“We are what we eat,” said the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. And in our time, this phrase can be supplemented with the words: “and what we put on the skin.” After all, our body receives nutrients not only from food but also from the outside. That is why a complete diet and appropriate cosmetics are the keys to health and a blooming appearance. Today we will talk about one of the most important components of beauty – vitamin A.
What is vitamin A?
This irreplaceable micronutrient combines a whole group of structurally similar compounds. Its active forms are retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. And provitamin carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Vitamin A performs many important biochemical functions in the human body. It belongs to fat-soluble substances and tends to accumulate in the liver and other tissues. The liver is responsible for the transformation of different types of compounds into retinol. After that, it is transferred by lymph to other organs.
What foods contain vitamin A?
Active forms of the substance – retinoids – are found in products of animal origin:
- Liver;
- Sour cream;
- Cheese;
- Butter;
- Egg yolk;
- Fish oil.
And carotenoids can be obtained from various plant foods. These are carrots, sweet potato, melon, pumpkin, apricot, and yellow and orange bell peppers. Also, the substance is found in some types of berries and herbs. Among them are sorrel, dill, spinach, parsley, wild rose, sea buckthorn, and many others.
Vitamin A: health and beauty benefits
Vitamin A is necessary for metabolism and good vision, immune protection, and proper functioning of the whole organism.
The main beauty benefit is the prevention of wrinkle formation. Carotenoids neutralize the negative effect of free radicals on the supporting structure of the skin – collagen. They “start” the process of cell renewal. Thanks to this, the skin looks smooth and healthy and retains excellent tone and a youthful radiant appearance for longer.
Cosmetics with vitamin A protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet rays. Helps even out skin tone and lighten dark spots. This happens by accelerating cell regeneration and blocking the enzyme for the production of melanin, a dark pigment.
An excess of a substance, as a rule, is associated with excessive use of vitamin complexes. This condition can cause significant harm and cause nausea, a feeling of heaviness, lack of appetite, and other symptoms.
Insufficient intake of vitamin A weakens the natural protective barrier of the organs and systems of the body, which manifests itself:
- Decreased visual acuity;
- Predisposition to infectious diseases;
- Weakening of skin turgor;
- Dryness, redness, and rashes;
- General fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance.
In this case, correction of vitamin A deficiency is needed.
Features of cosmetics with vitamin A
t is commonly found in anti-aging cosmetics and acne treatments. It can be creams, serums, masks, and other products. Typically, retinol is found in over-the-counter products. And ointments and other drugs with retinoic acid are released exclusively by prescription.
Since cosmetics with vitamin A are easily oxidized and lose their beneficial properties, they should be stored away from the sun. Definitely closed. If you need enhanced antioxidant properties, you should pay attention to cosmetics with the addition of zinc: in this combination, retinol acts much more efficiently. A tandem with hyaluronic acid is also useful.
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The first signs of aging appear around the age of 30. Collagen production gradually decreases, and the skin begins to lose elasticity. Therefore, already at this age, you can start using anti-age products with retinol. Such cosmetics will help rapid cell renewal and slow down the process of wrinkle formation.
Cosmetics with vitamin A stimulate cellular metabolism and normalize the sebaceous glands. As a result, the epidermis is renewed faster, and the pores remain clean. Helps with moderate to mild acne. In the presence of such a problem, the best form of component delivery is.
Tips for choosing and using cosmetics with vitamin A
Proper use of the products will avoid potential side effects from overdose – redness, flaking, and dry skin. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:
- Frequency of use. At first, it is recommended to apply cream or cosmetics no more than once a week. And only after the adaptation of the skin (after 3-6 months) go to the usual schedule, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- The dose of the component. First, you need to use a product with a small concentration of vitamin A. For sensitive skin, no more than 0.2%, for oily and normal skin – 0.5%. After getting used to the content of the substance can be increased to 1-2%.
- Procedure time. Since the component causes increased skin sensitivity to the sun, cosmetics with retinol are best applied in the evening. And be sure to use sunscreen the next day.
- Required pause. Manufacturers and cosmetologists do not recommend the use of retinol and retinoids for pregnant and breastfeeding women. And also simultaneously with cleansing or peeling preparations.
The valuable properties of retinol and the ability to penetrate deep into the epidermis make it an indispensable care product. Today it is one of the most effective and affordable ways to give the skin a healthy look, prolonging its youth.
