What Does Vitamin A Do for the Skin? Types & Best Practices

Dr saba qutub ●
vitamin-a
An aged woman with a stroke of vitamin A cream on her face

Vitamin A, popularly known as retinoids, carries various benefits when it comes to skincare. From improving premature fine lines to tackling acne in teens, vitamin A has a multitude of advantages. Ageing is one of the most common concerns where you witness people using vitamin A derivatives. 

But knowing vitamin A is essential before incorporating it into your skincare. All vitamin A derivatives are not the same and may or may not work effectively for your daily routine. This blog will deeply introduce you to vitamin A in skincare, its benefits and types, and how you can use it competently. 

What is Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds that can heavily contribute to our skin's health. They behave with the skin in different ways based on their chemical structure and properties. Retinoic acid is the active form—the one that interacts directly with skin cells. Some of the most well-talked compounds in skincare are;

You may confuse vitamin A with retinoids. They are related, but not the same. Vitamin A is an umbrella term for these fat-soluble compounds, and retinoids are the vitamin A derivatives used in dermatology. 

Also Read: 10 Facts to Know Before Adding Retinoid to Your Skincare Routine

What Does Vitamin A Do For the Skin 

Vitamin A can accelerate the cellular renewal in the skin, boost elastin and collagen production, and even out your skin tone. Here's what it can do for your skin in detail;

Fight Ageing Signs

Whether it is premature signs of ageing like crow's feet or smile lines, or stubborn loose skin, vitamin A derivatives can show a significant difference with the consistent use. Some retinoids, like retinol and retinaldehyde, can induce collagen production, which further helps in making your skin plump and youthful. Research suggests retinoids can help with treating photoageing. 

Helps with Acne

Vitamin A has the ability to mildly exfoliate the skin and remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog your pores to cause acne. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using topical retinoids to manage teen and adult acne. 

A girl with acne on her face

Fades Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Acne scarring, sun spots, or widely spread post-acne hyperpigmentation, retinoids can improve the condition by promoting cellular turnover. Some retinoids can reduce the melanin production and brighten your skin tone. 

Improve symptoms of Eczema & Psoriasis

Vitamin A, if used in the mild form or low concentration, can provide relief from several skin conditions, including eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. It can soothe inflammation and aid in associated itching. 

Is Vitamin A the Same As Retinol 

Vitamin A is a broad term encapsulating different fat-soluble compounds, and retinol is one of them. Retinol, being the most popular vitamin A derivative, is often used interchangeably with vitamin A or even retinoids. But it is not the same as vitamin A. 

Popular Vitamin A Forms

Used for different purposes, you can find vitamin A in the following popular and easy-to-find forms;

  • Retinol: Retinol needs to be converted into an active form, retinoic acid, before starting its action in the skin; it takes two steps to do so. From unclogging pores to treating wrinkles and sagging skin, retinol is readily available in over-the-counter form in various strengths. 
  • Retinaldehyde: Retinaldehyde is gentler and more potent than retinol and has recently been popular for its mild nature, but it has similar benefits to retinol. It takes just one step to form retinoic acid, which makes it a faster option. 
  • Retinoic Acid: Retinoic acid is already an active form, and it needs no conversion; hence, it plays a crucial role in skincare and the medical industry. Individuals with severe acne, skin conditions like rosacea, and pigmented skin are often prescribed retinoid acid. It cannot be availed in the OTC form. 
  • Retinyl Palmitate: People with sensitive skin have a good alternative. It is mild on the skin, does not aggravate the inflammation, but soothes it. Though it is less potent than retinol, but can improve complexion and texture by contributing to the skin’s elasticity. 

While these are the popular vitamin A used in skincare, other forms like adapalene and retinyl acetate hold much value in treating concerns and offer alternative options for those with different skin sensitivities and treatment needs.

Vitamin A Skincare Routine 

Creating a vitamin A skincare routine is no fuss. You have to be cautious with a few things, and you can get started. We recommend using vitamin A in your nighttime routine, as they are sensitive to sunlight. Be it any vitamin A type. 

