Vitamin A - this powerhouse ingredient has more than 70 years of established studies showing it has value for skin on several fronts.
It’s a skin-restoring, wrinkle-smoothing, firming and pore-refining ingredient and an antioxidant, allowing it to improve a variety of skin concerns, most related to visible signs of ageing.
Vitamin A is a nutrient that is essential for human health. It is especially important for general eye health, supporting your immune system and keeping your skin glowing. The body can get Vitamin A from two primary sources: through the food you eat and from supplements. But did you know you can also absorb vitamin A through your skincare products?
Forms of Vitamin A
Beta Carotene - a pre cursor to Vitamin A, helps other forms of Vitamin A work more effectively, anti-oxidant
Retinyl Palmitate - the skins favourite form of Vitamin A. Gentle and effective. Converts to Retinol, Retinaldehyde and Retinoic Acid when needed.
Retinol - penetrates quickly (alcohol), converts to Retinaldehyde and then Retinoic Acid, commonly causes irritation
Retinaldehyde - lower chance of irritation, difficult to get a stable form in cosmetics but this is improving with advancements
Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin) - thins the skin and likely to cause sensitivity, prescription only, enters the bloodstream and can be stored in the liver
What is a Retinoid Response?
Too much Vitamin A for the Vitamin A receptors can cause a retinoid response. This is not an allergic reaction. It is the skins way to saying too much too soon!
A Retinoid Response can include - redness, flaking, irritation, dryness and breakouts. These should subside with a few days break from Vitamin A application.
How does Vitamin A work?
Vitamin A works differently to other active ingredients, as it enters the cells through special Vitamin A receptors. This shows exactly how much our skin needs Vitamin A - it has its own special receptors!
It works from the superficial layers to deep layers of the skin repairing damage along the way. The more damage to the skin, the longer this process will take to show visible results on the surface.
What can Vitamin A help with?
As one of the most important nutrients for the skin, Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps to keep skin cells functioning properly, supports the production of collagen, and inhibits the production of melanin, which can cause dark spots and pigmentation. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect skin from sun damage.
When it comes to getting healthier skin, Vitamin A is a frontrunner. It helps in producing collagen in your skin, something that slows down as you age. It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine-lines.
The retinoids produced through Vitamin A keep your skin glowing and healthy-looking by:
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Protecting it from the harmful UV-rays from the sun that can cause damage which leads to sunspots and hyperpigmentation - when used in conjunction with a quality sunscreen
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Preventing your pores from getting clogged and inflamed and reducing acne
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Assisting in the production of new blood vessels
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Replenishing dried and dull looking skin
Who should not use Vitamin A?
Because of its known potential irritation, retinol should be avoided in skin care products for those with sensitive skin, unless under management from a medical professional, as well as babies and children.
As with all clinically proven ingredients, there are varying sources of information, and some of it not always credible. Vitamin A, in particular, can be dangerous when consumed in excess, and certain forms of it are not suitable for use in cosmetics and care must be taken when introducing a form of Vitamin A into your skincare routine.
How to use Vitamin A in a skincare routine
There are multiple ways you can easily add Vitamin A to your skincare routine as well as natural ways to incorporate Vitamin A rich foods to your diet as well.
Here are some of the foods you can consume to boost the levels of Vitamin A in your body:
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Green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale
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Summer squash, pumpkin, and carrots
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Mango
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Dairy products
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Eggs
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Fish oils
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Beef liver
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Fruits such as mango and cantaloupe
Since our skin can easily absorb Vitamin A, the most sure-fire way to provide it with this nutrient is through reliable and quality skin products.
Take a closer look at our Revive - our 1% Vitamin A Gel.
Still feeling unsure about if Vitamin A is right for you? Book a virtual skin consultation with our Skin Specialist (and owner!) Jess.