Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in animal and plant sources. The retinol form of vitamin A comes from animal sources. The carotenoid form, beta-carotene, comes from plant sources. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin.
Natural Sources of Vitamin A
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, yellow and orange vegetables contain the highest levels of carotenoids. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, orange and yellow peppers, carrots, mango and butternut squash are very high in carotenoids, which are converted by the body into vitamin A. This is enough to maintain a healthy immune system and cell proliferation, which affects the skin and vision health. But, in the treatment of skin disease, higher doses of vitamin A are required and cannot be acquired through diet alone.
Anti-Aging
High dose retinols lotions are used to eliminate signs of aging and are often added to women's face creams and lotions. In a 2007 article published by ScienceDaily.com, researchers found that using a 0.4% retinol on participants' skin reduced overall aging, roughness and wrinkles over a 24-week period of time. The use of retinol increased the production of glycosaminoglycan and procollagen, which are structural components of the skin.
Acne
High dose retinoids are used in the treatment of severe acne. Because of the potential for severe side effects, including liver failure, the use of these medications must be monitored by a physician. Accutane or isotretinoin has successfully been used to treat severe acne. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, these high dose retinoids most likely influence the transcription of skin growth factors and their receptors.
Psoriasis and Rosacea
The use of topical and oral preparations of vitamin A have been shown to help with skin diseases such as psoriasis and rosacea. Treatment of psoriasis requires the use of different retinoids called etretinate and acitretin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Mayo Clinic states that the use of these medications normalizes DNA activity in skin cells and decreases inflammation.
Member Comments