What are the benefits of vitamin A for skin?

Vitamin A, like other vitamins, is one of the essential elements of our body. It helps protect our body from disease by supporting immunity, as well as eye and reproductive health. However, in this article, you will talk about a completely different benefit of vitamin A. Yes, you guessed it, its amazing properties affect skin health! Because vitamin A has a huge impact on the skin, from reducing wrinkles to removing acne. Let’s take a look at the benefits of vitamin A for skin and the sources you can meet your vitamin A needs from.

What is vitamin A?

Before moving on to the benefits of vitamin A for skin, it would be helpful to take a closer look at vitamin A. vitamin A; It is an essential vitamin that supports skin, eye and reproductive health, as well as immune function. Fat-soluble vitamin A, stored in the liver, is found in foods in two forms. The first is preformed vitamin A, also known as retinol. Most of it is found in meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. The other is provitamin A, also known as carotenoids. This type, which gives food a dark color, is often found in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables.

What is vitamin A good for skin?

Now back to our main topic. We can list the proven benefits of vitamin A for skin as follows:

1. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles

Studies show that topical retinoids can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. It is also known that retinoids can repair damaged elastin fibers and reduce sagging by promoting the formation of new blood vessels.

2. May Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation are dark spots that form as a result of the accumulation of the color pigment melanin under the skin as a result of overproduction. Sun spots, age spots and acne scars are the best examples of hyperpigmentation.

Carotenoids protect the skin from environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays that can affect the health and appearance of the skin. Retinoids, on the other hand, stimulate cell regeneration and promote the healing of aging and sun spots. They also help to have an even skin tone.

3. It can help get rid of acne

The American Dermatological Association recommends topical retinoids for the treatment of acne in both adolescents and adults. This is because retinoids help exfoliate and renew the skin, preventing breakouts, and also remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from pores. It also supports collagen and elastin production, which can help reduce the appearance of pores and acne scars.

4. Can be used to treat psoriasis.

Topical retinoids prevent the formation of raised skin areas and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and interleukins. This is why most medications used to treat psoriasis contain vitamin A.

How to meet the need for vitamin A?

Many people easily meet their vitamin A needs from food. If you are deficient, you can get the vitamin A you need through supplements or prescription retinoids. However, you should always check with your doctor before using supplements or medications.

Foods containing vitamin A

Retinoids are mainly found in animal products:

• Salmon
• beef liver,
• Fish,
• Shrimp,
• Egg,
• Milk and dairy products.

Carotenoids are often found in plant foods:

• Carrot,
• tomatoes,
• Sweet potato,
• fibrous green vegetables
• Fruits such as mango, apricot and plum.

Vitamin A supplements

As long as we have a balanced diet, we can get enough of the vitamin A we need from food. However, with a lack of vitamin A, the following supplements can be used under the supervision of a doctor:

• multivitamins containing vitamin A,
• beta-carotene (provitamin A),
• Retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate (preformed vitamin A),
• Combination of provitamin A and preformed vitamin A.

Prescription retinoids

Dermatologists often prefer prescription retinoids in treatments to clear clogged pores, clear acne, stimulate skin cell renewal, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, its effects only last as long as it is used. Also, they may not work for everyone. In addition, in some patients, they may cause unwanted results such as burning, stinging, swelling, and irritation. That’s why it’s best to consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment that’s right for your skin before trying it.

What you need to know to use vitamin A safely

Using oral or topical vitamin A for healthy skin is not for everyone. Especially those with pink disease, eczema, and allergic diseases should not use topical vitamin A without consulting a doctor. In addition, topical vitamins A may not work in treating acne caused by hormonal causes. Uncontrolled topical use of vitamin A can cause side effects such as aggravation of eczema, increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, dry skin, itching and redness.

The side effects of oral vitamin A are much more serious. Such drugs must be used under medical supervision. Otherwise, they can cause serious side effects such as headaches, blurred vision, nausea, liver damage, and birth defects.

On the other hand, it should be noted that vitamin A can interact with various supplements and medications. For example, it can be extremely risky to use drugs such as acitretin, used to treat psoriasis, bexarotene, used to treat the skin effects of T-cell lymphoma, and orlistat, which helps people lose weight. It should also not be used during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects.

Healthy Skin Tips

Of course, it is important for healthy skin to consume enough vitamin A, but it is not enough on its own. However, you can protect the health of your skin by paying attention to the following steps:

• Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours every night.
• Create a diet rich in antioxidants.
• Apply sunscreen every day. Remember to apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure.
• I do not smoke. If you are using it, try dropping or reducing it.
• Remember to wash your face every morning and evening.
• Talk to your dermatologist to find out the best way to take care of your skin.
• Make sure the contents of each product you use are clean.

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No need to go to beauty salons! 9 things you can do at home for smooth skin

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