Vitamin A for skincare

Vitamin A for SkinCare

Vitamin A, renowned for its skin-normalizing effects, exists in various forms, each with distinct names. In our field, Retinoic Acid (a collective term for multiple forms) and Retinol are familiar names, having served as benchmarks for years. However, novel usage standards have emerged for this vital molecule, with all its forms contributing significantly to skin well-being.

Let’s simplify it further…

Naturally found in both human and animal skin cells, Vitamin A is present in our skin and liver. When we’re exposed to sunlight, our natural Vitamin A supply in the skin decreases over time. How long we’re in the sun directly affects how quickly we lose this important nutrient.

Vitamin A comes in different forms that are stored in our bodies, like Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, and Retinyl Propionate. These forms are like special types of Vitamin A that dissolve in fat. Among them, Retinyl Palmitate is the most common, making up about 90% of our stored Vitamin A. Unfortunately, spending time in the sun can reduce the amount of Retinyl Palmitate in our skin. Having low levels of Retinyl Palmitate makes it harder for our body to produce something called Retinoic Acid, which is really important for our cells to communicate using DNA.

The different types of Vitamin A

There are different types of Vitamin A – some come from animals, and others come from plants. Animal-derived forms, along with Retinoic Acid, Retinol, and Retinal Aldehyde, are stronger. Plant-derived types, like Alpha and Beta Carotene, are milder versions and are often found in colorful veggies. Beta Carotene can help fight off harmful molecules in our bodies, but relying only on these plant forms isn’t enough to keep our skin’s Vitamin A supply healthy.

Think of Vitamin A like ice cream with different flavors – some sweet, some salty, and some bitter. But even though they taste different, they’re all part of the same family, just like all the different forms of Vitamin A. These different forms of Vitamin A are really important for keeping our skin and cells healthy. They help with things like skin thickness, preventing skin issues, and stopping signs of aging.

When we don’t have enough Vitamin A, we might notice things like dry skin, acne, and premature aging.  This happens because our cells don’t have enough Vitamin A to do their jobs properly. Having enough Retinyl Palmitate, the main stored form, is really important for our cells to work well. It makes them more receptive to Vitamin A, like having a key to open a door. While the other forms of Vitamin A are stored in smaller amounts, it’s a good idea to start with a little and gradually increase how much we get to help our cells get used to it.

When we put forms like Retinyl Palmitate, Acetate, or Propionate on our skin, they’re easily absorbed because they’re a bit like oils. They fit right into the oily layer of our skin. These forms usually don’t cause problems. Over time, they change into Retinol, then Retinal Aldehyde, and finally Retinoic Acid inside our cells. Once we’ve absorbed enough Retinoic Acid, it changes back into the stored forms, with Retinyl Palmitate being the main one.

Vitamin A for Daily Skin Care

It’s a good idea to use Vitamin A products in the morning and at night. Some brands like Environ combine these different forms of Vitamin A in their skincare. They also use other essential nutrients like Vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants and peptides, to protect our skin and fix any damage. For nighttime use, especially in colder months, we also use Retinol to help us keep enough Vitamin A in our skin.

Advantages of employing Environ’s Vitamin A Step-Up System featuring the fat-soluble variants encompass:

    • Smoother delivery to our lipid layer

    • Organic transformation into Retinoic Acid occurs naturally

    • Abundant reserves of Retinyl Palmitate available for conversion whenever the body necessitates Retinoic Acid. The accumulation of Retinyl Palmitate shields us from the repercussions of UV radiation, photodamage, skin cancer, and atopic conditions

    • Retinyl Palmitate offers photoprotection without inducing photosensitivity

    • Users are more inclined to adhere to usage due to the absence of adverse effects

    • Elevated Vitamin A storage is attained through a gradual step-up approach

    • No need for a prescription

    • Possible to begin with low doses and gradually increase for adaptation

Are you making use of Vitamin A throughout the year to guarantee skin that looks healthier and more vibrant

For more detailed information read our Ultimate Guide on Ventura Skin Care Treatments.