creates melanin, the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color. Reduced melanin synthesis suggests skin that is evenly toned and radiant.
Controls And Removes Acne
Clogged pores, germs, too much sebum, and dead skin cells all contribute to acne. The bacteria that causes acne, Propionibacterium acnes, can be found in these clogged pores. Acne and blemishes can result from acne that multiplies. Creams containing vitamin A work to speed up cell growth and reduce oil production, which helps to prevent acne from forming.
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Retinoid creams and ointments help treat acne and stop it from coming back because they are anti-inflammatory [4] by nature, whether they are purchased over the counter or on a dermatologist’s prescription. Retinoids can also aid in the removal of dead skin cells, which stops pores from becoming clogged again. According to research, topical retinoids are beneficial in treating acne in both teenagers and adults.
Improves the appearance of wrinkles and sagging
According to evidence, topical retinoids, or vitamin A, diminish the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the formation of collagen.
By assisting in the removal of damaged elastin fibers and encouraging angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, retinoids like retinol can also reduce the suppleness and sagging of the skin.
Helps treat psoriasis and other skin conditions
Vitamin A is present 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 cancer that can result in skin abnormalities like rashes, dryness, itching, and thickness is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is treated with the vitamin A-based medication bexarotene (Targretin).
Stimulates collagen production: Along with working on the epidermis (aka the top layer of the skin), vitamin A is unique in that it also works in the dermis, the deeper layer, where it stimulates the production of collagen.
How Much Vitamin A Do You Need?
According to reports, women should consume 700 mcg and men should consume 900 mcg of Vitamin A on a daily basis. Children need lesser quantities. If you prefer to take a supplement, it is best to consult your doctor to determine the quantity. Too much Vitamin A can cause harm if it builds up in the body.
Vitamin Sources
Vitamin A From Foods
Retinoids are found in eggs, salmon, prawns, cod liver oil, beef liver, and dairy products including milk, cheddar cheese, and butter. Carotenoids are found in plant-based foods such as carrots, leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes; and fruits including plums, apricots, papayas, and mangoes.
Vitamin A Oil For The Skin
Vitamin A oil is available in the form of oils, serums, and capsules that can be broken and applied to the skin. However, it is safer to apply a little bit on a smaller area over a few days and check your skin’s reaction. If it works, you can use it all over your face and neck.
Vitamin A Supplements
Additionally, vitamin A supplements and tablets can be taken. They come in a variety of forms, including beta carotene, which is a carotenoid, or retinoids like retinyl acetate [6] or retinyl palmitate [7]. Others have both retinoids and carotenoids in their composition.
Multivitamin and mineral supplement blends frequently contain vitamin A as a component. It is also included in a number of goods that have been fortified with extra nutrients, including milk and breakfast cereals.