Most people know vitamin A for supporting vision. In reality, vitamin A, often referred to as retinoic acid or retinol, serves many vital roles throughout the body. This antioxidant nutrient supports eye function, healthy growth, cell turnover, reproduction, and the immune response.

Vitamin A is also essential for keeping skin healthy, youthful looking, and functioning well. In skincare, it is widely known as retinol, a common active in many topical products.

Vitamin A comes in two main families: retinoids, which are preformed vitamin A, and carotenoids, which are provitamin A compounds. The liver converts both into retinol, then stores it or sends it through the lymphatic system to cells around the body.

Skin responds readily to retinol and can absorb vitamin A when it is used topically. Research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging notes that vitamin A deficiency may lead to follicular hyperkeratosis, in which excess keratin builds up in hair follicles and forms small bumps on the skin.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin A?

Compared with many cosmetic ingredients, vitamin A has one of the strongest bodies of research behind it. As reported by Byrdie, retinol entered dermatologic use in 1943 and has undergone clinical trials demonstrating real effects in products designed for skin aging. Benefits for the skin include:

• Improving skin renewal - Vitamin A promotes the shedding of older surface cells and encourages the formation of fresh cells underneath.
• Smoothing texture and evening tone - Because it speeds cell turnover, vitamin A can work like a gentle exfoliant. It helps refine skin texture and supports a more even tone by reducing the look of hyperpigmentation.
• Stimulating collagen production - Vitamin A acts in both the epidermis and the deeper dermis, where it can encourage new collagen production.
• Softening fine lines and wrinkles - Consistent use can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and increase the thickness of skin tissues. It also helps limit ongoing damage by supporting existing collagen and elastin.
• Helping clear acne - The FDA recognizes retinoic acid for acne care. It helps normalize oil production and keep pores clear. By preventing buildup of dead cells and debris, it lowers the chance for acne bacteria to proliferate.
• Fading postinflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne - Prescription forms of vitamin A may lessen the look of discoloration left by blemishes. Supplemental vitamin A also shows anti-inflammatory activity that can reduce redness in acne-prone skin.

Side Effects of Vitamin A

Some users may experience dryness, irritation, light sensitivity, or even peeling and blistering. These reactions are less likely with lower-strength formulas. Remember that products containing vitamin A are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

To reduce side effects, use vitamin A products under a doctor’s guidance and follow the labeled directions. Avoid layering them with other potentially irritating actives unless your clinician advises it.

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