What Does Vitamin A Do for Your Skin?

Sept 8th, 2018

Did you know that the potent skincare ingredient we know as Vitamin A was actually discovered in 1913 by an English biochemist named Frederick Gowland Hopkins? Hopkins called this nutrient “factor A”, which later became known as Vitamin A. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1929 for this important discovery.

Fast forward to 2017 and skin-loving vitamin A derivatives is one of the most important ‘go to’ ingredients in anti-aging as well as anti-acne skincare.

According to New York plastic surgeon Bryan G. Forley, “Vitamin A thickens and stimulates the dermis which is where collagen, elastin and blood vessels reside, which makes it an essential component of an effective anti-aging skin care regimen. Tretinoin and retinol are very useful and proven ingredients.”

Whether you get Vitamin A from your diet or in a topical cream, the protective and nourishing properties of Vitamin A lend a hand in keeping skin healthy, firm and radiant.

What happens when your body intakes sufficient Vitamin A?

•  It protects against UV damage and slows signs of aging

•  It encourages healthy skin cell production

•  It protects against infection

What happens when you apply Vitamin A on your skin?

•  It smoothes wrinkles.

•  It evens skin tone and gives you a glow.

• It clears up acne.

Dr. Zein Obagi, Medical Director of ZO Skin Health, is a huge proponent of retinol and retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) because they are proven to boost collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and increases cell turnover to even skin tone and improve skin texture. Tretinoin (pronounced Tret-in-oh-in) has been clinically proven to decrease fine lines, even skin color, improve texture and tighten pores. Retinol, which is the milder form of Tretinoin, also encourages skin cell turnover.

Looking for the best Vitamin A anti-agers for you skin? Check out these 4 hero retinol products from ZO Skin Health, and ask your ZO skin expert which are right for you.

Radical Night Repair

Our best-selling, award-winning formula with a 1% retinol concentration that targets UV-damaged, aged skin. It can improves texture and uneven pigmentation, and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful skin tone.

Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5% & 1%

It targets skin discoloration and breaks up existing pigmentation. It brightens skin and helps even skin tone. It also helps prevent future damage. It gives your skin antioxidant protection and helps support the repair of the skin.

Wrinkle + Texture Repair

Wrinkle and texture repair crème supports the visible improvement of skin’s texture, firmness and color tone, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Exfoliation Accelerator

Glycolic and lactic acid complex that aids in the removal of dead skin cells while providing calming and soothing benefits with an aloe, green tea and chamomile blend.

Notice: Topical retinoids and Tretinoin can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV damage. Be sure to apply sunscreen after the usage of the products that contain these ingredients.