As you may know, there are many benefits to taking vitamin A. It is a vital nutrient that helps with healthy skin, hair, and vision. In this blog post, we will be going over some of the benefits of vitamin A for skin.
Vitamin A For Skin: What Is It?
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a role in healthy skin by promoting cell growth and repair. It also increases moisture retention in the skin by keeping it hydrated and plump. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dryness and irritation.
How Does Vitamin A Benefit Your Skin?
Vitamin A promotes the production of keratinocytes which help improve skin texture and appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles while also smoothing out rough spots like acne scars or sun damage spots left behind after using chemical peels or laser treatments on your face or body.
What Are The Best Foods To Eat For Your Skin?
The best foods for your skin include sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots (dried), spinach leaves (cooked) along with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit juice which are rich in antioxidants that protect against free radicals that cause premature aging effects on our bodies such as wrinkles around mouth corners or dark patches on cheeks from sun damage
Benefits Of Vitamin A For Skin
When it comes to skincare, two of the most popular vitamins are E and C. While there is no doubt in their ability to nourish, brighten and keep your skin looking youthful, these are not the only two vitamins that deserve all the praise. We are talking about the lesser appreciated beauty vitamin here — vitamin A! The benefits of vitamin A may not be known to many, but it helps address a number of skin concerns. For starters, it plays a key role in the body, as it helps produce new cells that accelerate skin regeneration and promote overall healthy functioning.
There are two types of vitamin A — retinoids and carotenoids, both types are converted into retinol by the liver and then stored or supplied throughout the body by the lymphatic system. The skin has the ability to absorb retinoids, therefore the topical application of the same offers a number of benefits.
2. Benefits of vitamin A for the skin
Vitamin A is very important for the skin, it contains retinoids, a compound that performs various jobs to keep your skin in the best condition. Here are some benefits that Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi mentions:
- Vitamin A boosts the production of skin-firming collagen and elastin which helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
- Exposure to UV rays can lead to hyperpigmentation and spots. One of the many benefits of vitamin A is that it helps reverse this damage.
- It has mild exfoliating properties that help slough away dead skin cells, thereby preventing acne and clogged pores.
- Vitamin A stimulates fibroblasts, this makes the skin youthful and radiant.
- It helps normalize oil production, this makes the skin less oily and prevents breakouts.
- Also known for supporting the skin’s immune system by promoting natural moisturizing factors and speeding up healing.
- Promotes healthy a dermis and epidermis, the two protective layers of the skin
3. Ways to obtain vitamin A
“There are two main sources of obtaining vitamin A through your diet, which are plant-based or animal-based products. Apart from this, you can also take vitamin A supplements and apply it topically to improve the health of your skin,” says Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi. Let’s take a detailed look at each of these sources so you can decide how to obtain the benefits of vitamin A.
4. Vitamin A in foods
Animal-based products
Vitamin A is found in the form of retinoids in animal-based products. Some of the best sources of vitamin A, according to Dr. Modi are
- Dairy products like milk,
- cheese and butter
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shrimp
- Beef liver
- Cod liver oil
Plant-based products
Vegetarians can obtain their share of vitamin A through plant-based sources. These compounds are called carotenoids and can be found in these foods according to Dr. Modi:
- Sweet potatoes
- Green leafy vegetables
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Plain yogurt
- Red bell peppers
- Fruits like apricots, plums and mangoes
Pro tip: Your body can only absorb vitamin A when it is consumed with some form of fat. So, while obtaining the benefits of vitamin A, if your preferred source such as raw fruits or veggies, do not contain fats, then pair it with foods rich in healthy fats like nuts, avocado and olive oil.
5. Vitamin A supplements
Most people can meet their required level of vitamin A through food alone. Since other parts of your body also need and fight for their share of the vitamin, whatever reaches your skin is minimal. Therefore, some people prefer or are recommended to take supplements to get the benefits of vitamin A. Some of these supplements combine retinoids with carotenoids whereas others are purely retinoids or carotenoids. It is also added to a number of common multivitamins and mineral supplements. However, high doses of vitamin A can be dangerous for your body, therefore do not self medicate. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin A capsule and ensure that your overall intake is not more than 10,000 micrograms per day. Having said that, you should also know that you cannot expect quick results from food sources or supplements. What might help and show results sooner, is topical application of vitamin A in the form of retinoids.
