Vitamin A for Skin

Skin problems are common among people of all ages. According to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," acne affects about 80 percent of people between ages 12 and 24. Other common skin problems include psoriasis, dry skin, warts, rosacea and skin cancer. Psoriasis alone affects about 6 million people in the United States, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some medical professionals believe that vitamins, particularly vitamin A, may help protect the skin and relieve the symptoms of skin conditions.

Vitamin therapy should not be considered a replacement for medical attention. Check with your physician before using vitamin A to treat any skin condition.

Definition

According to Balch, vitamin A is an essential vitamin that is stored in the fat tissues of the body. It is necessary for new cell growth and may enhance the body's immune system. Vitamin A is also thought to be an antioxidant that destroys free radical cells and prevents cellular damage. It occurs in two forms: retinols and carotenoids. Carotenoids are actually precursors of vitamin A, which the body forms from beta carotene in the liver.

Sources

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin A is primarily derived from food sources. Retinol comes from animal sources such as chicken liver, beef, dairy products, eggs and fish liver oil. Carotenoids are derived from plant sources, including pumpkins, winter squash, mangoes, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Vitamin A is also available in supplement form, both as capsules and tablets. As retinol, vitamin A intake should not exceed 10,000 IU per day. Larger amounts of beta carotene may be taken safely, since the body does not store this vitamin A precursor.

Application

Vitamin A is typically ingested orally to treat skin problems and other maladies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, some prescription skin treatments containing retinol, such as those used to control acne breakouts, are available as topical creams.

Oral ingestion should occur during or immediately following meals, since vitamin A is absorbed along with the fats found in foods, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Benefits

Vitamin A may help lubricate dry skin by improving the circulation of blood to the vessels in the skin tissue. It is also thought to strengthen the protective outer layers of the skin, helping to prevent scarring and the absorption of toxins through the skin pores, notes Balch. Topical creams and oral supplements containing retinoids may help control skin problems such as acne, premature aging and rosacea. Retinoids may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis by slowing the production and shedding of skin cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin A may help protect the skin against cancerous growths, although the power of vitamin A to prevent cancer is not yet understood.

Risks

Large doses of vitamin A, usually more than 10,000 IU, can be toxic, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The toxicity of high vitamin A doses may contribute to liver failure and can even cause death. Pregnant women should monitor their vitamin A intake because high doses of this vitamin have been linked to birth defects. Both retinols and carotenoids may raise triglyceride levels and may contribute to heart disease.

Vitamin A may also interact with certain medications, such as antacids, tetracycline antibiotics, blood thinners and bile acid sequestrants. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin A if you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications.