Certain vitamin A derivatives are successfully used in the treatment of acne. MayoClinic.com states that topical retinoids and oral isotretinoin are two prescription medications derived from vitamin A that your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe. Certain "cosmeceuticals" that contain retinol may also be beneficial for your complexion. However, taking vitamin A supplements for acne can cause a buildup of this vitamin in your body and can be harmful.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a class of topical medications used to treat acne that's mild to moderately severe. These topical creams and gels use retinoic acid, or tretinoin, as their active ingredient. Tretinoin prevents comedones --- whiteheads and blackheads --- from forming and keeps your pores free and clear. This topical derivative of vitamin A can be harsh to your skin, however. MedlinePlus reports that tretinoin can cause red, peeling skin. Your acne may get worse before it gets better. These topicals can also leave your skin vulnerable to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds; patients who use this medication should avoid the sun or apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Topical retinoids are also used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, a synthetic version of vitamin A, is powerful oral medication dermatologists prescribe to address difficult-to-treat cystic acne. The American Academy of Dermatology indicates that isotretinoin is extremely effective in treating severe acne because it tackles the four factors that cause acne to form: excess sebum production, bacteria, clogged pores and inflammation. Treatment with isotretinoin generally lasts from 16 to 20 weeks. However, this oral medication can have any number of undesirable side effects such as thinning hair, extremely dry skin and mucous membranes, severe headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, diarrhea and joint pain. Isotretinoin has harmful effects on a developing fetus; women of childbearing age are monitored extremely closely during treatment. The AAD states that many patients never get cystic acne again after they take isotretinoin.
Other Information
Some over-the-counter acne treatments may contain an antioxidant ingredient called retinol. These products are dubbed "cosmeceuticals" by the skin care industry, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't recognize "cosmeceuticals" as a formal classification. Skin care expert Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," explains that retinol is not the same thing as retinoic acid; retinol is essentially the whole vitamin A molecule. However, once applied to the skin, this form of vitamin A breaks down into retinoic acid and can have similar but less marked effects as topical retinoids. Retinol is also a cosmetic ingredient used in anti-aging skin care products.
Vitamin A Cautions
Using vitamin A supplements to self-treat acne isn't wise. If you take too much of this vitamin for a short or long period of time, toxic amounts can build up in your body. Hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, has many adverse effects, including dizziness, a flagging appetite, lethargy and kidney and liver damage. Taking high doses of vitamin A can alter your appearance in less than flattering ways; according to PubMed Health, hypervitaminosis A can also be characterized by hair loss, sensitivity to UV light, yellow skin, seborrhea and itching, peeling skin. If your doctor has prescribed isotretinoin, avoid vitamin A supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avoiding vitamin A supplements or other dietary supplements with vitamin A may also be warranted if you use topical retinoids.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Treating Severe Acne
- American Academy of Dermatology: Prescription Medications for Treating Acne
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin A (Retinol); July 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Isotretinoin (Oral Route); May 2011
- MedlinePlus: Tretinoin Topical; August 2010
- CosmeticsCop.com: Retinol to the Rescue; P. Begoun
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