Begin with a mild, hydrating cleanser that does not dry off the skin. Cream Cleanser can be used to remove makeup, wash away all the dirt, oil, and debris. Its cream-based formula treats your skin softly and nourishes the nutrient-deficient skin. Those looking for a gel-based formula can try Clarifying Cleanser.

Apply two to three drops of a vitamin A serum on the face and neck. Don’t rub and let it dry on its own. DRSQ offer Starter Vitamin A for beginners, Miracle Provitamin for intermediate users, and Advanced Vitamin A for experienced ones. Choose a face serum according to your skin type and concern. 

DRSQ’s Starter Vitamin A Serum with 0.25% retinaldehyde

Use a moisturiser according to your skin concern and type to lock in the hydration. Hydrafusion has snap-8 peptide infused in a lightweight, luxurious formula to provide anti-wrinkle and anti-dryness benefits. If you are dealing with sensitive skin or inflamed skin, Hydracalm can help with redness and scaling. 

Put an end to your routine with an eye serum to target under-eye puffiness, wrinkles, or dark circles. Ensure using serums that have peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Best Practices to Use Vitamin A 

Let's walk you through some essential tips to get started with vitamin A and use it efficiently. 

  • If you are a beginner with vitamin A, be it any form, start with a low concentration. Don’t use it daily, but a few times a week. This practice helps you to build your skin’s tolerance for vitamin A. 
  • Though some little reactions like flakiness or itching are common, immediately rush to the doctor if these symptoms elevate to the point where you feel unable to bear. 
  • Ensure to apply SPF following the two-finger rule on your face and neck. It protects your skin and does not hinder vitamin A from rejuvenating your skin from within. 
  • Buy a vitamin A serum in an air-tight pack only, as it is sensitive to air, heat, and light. An air-tight packaging ensures the formulation stays stable, preventing oxidation. 

FAQs

  • Is vitamin A suitable for acne-prone skin? 
    Yes, vitamin A derivatives like adapalene, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin are effective in treating acne-prone skin. From unclogging pores, preventing breakouts, to speeding cell turnover, they are often recommended to improve the condition. 

  • What is the best age to start using vitamin A? 
    It's a popular misconception that individuals with only mature skin can use vitamin A. But that's not true. Many types of vitamin A are suggested for teen acne and associated conditions. But it should be under the guidance of your doctor. Many experts recommend starting to use vitamin A in your mid-20s when your collagen production begins to decline. 

  • Can I use vitamin A on my sensitive skin? 
    Vitamin A can be used on sensitive skin when taken in the lower strength or gentler form. Retinaldehyde is a milder form than retinol and other derivatives, reducing the chances of irritation, itching, and redness. 

  • Can I layer vitamin A with niacinamide? 
    Yes, combining retinol with niacinamide is generally safe to use. Niacinamide can calm the irritation caused by retinol. If your skin is too reactive, you must ask your doctor before trying on this combination. 

References:

Bezaleel Mambwe, Kieran T Mellody, Orsolya Kiss, Clare O'Connor, Mike Bell, Rachel E B Watson, Abigail K Langton, "Cosmetic retinoid use in photoaged skin: A review of the compounds, their use and mechanisms of action", 2024 Aug

Daniela Milosheska, Robert Roškar, "Use of Retinoids in Topical Antiaging Treatments: A Focused Review of Clinical Evidence for Conventional and Nanoformulations", 2022 Oct

Valerie D Callender, Hilary Baldwin, Fran E Cook-Bolden, Andrew F Alexis, Linda Stein Gold, Eric Guenin, "Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice", 2021 Nov

Siddharth Mukherjee, Abhijit Date, Vandana Patravale, Hans Christian Korting, Alexander Roeder, Günther Weindl, "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety", 2006 Dec

Dr saba qutub

Dr. Saba Qutub, MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, is an Australian General Practitioner, Cosmetic Physician and the founder of DRSQ Skincare. She’s been practicing cosmetic medicine for 10+ years, and her clinical interests span dermatology, skin cancer, women’s and children’s health, and mental health. She writes about clinically proven skincare practices and long-term skin wellness.