Vitamin A has long had a reputation for being important for skincare. Whether it’s smoothing fine lines, brightening the complexion, or tackling acne, it’s been touted as a must-have for anyone looking to maintain youthful, healthy skin. But with so much information available, it isn’t always easy to know what exactly vitamin A does for the skin, how it works, and how it can be used safely for optimum results.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and, of course, rejuvenating the skin. In skincare, it’s best known for its ability to:
- Speed up cell turnover, bringing fresh, new skin cells to the surface.
- Boost collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improve skin tone and texture, helping with pigmentation and uneven skin.
- Unclog pores, making it a real help for acne-prone skin.
The advantage of vitamin A lies in its ability to transform the skin at a cellular level, helping it function at its very best.
Vitamin A comes in two forms. Pre-formed vitamin A (retinoids) is found in animal-based foods like fish, dairy, and liver and includes retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid, all of which are commonly used in skincare. Pro-formed vitamin A (carotenoids) are found in colourful fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, and the body converts carotenoids into vitamin A.
When it comes to vitamin A in skincare, there are a few commonly used forms. Retinol is the most popular and widely used form in over-the-counter skincare. Although effective, it needs to be converted by the skin into its active form, retinoic acid. Next is retinaldehyde or retinal which is closer to retinoic acid, making it more potent than retinol but still gentle enough on the skin. Then comes retinoic acid or tretinoin – the most powerful and active form – which means it’s only available on prescription due to its strength. Finally, retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate are gentler forms of vitamin A, making them ideal for sensitive skin or beginners.
However, although vitamin A is well known in skincare, it does come with a few myths attached. Firstly, that it thins the skin. Actually, it strengthens the skin by boosting collagen and improving elasticity. Secondly, that only prescription retinoids work. In fact, while prescription-strength retinoic acid is potent, over-the-counter forms like retinol and retinaldehyde are highly effective when used consistently. Thirdly, vitamin A should be avoided in summer. Although it’s true that retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, they can still be used safely year-round as long as daily SPF is applied. Fourthly, the more you use, the better. This isn’t really the case – it’s best to start slowly and build up tolerance.
If you’re new to vitamin A, following these simple steps allows you to introduce it gradually and help avoid irritation.
- Use it at night. Vitamin A breaks down in sunlight, so apply it before bed.
- Start with a low percentage, begin with a gentle formula (e.g., 0.1% retinol), and increase it over time. Apply twice a week for two weeks, then every other night for two weeks, before moving to nightly use.
- Moisturise well. Vitamin A can be drying, so always follow up with a moisturiser.
- Wear SPF 30+ as retinoids make skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Vitamin A really can help when it comes to skincare. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production. For acne-prone skin it unclogs pores and regulates oil production. Uneven skin tone and pigmentation can improve as it helps fade dark spots and smooth skin texture, and dull, tired skin improves as it encourages fresh, new skin cells for a radiant glow.
When used correctly, vitamin A is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare, offering significant results over time. Whether tackling breakouts, pigmentation, or the first signs of ageing, it definitely has a place in your skincare routine. Results take time, but with consistent use, the benefits of vitamin A should be well worth it.
