The Amazing Benefits Of Vitamin A For Your Skin

Let us begin by telling you that by the end of this article, you might start calling it vitamin A+ instead of vitamin A, because of the long list of benefits that it has for your skin. You might already know vitamin C and E, but probably not so much about vitamin A. Why? Because it is commonly called retinol or retinoid (you right now: ooooh). Technically they are all the same, where retinoids are the active form of vitamin A. Below are the reasons why the skincare world is gaga over this ingredient, and why you will be too! 

What is vitamin A? 

To put it simply, vitamin A is the name of a group of retinoids. It is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is not naturally produced in the human body. So, one can acquire its benefits either by consuming vitamin A-rich foods or applying it topically in the form of serums and creams. However it has been studied that applying vitamin A topically works much better and delivers promisable results. 

This umbrella term of retinoids is further classified into three categories – retinols, retinoic acid and retinaldehyde. All three have similar skin benefits, with the only difference being in their potency levels. Where, retinols are the weakest, retinoic acid is the strongest and retinaldehyde falls in between.

What are the benefits of vitamin A for skin? 

The list is pretty long and impressive. They reap a ton of benefits by speeding up the cell regeneration process. From acne to anti-ageing, retinoids have been studied and proven to take your skin to the next level. 

1. Improves cell turnover: Your skin typically regenerates itself every 27 days. Using vitamin A speeds up this cell process, thus promoting the newer, healthier and smoother cells to surface. 
2. Boosts collagen production: Most ingredients either work on the skin’s surface, or the deeper layer. But retinoids can do both. It penetrates the dermis, the deeper layer to boost the production of collagen, and keep skin younger looking. 
3. Fights off acne: Even the peskiest of acne won’t stand a chance against vitamin A. It regulates oil production, unclogs pores, as well as exfoliates skin to reduce as well as prevent acne. 
4. Blurs fine lines and wrinkles: We spoke about boosting collagen production above, but what vitamin A also does, is prevent the destruction of existing collagen and elastin, the duo responsible for keeping skin young and radiant. 
5. Fades pigmentation: Vitamin A can fade acne scars, pigmentation as well as age spots. Isn’t it a total bang for your buck? 

Are there any side effects of vitamin A? 

There are always some cons to the pros. But, do not be disheartened because they are not something that you cannot take care of. Once you start incorporating retinoids in your routine, you might notice skin irritation, dryness, photosensitivity, and mild peeling. It is completely normal, as with time, your skin acclimatizes to the ingredient and what lies ahead is great, healthy-looking skin. This process is known as retinization. 

How to include Vitamin A in your skincare routine? 

In Your Diet

Consuming foods rich in vitamin A benefits your overall skin health. Green leafy veggies, salmon, tomatoes, bell peppers, mangoes, watermelon, papaya, guava, eggs, carrots, etc are excellent sources of vitamin A. Adding these to your diet helps keep up the skin’s glow and radiance. However, that does not mean that you hog on a stick of kale to reverse your age. Vitamin A foods, although beneficial, do not provide targeted actions for your skin. 

So, while it's always good to consume these healthy foods, your skin needs something more. 

In Your Skincare Routine

Earlier we discussed about retinols and retinoic acids. Where retinols are weak and the latter is quite potent. So…

If you’re dealing with acne, use retinoic acid aka tretinoin. These are over-the-counter prescribed treatments that take heightened action against acne. If you’re looking at its anti-ageing benefits, then you can rely on retinol creams and serums to do the job. 

There are two approaches towards introducing this ingredient. 

First, start slow. Using a lot of it, will not yield faster results. Begin with using it once every week and then gradually use it every other night, indefinitely. 

Second, start with low potency. Now that you already know the probable pitfalls to using retinoids, be wise and start with the lowest potency. Once your skin is used to it, you can gradually climb up the ladder. 

Things to remember while using retinoids 

1. It is also v.v. important to remember that you should always use them in your PM skincare routine.
2. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using retinol. 
3. Do not combine them with any other acids like AHAs, BHAs or PHAs. 
4. Always use sunscreen the next day, as retinoids can increase skin’s sensitivity towards the sun. 
5. Use moisturizer after you use retinoids to make up for dryness and keep skin soft and hydrated. 

Let unhealthy, sad skin be a thing of the past. Introduce vitamin A in your routine today! 

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