6. Topical application of vitamin A
If you want to see quicker results in fighting your battle against wrinkles, acne or sun-damaged skin, then topical application of vitamin A is your best bet. Your skin quickly absorbs the retinoids in vitamin A and tackles the majority of your skin problems. In fact, you will find a lot of skincare products infused with this vitamin. Your sunscreens, moisturisers, anti-aging creams and serums generally contain vitamin A as an active ingredient to effectively fight skin concerns. One of the most common retinoids is tretinoin, it is known for boosting the production of fresh skin cells, thereby minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, dull skin and uneven texture. It is also recommended for those with mild to moderate acne.
Again, do not self-medicate, talk to your doctor about your skin goals and they may suggest something more than vitamin A for topical application and the two paired together can give you even better results.
7. FAQs about vitamin A
Q. Can you put vitamin A directly on your face?
A. Yes, some vitamin A supplements come in the form of capsules and can be broken and applied directly to the face. However, when it comes to topical application, it is best to consult a dermatologist before trying anything.
Q. Are vitamin A and retinol the same?
A. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, a type of retinoid that is commonly found in a lot of skincare products for its ability to fight several skin concerns.
Q. How do you use vitamin A?
A. There are many ways to use and obtain the benefits of vitamin A. You can get it via food, supplements and even through topical application.
how to use vitamin a on face
Face serums are a popular skincare product and a constant topic for debate. While beauty enthusiasts swear by these potent products, skin experts and lovers of minimal skincare will tell you that they are not an absolute compulsion. Having said that, face serums have indeed grown to be liked by many, solely based on the fact that they can be used to target specific skin issues and deliver on their claims flawlessly. There are many benefits to this trendy product, but how exactly do you pick the best serum for your face? We asked a dermatologist and here are our key findings.
- 1. Benefits of face serum
- 2. Types of serum for face
- – Vitamin C face serums
- – Brightening face serums
- – Retinol face serums
- – Hyaluronic acid face serums
- – Plant or botanical extracts based face serums
- – AHA + BHA face serums
- 3. The ideal way of applying face serums
- 4. Precautions to take while applying face serums
- 5. FAQs about face serums
1. Benefits of face serum
According to Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni, “The difference between face serums and other skincare staples is that they have a higher percentage of active ingredients. The concentration of active ingredients in serums is almost double, hence they penetrate better into the dermal layer of your skin. Even though they are viscous in nature, they feel light and are free of heavier formulations of molecules that are used in oily creams and moisturisers. If you are looking for collagen rejuvenation, collagen stimulation and adding amazing ingredients like peptides, retinol and plant extracts, serums are the way to go!” As for the many types of face serums, you can choose from, read on!
2. Types of serum for face
Now that you are familiar with the benefits of using face serums, here are some of the best types of face serums to choose from…
– Vitamin C face serums
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants available, causes the least amount of allergic reactions in clients and works to fight environmental and free radical damage on your skin. It also has a lightening property, hence can effectively target blemishes, sunspots and acne scars. It works overnight to rejuvenate the skin and brighten the skin, thus can be used as an antioxidant and anti-aging serum, both in one.
– Brightening face serums
Brightening serums can contain one, two or a combination of different extracts and molecules depending on what you’re looking for in your skin type. It could contain a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid and many others. These combinations ultimately decrease the production of melanin in the skin and hence lighten it as a result. They can be helpful for you if you have very tanned skin, sunspots, freckles, and ephelides. They are also effective on post-procedural marks, acne scars, pigmentation, and can help give your skin a clear and even-toned look.
