- salmon
- beef liver
- dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese
- eggs
- fish
- cod liver oil
- shrimp
Carotenoids can be found in plant products, such as:
- carrots
- tomatoes
- sweet potatoes
- leafy green vegetables
- fruits, including mangoes, apricots, and plums
Vitamin A Supplements
Most individuals receive enough vitamin A from their diet, but if you’re contemplating supplements, you have many options:
- multivitamins, most of which contain some vitamin A
- beta carotene (provitamin A)
- retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate (preformed vitamin A)
- a combination of provitamin A and preformed vitamin A
Topical & Prescription Retinoids
Strong evidence supports the advantages of topically administered retinoids. Together, increased collagen and elastin synthesis, can smooth skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
The anti-inflammatory effects of retinoids can decrease blocked pores and cure acne. Options for topical vitamin A include:
- creams, serums, and oils designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- moisturizers
- sunscreen
- over-the-counter (OTC) acne products
- prescription acne treatment
If you’re exploring options based on your skin goals:
- For acne. Most OTC retinoids for acne are effective for moderate, non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads. Differin gel is now available OTC, previously only available with a prescription. If you have inflammatory acne, your dermatologist may recommend tretinoin or other therapies.
- For signs of aging. OTC retinol creams and serums reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and mild discoloration. Creams for the eyes and neck are available alongside full-face choices. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger retinoids to treat deeper wrinkles, skin drooping, and age spots.
- For psoriasis. Treatment of skin and nail psoriasis may include tazarotene and corticosteroids. This retinoid slows skin cell proliferation, reduces thickness and scaling, and improves discoloration and edema.
Retinoids Aren’t Always The Best Option
Topical retinoids can help, but they don’t fix skin issues. Their benefits end when you stop using them.
They won’t work for everyone, and even OTC solutions can cause irritation, swelling, stinging, burning, and skin peeling.
Always see a dermatologist before using new skincare products or therapies. They can help you create a skin-specific treatment plan.
Using Vitamin A Safely
Not everyone should take vitamin A. Overusing oral or topical vitamin A might create negative effects. It can be dangerous, especially for those with skin disorders and other health difficulties.
Learn how to safely utilize vitamin A.
Topical Retinoids
Products containing retinoids may not be good options if you have:
- rosacea
- eczema
- skin allergies
- dry skin
- hormonal acne
- moderate or severe acne scarring
Potential side effects of topical retinoids include:
- skin dryness, redness, itching, and scaling
- increased sensitivity to UV light (real and artificial)
- eczema flare-ups
Oral Vitamin A
Diet provides adequate vitamin A for most individuals. Too much-preformed vitamin A from supplements or pharmaceuticals can have significant negative effects, including:
- headaches
- blurred vision
- nausea
- dizziness
- liver damage
- birth defects
- coma
- death
High beta carotene intake doesn’t pose the same hazards as preformed vitamin A, but it can tint your skin yellow or orange. No worries—lowering your beta-carotene intake will return your skin to its normal hue.
Other supplements and drugs that interact with vitamin A include:
- acitretin (Soriatane), used to treat psoriasis
- bexarotene (Targretin), used to treat the skin effects of T-cell lymphoma
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical), a weight-loss drug
Do not take vitamin A pills or apply topical vitamin A like retinol or other retinoids if you take any of these drugs or are pregnant.
Other Ways To Get And Maintain Healthy Skin
You can enhance your skin without vitamin A. You may also improve your skin with these steps:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Consume a healthful, antioxidant-rich diet.
- Remember to use sunscreen daily. Before going outside, reapply sunscreen or cover-up.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially without protection, and tanning beds.
- Avoid smoking and stop if you already do.
- Wash your face daily: morning and evening.
- Keep up with your skincare program based on your skin type.
If you have acne or rosacea, see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can provide additional skin care advice.
You can generally acquire enough vitamin A from meals. However, topical or oral vitamin A may help alleviate acne and sun damage.
To enhance skin health, consider eating a diet rich in key vitamins and avoiding exposure to UV radiation and tobacco.