The Role Of Vitamin A In The Skin

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble crystalloid that is derived from animal and plant sources. Retinyl palmitate is a specific form of the vitamin that is used by the skin to maintain elasticity and texture. Repeated exposure to the sun breaks down the vitamin and leads to skin aging, drying and the appearance of wrinkles.

The Skin

Your skin is a sheet-like organ composed of two functional layers called the dermis and epidermis. The dermis is the inner-most layer of the skin, comprised of cells scattered with fibers of collagen and elastin. Collagen fibers create strength, while the elastin fibers allow the skin to be stretchable and elastic.

The epidermis can be divided into two separate parts. The innermost part is called the stratum germinativum, and the outermost part is called the stratum corneum. According to "Structure and Function of the Body," the cells of the stratum germinativum reproduce themselves at a rate of one million per day. As these cells are produced, they move through additional layers to the stratum corneum, otherwise known as the surface of the skin. This constant renewal allows the skin to repair itself quickly and provides the structure for vibrant looking skin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A serves many purposes in the human body. Discovered in 1913, this fat-soluble yellow crystalline compound is also known as retinol because of the reference to its functions in the retina. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, Vitamin A is best known for its role in vision, but also plays key physiologic activities in your body’s immune system, bone development and epithelial tissue, growth and reproduction.

The exact mechanism of Vitamin A and cellular growth is not fully understood. It is known that retinoic acid, a converted form of Vitamin A, is needed for the synthesis of molecules called glycoproteins, which give cells structure and control their ability to attach to each other.

Vitamin-Skin Connection

Vitamin A was found to have anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties when in the form of the vitamin tagged for the skin called retinyl palmitate. According to Essence of Mineral Makeup, retinyl palmitate is the most widely used ingredient in cosmetic and skin care products. It enhances the texture of your skin, and restores dry damaged skin by penetrating through the collagen and elastin fibers.

Vitamin A is very sensitive to ultraviolet light. Exposure to the sun causes degradation of the vitamin and premature aging of your skin, even when sunscreen is applied.

Sources and Dosage

According to Life Clinic, women should consume 800 micrograms and men should consume 1,000 micrograms of Vitamin A daily. Top animal sources of Vitamin A include beef liver, egg yolk, cheddar cheese and fortified milk. Top vegetable sources include pumpkin, sweet potato, cantaloupe, carrots, broccoli, apricots and spinach.

Getting too little Vitamin A is rare in the United States, but you may be more susceptible to vision problems and infection. Taking too much Vitamin A can make you nauseous, experience vision problems, headache, fatigue, yellow discoloration of the skin and possibly changes in consciousness. Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

Pregnancy Considerations

Taking vitamin A during pregnancy should be done under direct supervision of your physician. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess and deficiency of vitamin A is associated with birth defects. Excess doses have been associated with central nervous system defects. Vitamin A is secreted in breast milk.