– Retinol face serums
Retinol serums are particularly used by a certain age group as an anti-aging staple. They are a derivative of vitamin A and are excellent to treat fine lines and wrinkles. They come in different concentrations and need to be slowly and gradually introduced in your skincare routine. Your skin needs to get habituated to a retinol serum, so expecting magical results in a week or two may disappoint you.
Also, jumping headfirst with a high concentration of retinol serum can cause skin reactions. So, consult a dermatologist on how to start using a retinol serum depending on your skin’s response and tolerance of this potent anti-aging molecule.
– Hyaluronic acid face serums
Hyaluronic acid has become very popular lately. It consists of excellent hydrating and moisturizing properties. It is able to seep into your skin cells and plump them up. It can eliminate the feeling of dehydration in dull and wrinkled skin. HA serums can give you a fresh, glowy and dewy complexion, and work as an excellent moisturiser.
Hyaluronic acid face serums are especially beneficial if you have oily skin and acne-prone skin. Since heavy moisturisers can further clog your pores, HA serums can be used to maintain the essential moisture levels instead.
– Plant or botanical extracts based face serums
Botanical extracts or plant-based serums often include ingredients like green tea, chia seed, glycolic acid (sugarcane) and sometimes even vitamin C (ascorbic acid extracted from lemons). Botanical extract-based serums have a certain advantage over the others – they react less, your skin is more receptive to them and has fewer chemicals in them. However, they might not have as strong lightening, brightening or curative properties as the chemical compositions do.
– AHA + BHA face serums
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliating serums are very popular with oily and acne-prone skin types. An AHA, like glycolic acid, can help remove blemishes, help shrink open pores, reduce brown spots, decrease tanning, act as a superficial exfoliant, and play the role of an anti-aging agent as well. A BHA on the other hand, like salicylic acid, works to de-clog your pores, removes acne and blackhead/whitehead causing keratin debris from the skin, regulates oil secretions from the sebaceous glands and dries out the skin to help reduce acne and greasiness. AHA + BHA serums also work as a powerful chemical exfoliant to remove the superficial layers of your skin and give it a rejuvenated look.
3. The ideal way of applying face serums
Here are some key things to remember while applying face serums:
- To ensure maximum absorption, apply your face serum within the first few minutes of cleansing your face.
- Separate your serums into daytime and nighttime categories.
- If you have oily skin, apply the serum as your regular moisturiser. If you have dry skin, layer it under your regular moisturiser.
- Instead of skipping the serum, you can use it as a base under your makeup.
- For your nighttime serums, make sure you are not layering too many things on top of them as the extracts in them are already very potent.
- Apply with clean fingers and do not rub them in too much to avoid irritating the skin.
4. Precautions to take while applying face serums
- Before starting any new serum, do a patch test first. You can test them either on your neck or your jawline. Observe for 24 to 48 hours for any kind of reaction and only then start using the serum on the entire face.
- Make sure serums with too many active ingredients do not get too close to the eyes as that may cause irritation and sensitivity.
- Always take your skin type into account while choosing the right active ingredients in your serum.
- Mixing or layering too many serums that are probably not supposed to go together can cause unwanted reactions on your skin.
- Do not introduce very high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin right away. You need to habituate your skin gradually, start with a lower concentration first and observe how they react with your skin.
5. FAQs about face serums
1) Will my skin get worse if I stop using face serums?
A. It is both a myth and fact that once you start using face serums you cannot go back to something else. In reality, it depends on your personal choice. If potent ingredients suit your skin needs, you wouldn’t feel the need of going back to a routine without the serum. Whereas some people don’t feel the compulsion of using them and can switch back to a basic CTM routine.
2) Can I mix different face serums for better results?
A. It is not advisable to experiment with too many serums at the same time. According to Dr. Tipirneni, mixing potent face serums can lead to disastrous results, often leading to scarring and pigmentation.
3) Can a vitamin C face serum cause acne?
A. Yes, vitamin C face serums have shown to cause acne in some people. This detail is often overlooked because of the popularity of the ingredient. So, make sure you do a patch test prior to using it.