Vitamin A aka Retinoids: How Vitamin A Works on Your Skin?
- Kavya Goswami
- Jun 9
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 7
As we age, our skin concerns increase, leading to the most prominent effects like fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more. But what is the major reason behind the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines with age? What is the top skincare ingredient that comes to your mind when you look for wrinkle treatments?
Let's dive into the science behind wrinkles and fine lines and learn about our collagen boosters, Retinoids, most commonly known by the name "Retinols." Did that ring a bell?
"Retinols," a widely discussed skincare ingredient a holy grail "anti-aging" treatment most talked about on the internet.
Is anti-aging the only benefit of using Retinoids? What are the other benefits of Vitamin A?
Join our ultimate skincare guide to learn more about Retinoids and how they work on different skin types and concerns, the best ingredient combinations with Retinoids, and what products you can use to get maximum benefits.
Let's Get Real: Vitamin A
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A, seems too scientific when we talk about it in our skincare routine because most of the products market it in the form of "Retinol." So, what is exactly Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that essentially works for various body functions, including vision, cell growth, and immune system health. When we talk about improving cell growth, it means it helps in promoting healthy skin by influencing cell turnover and repair cells.
There are two forms of Vitamin A:
Retinoids: These are the active forms of Vitamin A, including Retinyl ester, Retinol, Retinal, and Retinoic Acid. Retinoids help speed up skin cell turnover, which means they can encourage the shedding of old, dead skin cells and promote the growth of new ones. This process helps prevent clogged pores, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and can even help with hyperpigmentation giving out an even skin tone.
Carotenoids: These are plant-based forms of vitamin A that are converted into retinol in the body. Carotenoids are antioxidants that can protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals (from things like UV exposure and pollution), which helps reduce signs of aging.
How does Vitamin A, aka Retinoids, work for your skin?
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: By encouraging faster cell turnover, vitamin A helps keep skin smooth and youthful-looking.
Fights acne: By keeping pores clear and reducing inflammation, it can help with acne control.
Improves skin tone and texture: It can help fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, leaving the skin looking more radiant.
Promotes collagen production: Retinoids stimulate collagen, which improves skin elasticity and firmness.
Retinoids like retinol are commonly found in skincare products and can be very effective, but they can also be a bit harsh, so it's important to start with lower concentrations and be consistent with sunscreen use, as retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure.
Know Your Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is present in various forms which range from being highly active to lesser active forms, including Retinyl Esters, Retinol, Retinaldehyde, and Retinoic Acid. Vitamin A is a super ingredient that is mostly represented as a good agent for “Anti-aging” properties, which it's helps to increase cell turnover, but what we need to focus on before buying any product containing retinoids is what type of vitamin A it contains and how it’s going to have any visible effects on your skin.
First thing to know before using any ingredient that is highly reactive is—what’s your skin type and how this ingredient is going to react on your skin. If you are someone with sensitive skin then any higher percentage of this particular ingredient can be a disaster for your skin as it can cause irritation and inflammation on your skin. It’s better to start low and slow, which means to begin with lower percentage and always start slowly.
Wondering how to start using Vitamin A? If you are a novice to the skincare game or just including Vitamin A in your skincare routine then it’s best to start with a form of Vitamin A that is less reactive so that it better penetrates in your skin and do not inflame the skin barrier. If you are first time user – start with Retinyl Esters like Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Propionate and Retinyl Palmitate.
If you are considering using Retinol always focus on what percentage it is using, as it is an alcohol so it reacts a little faster in comparison to esters of vitamin A. The ideal percentage of Retinol ranges from 0.1 to 0.3%, and if you are a beginner it’s better to start using Retinol at percentage of 0.1 or 0.15 and retinaldehyde at 0.05 to 0.1%, as it will gently act on your skin.
If you are someone who is a pro in the skincare game and has been using Vitamin A in your skincare routine for a while then you can start incorporating the Retinaldehyde form of Vitamin A which is also a good form of Vitamin A but need to be used very carefully it’s better to use products with Retinaldehyde of about 0.1% as it is more reactive but it provides faster results in comparison to retinyl esters and retinol.
The most reactive form of Vitamin A is the Retinoic Acid, also known as Tretinoin, when you are using a product with Vitamin A you need to make sure you check for these ingredients if the product contains Tretinoin then you need to be careful while using that product.
Vitamin A Checklist
Look for an encapsulated form of Retinol which increases penetration and decreases irritation.
0.1%-0.3% is the ideal percentage for using Retinoids.
The product needs to be free from alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils to avoid any form of irritation.
Always look for packaging while purchasing a Retinoid. Try using a product with airless pumps because it is an antioxidant and needs protection from air and sunlight.
It's best to get products that contain other anti-inflammatory ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, and Aloe which help to soothe the skin and align beautifully along with Vitamin A.
What are the best combinations to use with Vitamin A?
Combining Vitamin A with other skincare ingredients can enhance its effectiveness and provide additional benefits. Here are some of the best combinations:
Vitamin A + Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating agent that helps to keep your skin moisturized. When used with Vitamin A, it can counteract the drying effects of Vitamin A and keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Vitamin A + Niacinamide: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve skin texture. When combined with Vitamin A, it can help reduce irritation and enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.
Vitamin A + Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that help to build proteins in the skin. When used with Vitamin A, they can boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Vitamin A + Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin and protect it from environmental damage. Using Vitamin A and Vitamin C together can provide a powerful anti-aging effect and improve skin tone.
