Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and alongside its natural derivatives (Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate). Vitamin A plays a key role in cell growth and development, making it an excellent topical ingredient for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, but also hyperpigmentation.
Through a series of oxidative and transformation processes, Vitamin A must be converted into its metabolically active form - all-trans retinoic acid - to be beneficial to skin.
Vitamin A has the ability to speed up cell turnover to make way for new cell proliferation underneath. This way, old mottled and pigmented skin cells are also prompted to turnover and are shed quickly to reveal a clearer and fresher skin tone.
In addition, retinoids will thicken collagen in the deeper layers of skin, delaying the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin A is best incorporated into any skin care regime slowly. Even though tolerance levels can be high, it’s not uncommon for irritation to occur if care is not exercised. Irritation can include dryness, scaling, flakiness, burning/tingling sensation, sensitivity and or itching.
If using Vitamin A, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF30 must also be used.
