By Carla Oates
As your body’s largest organ, your skin can tell you a lot about the state of your health—both internally and externally.
It is also quick to respond and adapt to our behaviours, so if we’re not eating well, sleeping well, staying hydrated or using the appropriate products, our skin will certainly be the first to let us know. From premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, to dull, lacklustre skin, dryness, blemishes and acne or inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis—our skin is in constant communication with us so it’s essential we learn to pay attention to its signals.
While topical products can certainly nourish our skin on a surface level, ‘beauty begins in the belly®’ so we need to ensure that what we’re putting into our bodies is going to support our quest for good health and glowing skin. Although there are a number of macroutrients—as well as micronutrients—which play a critical role in skin health and function, one of the best vitamins for radiant, resilient skin is undoubtedly vitamin A.
Here’s why…
What Is Vitamin A?
Classed as a potent antioxidant, vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in a number of bodily functions including supporting skin health, eye health, reproductiuve health and immune system function. There are also two types of vitamin A: preformed and proformed. The former are classified as retinoids—and often found in topical skincare products—and the latter are carotenoids—powerful antioxidants that are primarily found in plant-based foods. Interestingly, both forms of vitamin A are also converted to retinol by the liver.
The Skin Benefits Of Vitamin A
When it comes to glowing skin, vitamin A is about as essential as vitamin C—as it is a powerhouse antioxidant that supports skin health and function. Proven to combat free radical damage, vitamin A promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells and subsequently supports skin strength. It's also incredibly anti-inflammatory helping to assist with calming skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis as well as regulating sebum production and reducing breakouts and improving wound healing for those with acne. There is also evidence to suggest that vitamin A can prevent cell damage caused by photoageing, sun damage and UV rays—making it a critical tool in our anti-aging arsenal.
Vitamin A and its derivatives are a common ingredient in topical skincare products due to its antioxidant properties. Retinoids, for example, are found in many anti-aging formulations and are particularly effective at helping to treat and combat acne. When applied topically, retinoids also help to stimulate collagen production—and as the protein that helps to keep our skin plump, well-hydrated and free from fine lines and wrinkles—it's no wonder that retinol serums and retinoids feature heavily in topical skincare routines these days. However, it's important to note that vitamin A can also be irritating for some people so it's best to look for clean, natural and Certified Organic skincare ranges that incorporate naturally-derived ingredients which are rich in this skin-loving vitamin.
There is also mounting research to show that eating a well-balanced, wholefoods-based diet rich in this essential nutrient is a great way to support glowing skin. Good food sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolks and grass-fed butter as well as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya—which are all examples of beta-carotene containing fruits and veggies. There are also a number of supplements on the market these days which contain vitamin A to support skin health—including our very own GLOW Inner Beauty Essential. Containing over 16% of your daily RDI of provitamin A, GLOW helps to promote skin cell turnover as well as supporting skin structure and elasticity, gut health, energy release from food and healthy immune system function.
