4 benefits of vitamin A for the skin

The central role of vitamin A for the body and the skin

Vitamin A is actually a generic term for several compounds. Its main forms are retinoids (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) and carotenoids (including beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A).

In the body, they are transformed into active molecules, which help to regulate key functions (1).

The different forms of vitamin A are fat-soluble and can be easily found in a variety of everyday foods (liver, dairy products, oily fish, orange and green vegetables, etc.).

If necessary, vitamin A can also be consumed via food supplements.

Discover the Carottol™ dietary supplement, a complex of natural carotenoids, particularly rich in beta-carotene.

Among its benefits, vitamin A helps to maintain normal skin and mucous membranes. This is why it is often used in dermatology.

We will now look in detail at the four main biological mechanisms behind vitamin A's effects on the skin.

1. Vitamin A and skin cell renewal

According to scientific research, vitamin A appears to play a major role in the natural skin cell renewal cycle.

In fact, it is involved in the process of cell specialisation, which means that it helps to orientate skin cells towards their final function.

More specifically, it helps keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis, to form correctly in the deep layers of the skin, and then to progressively evolve towards the skin's surface (2).

This mechanism is thought to help maintain a supple, homogenous and functional epidermis.

Some research also suggests that vitamin A, in particular retinoids and beta-carotene, may promote skin repair following environmental stressors, such as repeated exposure to UV rays (3-4).

2. A potential influence on collagen production

Collagen is a major structural component of the skin: it is a fibrous protein present in the extracellular matrix, which ensures the solidity, elasticity and firmness of the dermis.

Several scientific studies suggest that vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) may stimulate the activity of fibroblasts. These are the cells responsible for producing collagen in the dermis.

An in vitro study on fibroblasts showed that adding vitamin A or retinoic acid to tissue cultures induced cell differentiation, with increased collagen accumulation (5).

So far, these beneficial effects have been observed in experimental models, but have not been confirmed in humans under physiological conditions.

While vitamin A could help to maintain skin firmness and elasticity by influencing collagen synthesis, these effects require further research before they can be fully established.

3. Vitamin A and the fight against oxidative stress

Vitamin A and its precursors, such as beta-carotene, help to protect cells against oxidative stress.

This role is explained by their ability to neutralise certain reactive oxygen species, known as free radicals, produced in particular by exposure to UV rays, pollution or smoking (6-7).

By limiting oxidative stress, vitamin A could help to slow down certain mechanisms involved in photo-ageing of the skin (8).

Photo-ageing results in a loss of suppleness and the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation spots linked to chronic exposure to the sun.

However, vitamin A is not a miracle cure for UV-induced skin ageing.

Improving skin condition in this particular context also depends on other factors:

• level of sun exposure and protective measures taken
• overall lifestyle (smoking, diet, exposure to pollution, stress)
• balance of overall antioxidant intakes other than vitamin A

In this way, vitamin A could help to strengthen the skin's defences against free radicals, but its optimum effectiveness can only be envisaged as part of an overall intake of varied antioxidants.

4. A supposed role in regulating sebum production

According to some dermatological studies, vitamin A could influence the activity of the sebaceous glands, responsible for sebum production.

This lipid film, naturally present on the skin's surface, plays a protective role. In the right quantities, it helps to keep the skin moisturised and protect it from external stressors.

Conversely, too much sebum can encourage the appearance of imperfections, while too little leads to dry, fragile skin.

Scientific studies have shown that retinoic acid modulates the activity of the sebaceous glands and can reduce their size and secretion. This explains its medical use in certain skin conditions associated with hyperseborrhoea, such as acne (9-11).

These observations suggest that, when taken in pharmacological doses, vitamin A may play a role in maintaining the seborrhoeic balance, helping to keep skin neither too dry nor too oily.

Sources of vitamin A and precautions to take before using it on the skin

Foods rich in vitamin A

Vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinol and its derivatives (active form of animal origin) and carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A, of plant origin).

Foods rich in retinol include:

• beef, poultry or cod liver
• butter and full-fat dairy products
• eggs (especially the yolk)
• oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

The foods richest in beta-carotene include:

• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• spinach and kale
• squash
• apricots and mangoes

Finally, to find other carotenoids that can be used by the body, you can turn to:

• papaya
• red peppers
• citrus fruit
• maize

What you need to know about vitamin A supplementation

Supplementation can help to increase vitamin A intake, particularly where there is a risk of deficiency or to support the skin.

However, it is important to bear in mind that too much vitamin A (particularly in the form of retinol) can become toxic, particularly during pregnancy, leading to liver, neurological or skin disorders.

It is therefore essential to follow medical recommendations before taking any supplements.

Food supplements may contain only vitamin A and its derivatives.

Discover the Carottol™ dietary supplement based on beta-carotene and other carotenoids.

It can also be incorporated into multi-vitamin complexes to benefit from the synergistic action of several vitamins and minerals.

Discover the Daily 3® food supplement, a complete formula containing vitamin A in the form of carotene and palmitate.

Vitamin A is also a key ingredient in dietary supplements for sun protection and preparing the skin for tanning.

Discover Solar Prep Formula, a food supplement that combines different carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene) and ingredients studied for their effects on skin health.

Other ingredients potentially good for the skin

Skin health does not, of course, depend solely on vitamin A. Other nutritional supplements contain ingredients with documented skin health benefits.

Discover the Natural Skin Formula food supplement, a unique formulation containing hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin and ceramides, or the Daily Beauty supplement, a complete formula based on various ingredients studied in the context of skin beauty.

Evening primrose oil and borage oil, rich in fatty acids, are among the active ingredients often found in food supplements for the skin.

Discover the Borage & Evening Primrose food supplement, which contains these two ingredients as well as vitamin E.

Finally, it is also possible to consume collagen orally.

Discover the food supplement Marine Collagen, our excellent marine collagen powder, in the form of hydrolysed peptides of type 1 collagen.