Blog
Debunking the myths around Vitamin A
Monday 11th September 2017
Charlotte
Vitamin A is often spoken about as a key ingredient when it comes to advanced skincare. Although there are several forms of Vitamin A, they are all ultimately converted in retinoic acid which is the form that does all the work.
Myth 1. Vitamin A thins the skin
Vitamin A actually compacts the stratum corneum and thickens the epidermis. It also influences the genes that cause epidermal stem cells to grow into fully functioning keratinocytes and mature into healthy layers of the epidermis.
"You can thicken the epidermis by 100% compared to not using Vitamin A Dr. Des Fernandes - Environ Founder
Myth 2. Vitmain A causes photo sensitivity
Now there is some truth in this, that retinol and retinoic acid forms of vitamin A do make the skin more photo sensitive, however retinyl palmitate has extremely valuable photo protective properties.
Research by the dermatology department at University Hospital Geneva showed that high levels of topical retinyl palmitate were as efficient as an SPF 20 sunscreen in preventing sunburn. This is because it absorbs the energy of UVA and UVB rays.
Myth 3. Vitamin A is toxic
This is a very common myth, and arises from confusion over the RDA for daily consumption. The RDA is the minimum amount needed to prevent diseases such as rickets and scurvy. The upper limit is actually a lot higher, at around 10,000 ius daily, which is far more than any usual topical cream or internal supplement can provide you.
Myth 4. Vitamin A causes skin to become inflamed
If the skin is exposed to high levels of Vitamin A too quickly, what is known as a retinoid reaction can occur. This can result in redness, small bumbs, itching or breakout on the skin and can be easily avoided by introducing vitamin A gradually into your skin routine.