Vitamin A + Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that help to maintain the skin's barrier function. When combined with Vitamin A, they can help to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce the risk of irritation.
These are the chef's kiss combinations of Retinoids with other skincare ingredients that can work wonders for your skin but to be used slowly and at a lower percentage to avoid any type of harsh effects on your skin.
Direction for Use: Vitamin A
Start with a lower percentage of Retinol or Retinaldehyde, use a few drops, and start increasing its use gradually by:
Use 1 time in the first week of use of Retinol (a form of retinoids).
Use 2 times a week in the second week of use.
Use 3 times a week in the third week of use.
While using always listen to your skin, if it's irritating or inflaming your skin then avoid using it for a while and apply a thick moisturizer to your skin to restore the skin barrier.
Remember: When you are using retinol always avoid the area around your mouth because it's very sensitive and can lead to excessive redness.
What’s the best time to use Vitamin A?
The best time to use Vitamin A in your skincare routine is at night. Here’s why:
Sun Sensitivity: Vitamin A can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using it at night helps you avoid exposure to UV rays, which can cause irritation and reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Skin Repair: Your skin undergoes repair and regeneration while you sleep. Applying Vitamin A at night allows it to work in sync with your body's natural processes, enhancing its benefits.
Consistency: Nighttime application can be more convenient, making it easier to incorporate Vitamin A into your daily routine consistently.
To sum up, applying Vitamin A at night can help you maximize its effectiveness and protect your skin. Remember to always follow up with sunscreen during the day to keep your skin safe.
Debunk Vitamin A Myths
There are several myths surrounding the use of Vitamin A in skincare. Let's debunk some of the most common ones:
Myth: Vitamin A should not be applied when going out in the sunshine.
Fact: While it's true that some forms of Vitamin A, like retinol, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, there are other forms, such as retinyl palmitate, that can be used during the day. Just make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
Myth: Vitamin A provides instant results.
Fact: Consistent use of Vitamin A over time is necessary to see significant improvements in your skin. Instant results are unlikely, and patience is key.
Myth: Retinol is not suitable for dry skin.
Fact: Retinol can be used on dry skin, but it's important to pair it with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation.
Myth: Higher concentrations of Vitamin A are always better.
Fact: Starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing it is more effective and reduces the risk of irritation. More isn't always better when it comes to skincare.
Myth: Vitamin A thins the skin.
Fact: Vitamin A actually helps to thicken the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin) by stimulating collagen production, which can improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.
By understanding the facts behind these myths, you can make more informed decisions about incorporating Vitamin A into your skincare routine.
Let’s get real with products: Vitamin A products to buy
Find your best Retinol and Retinal here which are exclusively available in India. Swipe down to learn more:
0.3% Retinol Face Serum For Firmer, Youthful Skin by Minimalist is ideal for all skin types and is perfect for those new to skincare. It is enriched with Bakuchiol, which has similar collagen-boosting properties to retinoids. Bakuchiol enhances the production of collagen types I, III, and IV, helping to make the skin firmer and reducing wrinkles. The serum features a balanced amount of Retinol, which is not overly potent and minimizes skin irritation. It also contains moisturizing ingredients like Squalane and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Ubiquinone, which further enhance the product's effectiveness.
0.1% Retinal Face Serum For Firmer, Youthful Skin by Minimalist is an ideal serum as it is suitable for all skin types and will work well for your skin if you are a novice to the skincare game. Another option within this serum is Retinal, or Retinaldehyde, a derivative of Vitamin A that surpasses Retinol in stimulating cell turnover and reducing fine lines more quickly. This serum also includes Bakuchiol and Oleyl Adapalenate, which mimic the collagen-boosting effects of retinoids, helping to minimize photoaging, even skin tone, soothe inflammation, reduce pore size, and clear acne.
0.5% Retinol in Squalane Face Serum by The Ordinary is another Vitamin A serum available that is considered effective but has a slightly higher concentration of Retinol, which may irritate those with sensitive skin or beginners in skincare. This product contains moisturizing ingredients such as Squalane, along with antioxidants like Rosemary Leaf extract and Tomato fruit extract that provide anti-inflammatory benefits and enhance the overall effectiveness of the serum.
Skin Renew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream by The Derma Co. is a serum-cream blend option that offers anti-aging benefits while making the skin firm, radiant, and youthful. This product by The Derma Co. includes 3% Peptides for skin cell regeneration, 0.2% Encapsulated Retinol to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, Vitamin C to improve skin texture and tone, and 1% alpha arbutin, which inhibits tyrosinase to help reduce dark spots and pigmentation. However, if you are new to skincare or just starting with Vitamin A products, you should use this serum with caution, as it may be too strong for your skin.
Skin care starts with awareness. The first step, towards skincare, is to know your skin. If you know your skin, you will know which product to how to use and what are products will beautifully fits your skin type and skin concerns.
Vitamin A is a holy grail of skincare ingredients as it helps to revive entire skin barrier by improving the cell turnover.
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that smoothens the skin, reduces fine lines, and improves skin texture. It helps protect against environmental damage, stimulates collagen production for firmer skin, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use can lead to a more radiant, youthful skin.
One aim of skincare: To keep your skin nourished, fresh, and healthy. #CareStartsWithAwareness
Comments