Vitamin A

Vitamins are important for our growth, recovery and therefore health. Vitamins are not only found in food, but they are also incorporated into various skin care products.

There are a total of 13 vitamins that can be divided into two groups:

  • Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K.

Fat-soluble vitamins are often found in fat-rich foods such as fish, meat, eggs, nuts and avocado. The body can store fat-soluble vitamins in fatty tissue and the liver.

  • Water-soluble vitamins: C and the B variants (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B11 and B12).

Water-soluble vitamins are found in the moisture of foods, such as the juice of fruits and vegetables. They can also move freely in the body's tissue fluids. These vitamins are not (with the exception of vitamin B12) stored in the body, but are excreted through the urine.

Here, we like to highlight water-soluble vitamin A for you.

Vitamin A and nutrition

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is important for good vision, healthy skin, a strong immune system and cell growth. There are two sources of vitamin A: retinol (directly active form) and beta-carotene (a precursor that the body converts to vitamin A).


Retinol 

This form of vitamin A is absorbed and used directly by the body. It is found in liver, eggs, butter, dairy and oily fish. 

 

Beta-carotene (Pro-vitamin A)

Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body and is found in carrots, spinach, kale, sweet potato, mango, apricots and pumpkin. The body's absorption of beta-carotene is faster when combined with fat, e.g., olive oil or nuts. 

Vitamin A deficiency can result in dry skin and eczema, poor night vision and reduced immunity. Deficiencies occur mainly in unbalanced diets or absorption problems (e.g., intestinal diseases).

An excess of retinol in the diet can result in headaches, nausea and even liver damage with prolonged high intake. Beta-carotene has no harmful overdose, but can turn the skin orange with extremely high intake.

 

Vitamin A and the Skin

Vitamin A stimulates the production of collagen which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It accelerates cell renewal, giving fresh, smooth skin. It also reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out the complexion. 

 
Acne & Impurities

Vitamin A is also very effective in treating acne and pimples. This is because it regulates sebum production, preventing pimples and clogged pores. The vitamin has an anti-inflammatory effect, making it soothing to red and irritated skin. It also reduces scarring.

 
Hydration & Barrier Protection

Vitamin A strengthens the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss. It also protects against free radical damage (UV radiation & pollution).

 

Skin care with vitamin A 

Regular use of products with vitamin A can lead to significant improvement in the skin. Patience is very important here! Retinol does not work immediately, but needs time to achieve the right effect. 

 

How soon will you see results?

After 4-6 weeks: Better skin texture & less blemishes
After 8-12 weeks: Reduction of fine lines and pigmentation spots
After 3-6 months: Clearer complexion, smoother skin and fewer wrinkles

 

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