If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your skin, vitamin A is one of the best antioxidants available. Its antioxidant effect neutralises harmful free radicals that destroy collagen and cause fine lines and wrinkles in the skin.
Vitamin A is a group of compounds that includes its active forms (retinal, retinol and retinoic acid) and other provitamin A carotenoids, like beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene (and the other carotenoids) is the form we get directly from the plant foods we consume.
The pre-formed or active forms of Vitamin A are found in animal foods.
In our bodies, beta-carotene (vitamin A from eating plants) is converted into the retinol form of vitamin A. This is just one of many benefits of Vitamin A for your skin! So what are the others?
Most of our vitamin A comes from eating foods rich in beta-carotene (plants) and provitamin A carotenoids.
Not only do these eradicate the free radicals that break down our collagen (like the sun) and promote fine lines and sagginess, but they also decrease your skin’s sun sensitivity! A.K.A some natural anti-redness and anti-pigmentation.
Vitamin A stimulates fibroblasts (cells that develop tissue and keep the skin firm) in the deep layers of your skin. Vitamin A also contains retinal, retinol and retinoic acid - which are all extremely important in regards to cell growth and production. So because it plays such a major role in cell growth, not getting enough can lead to weak, dry, wound prone skin.
By improving cell production and processes, Vitamin A protects your complexion from surface irritants. This helps strengthen your body's first line of defence - your skin.
By increasing skin cell turnover and helping it return to a healthy rate, Vitamin A can help fight hyperpigmentation. The regulation of your cell turnover helps you shed pigmented and damaged cells on the surface, leaving room for healthier cells. Also, retinoids can block a certain enzyme needed for pigment production, further keeping your skin tone even.
While the improvement of your skin cell turnover leaves room for new skin cells, it also allows light to bounce off your face. This, paired with the other nourishing benefits of Vitamin A, leave your skin with a nice glow.
Pimples form from pores clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and/or the oil you produce. These clogged pores are the perfect breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes, a common blemish-causing bacteria. Vitamin A's stimulation of the skins cell turnover helps slow this oil production and thus keeping your pores clear.
Topical treatments in the form of retinol and retinoic acid greatly combat signs of ageing. These Vitamin A originating ingredients stimulate collagen production. When our collagen (that we naturally produce) is damaged by say - regular UV exposure, then wrinkles begin to form, especially in points of tension.
Thats where retinoids come in and reactivate the cells that create new collagen! Drastically strengthening your skin and fighting fine lines from under the surface. Studies show that use of Vitamin A can increase your collagen production by 80%!
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