Vitamin A is a powerhouse ingredient with a plethora of benefits for skin. This popular skincare ingredient is frequently sought after to tackle some very pressing skincare concerns, but it’s often a little misunderstood. It’s time to shine a light on the benefits of vitamin A for skin.
Vitamin A is a micronutrient that we do not naturally produce ourselves—but it is essential and helps various functions in our bodies including immunity, vision, and skin health.
There are two types of naturally occurring vitamin A: preformed vitamin A (retinoids) and provitamin A (carotenoids).
Vitamin A is crucial for ensuring that all surface tissues are functioning efficiently, and encourages skin to increase cellular turnover by producing new fresh skin cells more quickly. As we age, cell turnover slows down, but retinoids help speed it up and even stimulate collagen production, which in turn can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Retinoids are also used to help people of all ages who experience acne.
The catch? Retinoids can be a little intense, so before starting a new retinoid routine, patch test to check for major reactions. Because it can cause redness, irritation, and peeling, always pair a retinoid with a soothing moisturizer or oil and always apply sunscreen.
