The Benefits — and Limits — of Vitamin A for Your Skin

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports skin, eye, and reproductive health, as well as immune function. Preformed vitamin A, or retinoids, is found in animal products like meat, poultry, and dairy. ProvitaminA, or carotenoids, is found in plant products like fruits and vegetables. Your liver converts both types to retinol. Then, it’s either stored in your liver or transported by the lymphatic system to cells throughout your body. Your skin is retinoid-responsive, which means it can readily absorb vitamin A when you apply it topically. What does vitamin A do?

Vitamin A does quite a bit for your body and skin. It plays a role in:

vision
reproduction
immune system function
function of organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys
skin health, including acne

The benefits of vitamin A for your skin

Vitamin A can benefit your skin by: Improving the appearance of wrinkles and sagging EvidenceTrusted Source suggests topical retinoids — vitamin A, in other words — work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Retinoids like retinol can also improve skin elasticity and sagging by helping remove damaged elastin fibers and promoting angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels. Reducing hyperpigmentation and other sun damage A diet high in carotenoids, such as beta carotene, can help prevent cell damage, skin aging, and skin diseases. Carotenoids can also help protectTrusted Source your skin from environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation, which can also affect skin health and appearance. Retinoids promote skin cell turnover. So, they can help improve hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sunspots, plus lead to a more even skin tone overall. Helping address acne The American Academy of Dermatology recommends topical retinoids to help treat acne in both adolescents and adults. Retinoids can help exfoliate skin on the surface, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from pores to prevent pimples. They also penetrate the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can help reduce the appearance of pores and acne scarring. Helping treat psoriasis and other skin conditions Both topical and oral prescription medications used to treat psoriasis contain vitamin A. Topical retinoid reduces the formation of raised skin patches and the formation of cytokines and interleukins that cause inflammation. A healthcare professional might also prescribe oral acitretin, another retinoid, to treat severe, refractory psoriasis. Bexarotene (Targretin), a vitamin A-based drug, is also used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer that can cause skin changes like rashes, dryness, itching, and thickness. Is vitamin A deficiency common? In the United States, commercially fortified products like breakfast cereal and milk contain vitamin A, as do many nutrient-dense foods like cheese, butter, and fruits and vegetables. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source, people over the age of 4 should consume 400 mcg RAE of vitamin A each day. You can meet this requirement from both plant and animal sources. Most people in the U.S. get enough vitamin A from the foods they eat. That said, premature infants and people living with cystic fibrosis may need additional amounts of this vitamin. Young children generally require less vitamin A than adults of reproductive age and people nursing infants. Though vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in areas where nutritious food is readily available, it commonly affects people in many African and Southeast Asian countries. Ways to take and use vitamin A

Vitamin A in foods You can support the health of your skin by eating a diet that includes a wide range of foods high in vitamin A. Retinoids can be found in animal products, such as:

salmon
beef liver
dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese
eggs
fish
cod liver oil
shrimp

Carotenoids can be found in plant products, such as:

carrots
tomatoes
sweet potatoes
leafy green vegetables
fruits, including mangoes, apricots, and plums

Vitamin A supplements Most people get all the vitamin A they need through their diet, but if you’re considering vitamin A supplements, you have a few options, including:

multivitamins, most of which contain some vitamin A
beta carotene (provitamin A)
retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate (preformed vitamin A)
a combination of provitamin A and preformed vitamin A

Topical and prescription retinoids Plenty of evidenceTrusted Source backs the benefits of topically applied retinoids. The boost in collagen and elastin production, not to mention the proliferation of new skin cells, can help smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source that help reduce clogged pores and treat acne. If you want to try topical vitamin A, your options include:

creams, serums, and oils designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles
moisturizers
sunscreen
over-the-counter (OTC) acne products
prescription acne treatment

If you’re exploring options based on your skin goals:

For acne. OTC retinoids for acne generally work best for mild, non-inflammatory acne, like blackheads and whiteheads. Differin gel is one OTC option you could previously only get with a prescription. If you have inflammatory acne, a dermatologist may prescribe a different retinoid, like tretinoin, or other treatments.
For signs of aging. OTC retinol creams and serums can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as light discoloration. Along with full-face options, you can also find creams specifically for use around your eyes or neck. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger retinoids to help address deeper wrinkles, skin sagging, and age spots.
For psoriasis. Tazarotene, a prescription retinoid, is sometimes used along with a corticosteroid to treat skin and nail psoriasis. This retinoid helps to slow the growth of skin cells, reduce thickness and scaling, and improve discoloration and swelling.

Retinoids aren’t always the best option Topical retinoids can have benefit, but they don’t offer a permanent remedy for any skin concern. Their positive effects stop when you stop using them. What’s more, they won’t work for everyone, and even OTC options can cause a number of unwanted side effects, including irritation and swelling, stinging and burning, and skin peeling. It’s always best to connect with a dermatologist before trying any new skin care products or remedies. They can offer more guidance with creating a personalized treatment plan that works for your skin. Using vitamin A safely

Vitamin A isn’t the right choice for everyone. Too much oral or topical vitamin A can cause side effects. It can even be harmful, especially for people with certain skin conditions and other health issues. Here’s what you need to know so you can use vitamin A safely. Topical retinoids Products containing retinoids may not be good options if you have:

rosacea
eczema
skin allergies
dry skin
hormonal acne
moderate or severe acne scarring

Potential side effects of topical retinoids include:

skin dryness, redness, itching, and scaling
increased sensitivity to UV light (real and artificial)
eczema flare-ups

Oral vitamin A Most people get enough vitamin A from their diet. Getting too much preformed vitamin A from supplements or certain medications can cause serious side effects, including:

headaches
blurred vision
nausea
dizziness
liver damage
birth defects
coma
death

Consuming high amounts of provitamin A, like beta carotene, doesn’t carry the same risks as getting too much preformed vitamin A, but it can turn your skin yellow or orange. This isn’t serious, and your skin will return to its typical color once you lower your beta carotene intake. Vitamin A can interact with other supplements and medications, including:

acitretin (Soriatane), used to treat psoriasis
bexarotene (Targretin), used to treat the skin effects of T-cell lymphoma
Orlistat (Alli, Xenical), a weight-loss drug

Don’t take vitamin A supplements or apply topical vitamin A, like retinol and other retinoids, if you take any of these medications, or if you’re pregnant. Other ways to get and maintain healthy skin If you want to improve your skin, you have options beyond vitamin A. These steps can also help you get and maintain healthier skin:

Aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.
Eat a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants.
Wear sunscreen every day. Make sure to reapply sunscreen or cover your skin before spending time outside.
Avoid excess sun exposure, especially when not wearing sunscreen, and tanning beds.
Avoid smoking, and try to quit if you already smoke.
Wash your face each morning and evening.
Maintain a regular skin care routine based on your skin type.

It’s also essential to work with a dermatologist if you have skin issues, like rosacea or acne. A dermatologist can also offer more tips on caring for your skin.

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