Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll have no doubts about this subject.
Overview
Vitamin A may also help ward off inflammation, an underlying factor in acne vulgaris. When it comes to treating acne with vitamin A, topical formulas show the most promise. These products are also called retinols or retinoids.
How Vitamin A Can Help Acne
The skin cell renewal cycle. The basic mechanism of vitamin A is to oppose keratinization (the shedding of skin cells). While healthy pores may only shed one layer of dead skin cells per day, in acne sufferers, this process is accelerated.
It slows down the turnover of skin cells, and makes them function longer before flaking off. This can have a dramatic impact on skin health and appearance, unblocking pores and preventing impactions.
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Retinol was highly efficacious in doses of 300,000 units for women and 400,000 to 500,000 units for men, toxicity was slight and limited mainly to skin (xerosis) and mucous membranes (cheilitis).
The danger of hypervitaminosis A in this dosage range has been exaggerated. Retinol is a valuable drug for treating stubborn, severely inflammatory acne vulgaris. It is administered until the disease is brought under control, usually within three to four months.
Then the dosage is progressively reduced relying on conventional drugs to keep the disease in abeyanc.
Does Vitamin A Improve Acne?
Most cells in the body need it to function properly. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage due to free radicals.
In skin cells, this could help slow cell aging and keep the skin looking younger. The same process may also reduce the speed at which the skin cells fall off, potentially reducing the clogging of pores and acne. Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that isotretinoin — which is available under the brand name Accutane, among others — can treat severe acne.
Topical retinoids can reduce bacteria on the skin and help with inflammation. These drugs can also make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, though. This sensitivity can increase the risk of sunburn, so people should take extra care to avoid exposing their skin to strong sunlight.