Treating acne with vitamin A

Vitamin A, or retinol, has been proven to be an effective fighter of acne, whether taken orally or applied topically. It is a very important antioxidant vitamin, which means that it flushes out toxins that cause skin problems like acne. A severe deficiency of this vitamin can cause dermatological problems like dry and itchy skin. Vitamin A derivatives called retinoid are often used for acne treatment. They are usually available in the form of gels and lotions. Oral vitamin A supplements can also be used for acne treatment. Among the most famous derivatives are Isotretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene and Tretinoin.

When used topically, Vitamin A derivatives cause drying of the skin and the upper layers peel off. It also dries out sebum and therefore prevents formation of more acne. Also, once the upper layers of the skin peel off, the pores are open and this aids in curing acne. Retinoids can help fight bacterial infections in the sebaceous glands. However, it is essential to exercise caution when using Vitamin A derivatives since excess usage can cause redness of skin. Apart from this, excess usage of Vitamin A can cause complications in pregnancy. Whether you use oral or topical forms of vitamin A, remember that this fat soluble vitamin can become a toxin if taken in excess. Therefore it is advisable to check with a doctor on dosages.