Vitamin A: The Ultimate Skin Regulator

When it comes to maintaining healthy skin, Vitamin A is a true multitasker. One of its most powerful roles is that of a regulator, ensuring that your skin functions at its best. Whether you're battling acne, seeking to fade dark spots, or aiming for a smoother complexion, Vitamin A is a non-negotiable in your skincare routine.

Here's how Vitamin A keeps your skin in check:

• Regulates Oil Production: Vitamin A balances oil production, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce acne, leading to a less shiny and more even complexion.

• Increases Cell Turnover: It accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells and the creation of new ones, keeping skin smooth and clear while preventing dullness and uneven texture.

• Balances Skin Pigmentation: Vitamin A helps control melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, leading to fewer dark spots and a more uniform skin tone.

• Enhances Skin Barrier Function: It strengthens the skin’s barrier, helping retain moisture and protecting against irritants, which results in hydrated and resilient skin.

• Stimulates Collagen Production: By boosting collagen production deep within the skin, Vitamin A helps maintain firmness and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful appearance.

Vitamin A works quite differently to other active ingredients, as it enters the cell through the Vitamin A receptors. It works from superficial to deep layers of the skin as it performs its corrective function. The healthier the skin, the faster Vitamin A can work through its actions, the more damage is present, the longer this will take. The diagram below shows how Vitamin A works it way through the skin layers to perform a variety of functions.

How to Incorporate Vitamin A into Your Routine

Start with a low concentration product to allow your skin to adjust, gradually increasing as tolerated. Consistency is key for optimal results. Remember to apply sunscreen during the day, as Vitamin A can increase sun sensitivity.

Not sure which Vitamin A is right for you?

Ultraceuticals offers three types of Vitamin A serums tailored to your skin's needs. If you're new to Vitamin A, start with the Mild Serum or the Perfecting Serum. For reactive skin, the Mild Serum is the best choice. Use Vitamin A at night, every other day for the first month, then switch to daily use in the second month. Remember, sunscreen is a must when using Vitamin A!

DMK's Revitosin contains four types of Vitamin A , HPR, Retinyl Palmitate, Beta Carotene and Retinol. If you are a skin nerd and want to know more about Types of Vitamin A see below!

Types of Vitamin A

Beta Carotene

Precursor to Vitamin A, comes from plants/vegetables. Helps other forms of vitamin A work more effectively. Antioxidant action.

Retinyl Palmitate

The skin's favourite form of Vitamin A. Safe, gentle and effective. It extends the life of the cell, regulates cell turnover and promotes collagen production. Can be applied am+pm. Suitable during pregnancy.

Retinol

Penetrates quickly (alcohol). Enzymatically converts to Retinoic Acid as needed, giving it many regulating and rebuilding benefits. Can cause retinoid response on some skin types. Only applied in the evening, not suitable during pregnancy. Effective in dosages of 0.5 –1%

Retinaldehyde 

Can convert to Retinyl Palmitate or Retinoic Acid, depending on cell needs. Lower chance of Retinoid Response. Becoming more widely used due to advancements in Cosmetic Chemistry making it more affordable and stable. Not UV stable (only applied pm) or generally suitable during pregnancy

Retinoic Acid

(Tretinoin/Retrieve) Thins the skin and causes sensitivity. Prescription only. Enters bloodstream, could be stored in the liver.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)

HPR – the new generation in retinoids. Deeper acting retinoid with less potential contraindications. HPR ‘High-Performance Retinoid.’ Unlike retinol and other derivatives that must be converted to the biologically active form of retinoic acid, HPR binds directly with retinoid receptors to initiate a response in the skin. 

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

 An oral tablet developed to treat severe cystic/nodular acne, but nowadays it is often prescribed for all types of acne.. It works by stopping sebum production, due to this the side affects are often intense.  Isotretinoin does not treat the root cause of the acne, it commonly returns after ceasing use of accutane and therefore isn't the best option for all skins.

Feel free to give us a call or pop in to the clinic to discuss which Vitamin A is right for you.

📞 Call us at 1300 056 657

📧 Email us at info@drmlskinclinic.com.au