Much has been said about the role of vitamins and their impact on the body. We all know that vitamins, when consumed in the right dose, ensure proper body function, health, and a beautiful appearance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at vitamin A and its impact on certain skin properties.
Let's start from the beginning. Vitamin A is a group of organic chemical compounds that perform various functions in our bodies. Of these compounds, only retinol is fully active in our bodies; it is absorbed in the presence of fats , in our intestines. It's also important to know about the existence of carotenoids, chemical compounds that are precursors of vitamin A. These compounds are considered natural antioxidants (β-carotene).
Vitamin A plays many roles in our bodies. Primarily, it's associated with vision and antioxidant properties. But that's not all! Vitamin A also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and participates in cell metabolism. It has photoprotective properties (protecting the skin from sunlight). It influences the even distribution of melanin (a group of pigments responsible for pigmentation in organisms) in the epidermis. It improves skin elasticity and delays the aging process.
Taking into account the wide spectrum of action of vitamin A and its beneficial properties, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic market also comes to the aid in the fight for beautiful skin, using the properties of vitamin A. There is a wide range of oral preparations available on the market containing this vitamin (in a healthy person, the demand for vitamin A can be successfully covered with healthy and
Well-balanced meals (vitamin A supplementation is not necessary unless medically indicated) and anti-aging cosmetics. Cosmetics containing vitamin A also have a smoothing and elasticizing effect, smooth out fine lines, and exhibit whitening and skin tone-evening properties.
Providing the right amount of vitamins is crucial for our bodies. Vitamin deficiencies (hypovitaminosis) and excesses (hypervitaminosis) can also be observed in the condition of our skin. In the case of vitamin A, a deficiency can be observed through roughness and dryness of the skin, while an excess can lead to hair loss and excessive flaking of the skin on the hands and other parts of the body.
Summer and vacation are just around the corner, so let's make sure our diet is rich in the vitamins found in food. After winter, we have a wider selection of fruits and vegetables, so let's focus on a healthy, balanced diet. Thanks to an adequate supply of vitamin A, we'll enjoy not only healthy body function but also beautiful, glowing skin!
Błoch K., Dylewski JB: The influence of long-term use of preparations containing vitamin A on some skin properties. Homines Hominibus, vol.6, 2010, pp.43-54.
Beata and Patrycja – creators of the blog Z Pamiętnika Dietetyka (Dietetics' Diary) , authors of a book about healthy eating, and sisters in private. They are a harmonious duo, despite their different worldviews. Beata, a dietitian by profession, loves to set high goals for herself, which is why she turned to dietary catering as a career, wanting to take care not only of her own health but also of all Warsaw residents. Patrycja, on the other hand, has a journalism degree and loves cooking and documenting her adventures in the kitchen. She works on the artistic side of the blog daily, and as she herself admits, nothing is impossible for her. She always strives for her goal, even though it's often uphill.
