Vitamin A is available as a topical treatment for skin problems, mainly acne, through a prescription from your dermatologist. It is commonly referred to as tretinoin, Retin-A, and there are a few lower strength over-the-counter versions available. Retinol is a milder topical form of vitamin A, but results can take longer, as the body must convert it to retinoic acid before it is beneficial to the skin.
According to Dr. Audrey Kunin, at "DERMAdoctor," the patients that see poor results with vitamin A treatments do so because it is not applied properly. To reap the optimum benefit from your vitamin A treatment, follow a few simple guidelines. Vitamin A treatments should be done in the evening, as the sun can irritate the area treated.
Step 1
Wash your face, or other area to be treated, with a mild soap and warm water. This will remove any irritants that may currently be on the skin. Allow skin to dry and cool for 30 minutes.
Step 2
Apply a small amount of the cream (or gel) to your clean finger. (Use no more than the size of a pea.) Dot the cream around the area to be treated and then gently blend it in with your fingers.
Step 3
Leave product on overnight. In the morning, wash your face with a mild soap, and use a washcloth. According to Dr. Kunin, vitamin A works by rejuvenating skin cells. It brings dead skin cells to the surface and helps with the formation of new ones. Washing the face with a wash cloth will help loosen these topical cells, making way for fresh skin cells. This is also the reason that many users think their skin is initially getting worse, as within the first few days of treatment, redness and acne appear. However, it is simply the skin sloughing off the old cells.
Step 4
Apply a moisturizer that contains a minimum SPF of 30 or higher. Dr. Des Fernandes, of Environ Skin Care, reports that vitamin A is damaged by sunlight, particularly UVA rays. Be sure that your sunscreen protects you from UVA as well as UVB rays.
Step 5
Apply the treatment only every other day for the first week or until the initial flare-ups begin to subside.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't give up on vitamin A treatments too quickly, as it can take a week or more for initial flare-ups to discontinue.
- See your doctor or dermatologist if the initial flare-up from vitamin A use does not subside.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin A topical treatment
- Mild soap
- Washcloth
- Moisturizer with SPF 30 or greater
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