We all know that vitamins have numerous health benefits. Specifically, Vitamin A, besides enhancing the immune system and improving eyesight, also contributes to skin beauty.
The wonderful benefits of Vitamin A for the skin
Besides ingesting Vitamin A through daily food intake, we can also choose topical products. Let’s delve deeper better to understand Vitamin A and its benefits for facial skin.
What is Vitamin A? Its health benefits
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the body, primarily known for improving vision, strengthening the immune system, protecting reproductive health, and enhancing skin beauty. Derivatives of Vitamin A, known as retinoids, are found in foods like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Carotenoids, precursors to Vitamin A, are abundant in vegetables and fruits.
When you consume these foods, the liver converts both precursors into retinol. Retinol is then stored in the liver or transported to cells throughout the body via the lymphatic system. Additionally, your skin can easily absorb Vitamin A when applied topically. Vitamin A has been proven to offer numerous health benefits, including improving vision, being particularly beneficial for pregnant women, supporting lung and kidney health, and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits of Vitamin A for facial skin
- Preventing wrinkles and sagging skin
Many studies have shown that applying Vitamin A or retinol topically can promote collagen production, thereby preventing the appearance of wrinkles. These substances can also remove damaged elastin fibers and promote the formation of new blood vessels, improving skin elasticity and preventing sagging and aging.
- Brightening the skin and reducing dark spots
Dark and dull skin often causes concern. To improve this condition, it is recommended to have a diet rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene. These substances protect cells from damage, skin diseases, and aging. Moreover, carotenoids help protect your skin from environmental damage such as UV rays and pollution. Retinol also promotes skin cell regeneration, improving hyperpigmentation and preventing freckles, age spots, and discoloration. Your skin will become brighter and smoother.
- Reducing acne
To treat acne in both adults and teenagers, the American Academy of Dermatology highly recommends using topical retinoids. These substances can exfoliate the skin, and remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells deep within the pores to prevent acne formation. Additionally, retinoids stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to shrink pores and fade acne scars.
- Treating psoriasis and other skin conditions
Vitamin A is found in both topical and oral medications for treating psoriasis by reducing the formation of psoriasis scales and inflammatory cytokines and interleukins. For severe psoriasis, doctors may prescribe oral acitretin (another type of retinoid).
Some notes when using Vitamin A
In addition to supplementing Vitamin A through diet, you can also use skincare products containing Vitamin A such as creams or serums. There are many different products on the market with various uses and ways of application, but they all contain Vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin. However, before using, you should choose products free of irritants and harmful chemicals to ensure safety and avoid unwanted side effects. Use the product correctly, as improper use can cause adverse effects on your skin rather than protecting and healing it.
If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or specialists before using any cosmetics containing Vitamin A.