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VITAMIN A

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Vitamin and skin-renewing agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Anti-aging creams, serums, acne treatments, moisturizers, and sunscreens

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN A?

Vitamin A derivatives are ubiquitous in dermatology. From least potent to most potent, they are retinols, retinaldehydes (also known as retinals), and retinoids. All Vitamin A derivatives promote cell turnover, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. They are effective in treating acne by unclogging pores and regulating sebum production and are widely used for photoaging. Both topical and oral forms of Vitamin A are commonly prescribed. Oral Vitamin A therapy may have potential as an adjunctive treatment for measles, although vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing this disease.

WHAT IS VITAMIN A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with topical derivatives including retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoids. Retinol, found in over-the-counter products, is milder and requires conversion to retinoic acid in the skin. Retinaldehyde is an intermediate form, more potent than retinol but less irritating than retinoids. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are typically prescription-strength and act directly as retinoic acid, offering the highest potency but also greater irritation potential. All forms stimulate collagen production and accelerate skin cell renewal.

IS VITAMIN A SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Vitamin A derivatives are generally safe for most skin types and tones but may cause irritation, dryness, or peeling, particularly in sensitive skin or with initial use. Those with darker skin tones should use retinoids cautiously, as irritation may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is generally advisable to start with lower concentrations or less frequent application, and increase as tolerated. Certain Vitamin A derivatives may also cause photosensitivity, and therefore should be used with caution and/or in combination with photoprotection in areas with significant sunlight exposure. Both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis have been described in association with Vitamin A derivatives.

WHAT SKIN ISSUES OCCUR WITH VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY?

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to follicular hyperkeratosis (rough, bumpy skin), xerosis (dry skin), and impaired wound healing. In severe cases, it may cause night blindness and increased susceptibility to skin infections due to compromised barrier function. Deficiency is rare in developed countries but can occur in malnourished populations or those with fat malabsorption disorders.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Vitamin A derivatives should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects (especially oral retinoids like isotretinoin). Individuals with eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin may experience exacerbated irritation and should start with a low dose and increase very gradually as tolerated.

Sources:

    1. Kafi R, Kwak HS, Schumacher WE, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007 May;143(5):606-12. PMID: 17515510.

    1. Kang S, Duell EA, Fisher GJ, et al. Application of retinol to human skin in vivo induces epidermal hyperplasia and cellular retinoid binding proteins characteristic of retinoic acid but without measurable retinoic acid levels or irritation. J Invest Dermatol. 1995 Oct;105(4):549-56. PMID: 7561156.

    1. Huiming Y, Chaomin W, Meng M. Vitamin A for treating measles in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD001479. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001479.pub3. PMID: 16235283.

    1. Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, Grewal P. A Clinician’s Guide to Topical Retinoids. J Cutan Med Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb;26(1):71-78. doi: 10.1177/12034754211035091. Epub 2021 Jul 22. PMID: 34292058; PMCID: PMC8750127.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

Author

Dr. Aamir Hussain is a dermatologist currently practicing adult and pediatric dermatology in Northern Virginia. He serves on the health policy committee of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and has a clinical interest in patch testing. Dr. Hussain is an internationally-recognized speaker, writer and educator. His writings on health policy, medical education and the connections between healthcare and faith have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and The Baltimore Sun. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters. He has presented research at major conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, Society of Pediatric Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.