Blog #4/Vitamin A

Vitamin A Benefits

If you ask any doctor, nurse or aesthetician in the skin care industry what is one product you cannot do without?  Most will start with Vitamin A or more commonly referred to as Retinols. Of course, I will follow that up with sunscreen but this is about our favorite corrective treatment.

To break it down there are several different types of Vitamin A and depending on skin types, skin concerns and tolerance for active ingredients on the skin, there is a type out there for everyone. 

One of the most widely known and popular forms of Vitamin A is Retinol, as it is an over-the-counter product and readily available. Our love of this product stems from its ability to improve texture, tone, increase cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also great for patients prone to acne. Retinols are a great way to start and keep your skin looking healthy and bright.

Retinaldehyde is a more potent form of Vitamin A compared to retinol. Once applied to the skin it converts into retinoic acid, which is the active form of Vitamin A.  This can be a little less irritating than the stronger retinoids. When added to skin care products can make it effective to treat discoloration concerns, fine lines and wrinkles and acne.

Tretinoin is a strong, prescription strength of Vitamin A.  Due to its strength,  it can cause more of a reaction on the skin, causing irritation, redness and sensitivity when initially used. Once the skin becomes tolerant it accelerates cell turn over, preventing the buildup of dead skin cells and treating acne.  Causing the skin to look and appear even, soft and hydrated.

Some more “gentle” forms of Vitamin A are

Adapalene: prescription strength form, mainly used for acne prone skin. It does help with irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Retinyl Palmitate: Typically found over the counter. It is the blending of Retinol with Palmitic Acid that helps with all the same skin concerns without a lot of irritation.

Bakuchiol: It is a ingredient gaining more and more popularity due to its ability to “act” like a retinol without some of the adverse side effects. This is a compound derived from the “babchi” plant, hence the name. The molecules are like retinols without being specifically derived from Vitamin A.  It has the same effects such as increasing cell turnover, smoothing skin texture, stimulating collagen production, but does not cause an increase in photosensitivity. Enabling the use of the product during the day and a decrease in sensitivity.

Vitamin A has a variety of formulations to suit different skin types and concerns. It is one of the few musts in a skin care line up for overall healthy skin. Depending on your skin concerns and sensitivity there is a form of the ingredient out there for everyone.  Getting into a good, consistent skin care routine, cleansing morning and night, using active ingredients like Vitamin C, chemical exfoliation (glycolic, lactic, malic acids) retinols and of course sunscreen is incredibly beneficial.

Lifestyle is a huge component as well getting plenty of sleep (ideal 7-9 hours a night).

Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, wear sunscreen (SPF 30-50) as part of your daily routine.

Eat a healthy diet consisting of a mix of colorful fruits, veggies and good protein.

Exercise on a regular basis with cardio, strength and FUN!

Being communal, seeing friends and family and most important, enjoying life is shows on your face!

Little changes in lifestyle and using good products can make a big change and difference in your skin!