Our body runs like a well-oiled machine with the help of proper rest, food, and nutrients. A healthy combination of these 3 keeps the doctor further away than an apple can. Out of all the vitamins that we ingest daily, one of them packs more punch than we’d ever expected it to.
Vitamin A is a multi-functional nutrient that is essential for our skin, eyes, immune function, and even reproductive health.
There are two types of Vitamin A in the initial stages (retinoids and carotenoids). As the two types pass through the liver, they get converted into retinol by the liver.
As we find ourselves embroiled in the perpetually never-ending struggle with one ‘A’ – acne, your solution can be found right where the other one is – Vitamin A.
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Retinol Display
Retinol is the elixir of youth for your skin; it stimulates the production of new skin cells, which are essential for the hydration process of your skin.
A deficit of retinol can prove to be detrimental, as it can give rise to a condition called hyperkeratosis, where there is an excess of keratin in your hair follicles and nasty rashes form on your skin.
Aside from the production of new skin cells, retinol is also responsible for stimulating the production of collagen. Collagen can reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines if applied topically.
Retinoids also boast a high level of antioxidants, which are essential in preventing cell damage, premature skin aging, and treatment and containment of acne.
Read more: Doctor-approved ways to boost collagen in your skin
Show Me How It’s Done
There are a host of ways you can consume Vitamin A. They can be applied topically, which is the preferred method for the betterment of your skin, and orally, through increased consumption of Vitamin A-rich products.
You’ll be surprised to know that everyday food products like breakfast cereal and milk contain Vitamin A – which might explain why breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day.
Other food products that contain Vitamin A are salmon, carrots, eggs, fish, leafy green vegetables, and shrimp.
If you do not find any of the food products above palate-pleasing, there is a variety of Vitamin A supplements out there you can purchase off the shelf that you can consume, while eating what you please.
The topical application of Vitamin A could be more prevalent than you realize. The presence of retinol is pretty rife in your go-to facial products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging creams.
While these products contain a certain percentage of Vitamin A, they might not be necessarily primed to provide the optimal healing and nourishing effect of the retinol Vitamin A produces for your skin.
Products like moisturizers and sunscreens hold hydrating and protection qualities but will do little to remedy skin conditions like acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.
This is where retinol-centric products like Unicorn Tears and Age Defy come into the fray. The star of both of these products is retinol, and its acne and anti-aging properties are accentuated…and way more efficacious.
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Too Much of Something Though…
Everything good for you can turn on you if consumed in excess. Be mindful of your consumption of Vitamin A; be it orally or topically. Always stick to the recommended dosage, to avoid the nasty side effects of an “overdose”.
Some side effects associated with the overconsumption of Vitamin A include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and liver damage.
If you find that you’re not getting the desired remediation to all the products you’re using, turn to the professionals for more definitive solutions.
Recommended treatments:
- Vitamin Therapy – an extensive exfoliation and cleansing of the skin by a trained therapist, loaded with retinol and various natural vitamins that combat skin damage and heals cellular damage. It also lightens skin discoloration and encourages collagen production.
- Retinol Peel – Therapy for the skin using Vitamin A for thorough exfoliation, primed to combat hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles. Also improves skin firmness, and reduces the likelihood of breakouts.
So there you have it – the answer to that one ‘A’ that you might not want in your life, in the form of another ace of spades that you NEED in your life!
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