By Eleonora Cerasoli
Navigating the skincare universe can sometimes feel overwhelming when the information available online is far greater than the time we have to consume it. There are always new products, constantly changing trends and sometimes contradictory information.
To make it easier, we decided to create a series dedicated to highlighting one great ingredient at a time. In today’s article, you will discover the amazing benefits of vitamin A, also known as Retinol, as well as a range of carefully selected products to incorporate this super ingredient into your skincare routine.
What is Vitamin A and where you can find it?
Vitamin A, also called retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of both plant and animal origin.
Vitamin A is best obtained from a balanced diet. It is found in many plant-based foods like carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli and many fruits (apricots, mangoes, peaches, oranges and watermelon). It is also contained in seafood, egg yolk and dairy products.
Even though this vitamin is present in numerous foods, its deficiency is very common which can cause sight problems, dry skin and easily breakable hair. More seriously, a vitamin A deficiency can also inhibit growth, deform bones and cause reproductive organ problems.
The benefits of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for bones growth and consequently helps to improve bones and teeth strength. It’s known to treat week eyesight, help adult fertility and for supporting the immune system against disease and infections especially lungs related.
It is a powerful antioxidant, therefore protecting the lung and cardiovascular system, fighting against cellular degeneration from pollution and cholesterol.
Why is Vitamin A good for our skin?
Vitamin A is the only scientifically known ingredient that keeps the skin healthy while fighting the signs of ageing. Here are 3 reasons why vitamin A should become a staple in your skincare routine:
Vitamin A is responsible for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, the most visible effects of ageing, and reignite a feeling of firmness. It has an antioxidant action, meaning that it protects the body from illness but also ageing, by blocking the action of free radicals (compounds that damage skin cells).
By strengthening the immune system, this vitamin helps prevent the appearance of breakouts. It regulates the skin sebum and it shrinks the look of enlarged pored, becoming an invaluable ally for people with acne-prone skin.
Vitamin A stimulates the production of natural protein, keeping the skin looking healthy. It also promotes the skin’s natural moisturising factor, restoring its radiant flow and it strengthens the skin’s outer layer to keep it looking firm.
As an additional and key benefit, vitamin A assists in reducing the chances of developing skin cancers. A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin abnormalities such as sun damage, ageing, skin cancer and irregular pigmentation.
Best Natural Beauty Trends To Take Into 2021
Vitamin A in your skincare routine
Brand highlight
Environ Skincare
Environ Skincare is a vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe brand, creating products that are developed without ingredients that could potentially harm the clients but also the animals and the environment. The brand limits the risk of allergy avoiding fragrances, parabens, synthetic preservatives, GMOs and nanoparticles in their products.
The brand uses special “airless” packaging to protect the active ingredients from light and air as the products contain the minimum amount of preservatives.
This range is the result of advanced research, created to introduce a higher concentration of vitamin A in your skincare routine to treat any skin imperfection. The formulations of the skin EssentiA line are based on exclusive combinations of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a series of powerful antioxidants such as honeybush extract, rooibos, resveratrol, green tea and beta carotene. The products, with increasing concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin C, give the skin hydration, brightness, nourishment, tone and elasticity. It is recommended to start with the first level of moisturizer before proceeding to the next step (there are 5 moisturizers with increasing degrees of vitamin a concentration)
Shope the Skin EssentiA line:
A few tips to choose the right skincare products:
- Retinol is sensitive to air and light so it’s important you choose products that are packaged in opaque, airless or air-restrictive containers (avoid jar and clear containers)
- As with every other skincare product, you have to choose the right vitamin A products for your skin type:
- If you have dry skin the best option would be a cream.
- Lotions are ideals for normal to combination skin
- If your skin is oily or congested, opt for serums or gel.
- If you’re new to vitamin A, start with lower concentrated products and work you’re way up if it works well for your skin.
- Always allow a couple of weeks when testing a new product, for your skin to adjust to the change. If it doesn’t seem to work, try another one, it can take some time to find the perfect addition to your established skincare routine.
Shop the retinol edit:
Did you know already about this powerful ingredient? Whether vitamin A was already a staple in your skincare routine or you’re willing to try one of these products, let us know in the comment section below!
Don’t forget to always pair these products with SPF 30 or greater to protect your skin from sun damage; you can find a selection of mineral and sustainable sunscreens here.
Eleonora Cerasoli
Eleonora is an Italian art historian and enthusiast based in London. Inspired years ago to make a change and live a more sustainable life, she now wants to empower readers through her writing. "One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world."
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