HealthCert Blog

Vitamin A is a game-changing ingredient in the treatment of acne. Used since the 1970s, vitamin A and its derivatives are used to clear impurities, rejuvenate skin, and increase overall skin health in both the treatment room and at home.

Vitamin A improves acne by reducing the production of excessive oil in the skin. As a capsule supplement or oral isotretinoin, vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that minimises the free radicals which inhibit the skin’s ability to regenerate and purge impurities.

Vitamin A derivatives help to drain existing comedones, prevent the development of microcomedones, and help with increased collagen production. This improves the appearance of acne-prone skin and reduces scarring.

In aesthetic medicine, the most common forms of vitamin A are retinol and retinaldehyde.

Retinols are converted by the skin to retinoic acid. In general, retinoids support most acne conditions by reducing cellular build-up and sebaceous oil activity, thereby minimising the breeding ground for bacteria.

Retinaldehyde is an encapsulated pro-drug that also converts in the skin to retinoic acid. It helps boost clear skin and stimulates cellular cohesion. Retinaldehyde is a milder method that produces the least amount of skin irritation of all vitamin A derivatives, making it ideal for most skin types and combining with other treatments.

Retinol formulas can be useful as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for acne. Continued use by the patient at home can help to boost their professional skin care, especially when paired with an antibacterial ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide.

The goal in the treatment room is to promote healing, decrease inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and infuse the skin with antioxidants. At home, the patient’s continued skincare regime will help to correct, rebuild, and protect the skin.

Managing acne can be a difficult and long-term process, but utilising vitamin A can help create a customised treatment plan that helps restore patients’ skin to optimal health.

To learn more, please join us at the next Certificate Courses in Aesthetic Medicine.

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