Vitamin A has gained medical attention for its anti-acne properties, since 1960’s. It is known to be a versatile and effective acne treatment. The medical companies tapped this healing property of Vitamin A to combat the problem of acne. These days a wide variety of vitamin A derived medicines are available for the treatment of acne. So, what’s the secret to this supplement’s acne-preventing trait?
Functions of vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most vital nutrients required by the body. It plays an important role in improving the vision, cell division, bone growth, cell differentiation and reproduction. Besides this, vitamin A also provides immunity and strength to the body by helping in the production of the white blood cells that prevent bacteria and other viruses.
Vitamin A and acne treatment
Vitamin A is known to be an effective acne treatment method. As per the research done in Cutis, vitamin A supplements can direct or alter the steps that are involved in the production of acne lesions. Disorder in the shedding of skin cells is one of the most important steps in this process. Vitamin A helps in the treatment of acne by reducing the formation of clogged pores. These clogged pores are responsible for the production of acne invoking bacteria known as Propionibactium acnes.
Additionally, a report of the Nutrition Society has discovered that the deficiency of vitamin A in the body can stimulate irritation, and worsen the existing inflammatory areas.
How much Vitamin A should be taken for acne treatment?
If you are facing frequent breakouts then it is recommended that you go for a vitamin acne treatment. People with acute acne problems usually have internal weakness and deficiency. Taking Vitamin A daily can prove to be an effective acne treatment. The daily dose of Vitamin A for an adult is 5,000 IU (international units). However, the dieticians suggest a dose of 900 milligrams, or 3,000 IU every day.
Before opting for the vitamin acne treatment, it is recommended that you take the advice of a doctor. He should be able tell you, the right quantity of Vitamin A supplements to be taken daily.
Different sources of vitamin A
Vitamin A can be found in the various animal-based foods, known as “preformed” vitamin A. This is absorbed by the body in the form of retinol. The retinol is then broken down into the different active forms of vitamin A such as retinal and retinoic acid.
Other food sources that are rich in Vitamin A include chicken liver, beef liver, cheese, fortified milk, and eggs. The increased consumption of these foods in your daily diet can help in effective acne treatment.
Various clinical researches have accepted vitamin A as a strong acne preventative. Thus, sufficient intake of vitamin A should be considered as an integral part of acne treatment.
