Vitamin A benefits in skincare – there are lots!
Vitamin A benefits in skincare – there are lots!
Do you want to have smoother appearing skin with less fine lines and wrinkles? If you are only going to use one active skincare product this should be it!
Vitamin A vs Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a highly active form of Vitamin A, it is considered one of the most powerful retinoids available. With continued use, it promises to tighten skin, increase collagen production, reverse the signs of aging, treat acne and hyperpigmentation. It is only available on a doctor’s prescription.
Tretinoin is considered the gold standard anti-aging ingredient in dermatology.
Tretinoin or Retin A is a vitamin A derivative that is used to treat acne but also has cosmetic uses. Tretinoin can be used to treat fine lines, dark spots and rough texture. It works by lightening the skin,
replacing older skin with newer skin, and improves the way the body gets rid of cells damaged by the sun. When incorporating Vitamin A into your skincare regime your skin will be healthier as you age. It is important to wear sunscreen daily at least SPF 30 or above when using Tretinoin as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Vitamin A thickens and stimulates the dermis – where your collagen, elastin and blood vessels are – so it reduces wrinkles and increases blood flow to the surface of the skin. Vitamin A actually increases the deposition of collagen; it therefore slows the normal aging breakdown of your collagen and elastin.
So, what does it do in the skin?
Exfoliates – making skin smooth and even-toned
Collagen stimulation leading to decreased wrinkles!
Promotes a healthy cellular membrane – improving hydration
“Plumping” effect that reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Increases the rate of wound healing – treats acne scarring
Repairs the cellular structure of the epidermis – optimising your UV protection
Decreases clustering of melanin granules – so reducing brown spots or pigmentation
Decreases sebum production and treats acne brilliantly
Normalises blood flow – taking nutrients and oxygen to the cells
Helps to reduce the symptoms of rosacea
How to use Tretinoin
Use a pea-sized amount at night on dry skin before moisturizing. Make sure to apply it at night! Tretinoin degrades in sunlight. The most frequent side effects are erythema (redness), peeling, and dryness. Take it slowly if you have very reactive or sensitive skin, gradually building up the amount and frequency of use. Start by using once or twice a week and go from there. If your skin becomes red, flaky and irritable, decrease your Tretinoin dosage and slowly increase again in 2–3 weeks.
You can also use an over the counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce any significant irritation.
To summarize: start slowly to build your skins tolerance, use a pea-sized amount at night on dry skin before moisturizing, and wear sunscreen during the day.
Please note Tretinoin should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding due to lack of clinical trials on this patient group. Talk to your prescribing doctor if you have any questions.
If you would like to discuss this superb skincare ingredient and arrange a consultation with our doctor please contact us at Live Young Cosmetics.
This is one ingredient with solid research and scientifically proven results behind it!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3771853 Topical Tretinoin for photoaged skin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374604 Wrinkle reduction with Tretinoin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8336752 Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged skin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2465358 Tretinoin increases hyaluronic acid production
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22052267 Vitamin A improves skin hydration and elasticity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1729619 Tretinoin treatment for photodamage
