Here’s what to do if Vit. A isn’t a part of your skincare yet

Vitamin A has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as a game-changer for your vision, bones, and overall health. However, not so long ago, a new wave of beauty experts began to stress the importance of vitamin A in skincare. While a volley of vitamins out there play valuable roles in skin health, Vit. A — largely used as retinol or retinoid in skincare —stands out due to its comprehensive and potent effects on skin cell turnover, acne treatment, anti-ageing, and overall skin regeneration.

“Retinoid is a vitamin A analogue derivative, and we all know retinoids are the whole standard for anti-ageing. They help with acne by reducing oil production and clearing out clogged pores. And it also helps in promoting skin cell turnover and improving the texture of your skin by giving it a rejuvenating effect upon consistent use over a continual basis,” begins Madhuri Agarwal, a dermatologist and founder/CEO of Yavana Aesthetics Clinics.

And what is the easiest way to incorporate it into your skin? Retinol-infused moisturisers and serums. “Apply a small amount of the cream to your face, neck, and décolletage in an upward and outward motion and let it absorb into the skin for best results,” shares Supriya Malik, founder of Indulgeo Essentials. However, despite its rising popularity, experts suggest using retinol with discretion. “For those who’d like to start using retinol, always begin slowly and introduce it gradually into your skincare. Use it only at night, as vitamin A can be photosensitive. Apply retinol to a clean, dry face. A pea-size amount is ideal. Remember to moisturize thoroughly, as vitamin A can lead to some dryness, advises Agarwal.

While Vitamin A helps maintain and restore the skin’s barrier function and moisture levels and promotes the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which are crucial for retaining skin moisture, it isn’t a fail-safe solution. Manisha P. Kothari, a dermatologist, says, “Those with dry skin type, sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, and rosacea-prone skin should steer clear of retinoids.” Agarwal, echoing similar sentiments, offers a noteworthy tip, “If you are using over-the-counter products, opt for milder versions such as retinol.” However, if you are following a doctor's prescription, it’s advisable to use small amounts of Vitamin A. It’s not meant for all skin types.

Vitamin A, in its various forms such as retinol and retinyl esters like retinyl linoleate, plays a crucial role in skin health by promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin elasticity. Retinol, a pure form of Vitamin A, penetrates deeply into the skin to accelerate cell renewal, resulting in smoother texture and diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Retinyl linoleate, a retinyl ester, combines Vitamin A with linoleic acid to enhance its stability and skin-penetrating abilities, making it effective in improving skin tone and texture over time.” — Supriya Malik, founder of Indulgeo Essentials.