Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining good skin health, appearance and function. Eating nutrient-rich foods, taking vitamin supplements and using products containing vitamins can all be helpful in achieving this goal.

Is your skin feeling rough and dried up? Then it’s high time you gave it some Vitamin A. In fact, it can be used not only for dry skin but mostly any other skin condition. The secret to its a success is that, even when applied topically, Vitamin A will get into the skin on a cellular level and works from within to normalize and correct any abnormal condition of the skin. It is an essential ingredient to add to your skin regime.

Vitamin A for the Skin

Vitamin A was first used to treat acne but now is recognized as an effective anti-aging agent. It strengthens and stimulates the dermis, the layer of skin where your collagen, elastin and blood vessels are situated, increasing blood supply to the surface of the skin and thereby reducing wrinkles. It also increases the quality of collagen and slows the normal breakdown of your collagen and elastin which is responsible for aging skin.

Choose the Right Type

There are many different forms of Vitamin A available in the market and it’s important to find the right type that suits your skin. Vitamin A is added to many cosmetic products like sunscreens, moisturizers and anti-aging creams. It is also found as a serum or oil. You can usually purchase Vitamin A serum from your salon, pharmacy, supermarket or skin doctor. This form is usually very effective as it works on your skin at a cellular level. Some vitamin A supplements can be bought as capsules that can be broken and applied directly to the skin.

Vitamin A for the Body

Increases the rate of wound healing and so effectively reduces acne scarring. Exfoliates the top layers of skin, making it smooth and toned. Constantly repairs the epidermis and so gives optimum UV protection. It also decreases the clustering of melanin granules which are responsible for brown spots or pigmentation. Decreases the production of sebum, which is responsible for causing acne and helps in the eradication of skin lesions

Vitamin A in Foods

You can also maintain good healthy skin buy eating a diet that includes a range of foods high in vitamin A. It is found in many animal products, such as salmon, beef and liver. Also in dairy products such as milk, butter and cheese. Also found in eggs, fish, cod liver oil and shrimp. The plant products that have Vitamin A are carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and leafy green vegetables. Also in fruits like mangoes, apricots and plums.

Sun Sensitivity

Some care must be taken if you decide to take prescription retinoid. They are very strong and can be irritating to skin and cause dryness and flaking. It is better to begin little by little and gradually increase the amount you apply to the skin over time. Because retinoid stimulate cell growth and can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. So skin must be covered during the day or use a sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunburn.