What does vitamin A do for the skin? Vitamin A is essential and plays a big role when it comes to the health of your skin. It is engaged in the production of new and fresh cells, which helps your skin look and function its best. There is an impressive list that proves vitamin A is a great skincare ingredient on the market today. First and foremost, this vitamin effectively enhances the shedding of old skin cells and encourages the regrowth of newer, smoother, and healthier cells. It acts as an exfoliant that can promote both the texture and complexion of the skin. Aside from working on the top layer of the skin, vitamin A effectively works in the dermis to stimulate collagen production. This vitamin helps decrease wrinkles and fine lines and also enhances and thickens the skin. Vitamin A was first FDA-approved as an acne treatment because it helps slow down the production of oil and prevents clogged pores and inflammation by removing dead skin cells. Taking sufficient amounts of vitamin A can protect your skin from damages from the UV rays of the sun. It helps your skin be less sensitive to the sun and prevents it from pigmentation and sunburn. What are healthy foods high in vitamin A? Since our body cannot make vitamin A by itself, the only way to get this vitamin is from the diet. Luckily, many foods are rich in vitamin A, so it is easy to obtain the daily requirement. Take a look at the top list below and then add them to your diet! Foods high in vitamin A A 3-ounce serving of beef liver – 6,582 mcg (731% of the daily value (DV)) 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil – 1,350 mcg (150% DV) Half a fillet of king mackerel – 388 mcg (43% DV) Half a fillet of salmon – 229 mcg (25% DV) 1 tablespoon of goose liver pate – 130 mcg (14% DV) 1 slice of goat cheese – 115 mcg (13% DV) 1 tablespoon of butter – 97 mcg (11% DV) 1 slice of cheddar – 92 mcg (10% DV) 1 large hard-boiled egg – 74 mcg (9% DV) 1 tablespoon of caviar – 43 mcg (5% DV) Vegetables high in provitamin A 1 cup of cooked sweet potato – 1,836 mcg (204% DV) 1 cup of cooked winter squash – 1,144 mcg (127% DV) 1 cup of cooked kale – 885 mcg (98% DV) 1 medium cooked carrot – 392 mcg (44% DV) 1 large sweet red pepper – 257 mcg (29% DV) 1 cup of raw spinach – 141 mcg (16% DV) Fruits high in provitamin A Mango – 181 mcg (20% DV) Cantaloupe – 172 mcg (19% DV) Papaya – 74 mcg (8% DV) Apricot – 34 mcg (4% DV) Guava – 17 mcg (2% DV) [1] On average, men need to consume 900 mcg while women need 700 mcg per day to avoid a deficiency. So, if you regularly eat some of the foods listed above, you can meet your requirements with ease. How to get more vitamin A? Aside from eating a diet that includes a variety of foods high in vitamin A above, you take other sources to increase the amount of vitamin A as well. Supplements Vitamin A is available in many versions like retinoids or retinyl palmitate or only beta carotene (carotenoid). Or sometimes, you can find supplements that combine both carotenoids and retinoids. Vitamin A is also a common ingredient in vitamin and mineral supplements. Plus, it is added to some products that are fortified with extra nutrients like breakfast cereals and milk. Topical creams It is easy to find some skincare products that include vitamin A as an ingredient. These range from sunblock to anti-aging creams or ointments. Oil forms Similar to vitamin E, vitamin A is available in the form of oil that can be applied to the skin directly. However, if you take or apply too much vitamin, this might create unexpected side effects. Avoid taking over 3,000 mcg every day or you might face up to harmful effects like dizziness, nausea, recurrent headaches, blurred vision, etc. Can I put vitamin A directly on my face? Of course, Yes. Some vitamin A supplements come in oil forms that you can split and apply directly to the face. But when it comes to topical application, you need to consult your dermatologist before using it. Only try a small patch on a small area for a few days and check your skin reactions. How to use it? First, you need to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and dry it with a clean towel. Then wait about 15 minutes before applying a retinol supplement, and only use a pea-size amount on your whole face (do not get it too close to your eyes). Cautions If you let both UV and vitamin A into your skin, they will create opposite things. While one heals, the other damages, thereby leaving your skin red and irritated. So, if you are using a vitamin A product, remember to use sun protection and nourish your skin with antioxidants. The best time to use a retinol cream is at night because it causes fewer skin sensitivities. But if you wake up in the morning and your skin is peeling, red, or dry, you should use it every other night. Note that these effects are common when starting this type of skin treatment. Topical vs Oral Vitamin A: Which Is Better for Skin Health? Topical vitamin A, typically found in forms like retinol cream or retinol serum, delivers targeted benefits directly to the skin. These formulations bypass the digestive system, allowing active compounds to act on the skin barrier where they improve texture, reduce fine lines, and regulate oil production. In contrast, oral vitamin A supplements must undergo metabolism in the liver before reaching the skin, which reduces bioavailability and increases the risk of systemic side effects at higher dosages. Topical use allows precise control over concentration and minimizes systemic exposure, making it safer for long-term use in most skincare routines. However, oral vitamin A for skin may be necessary when addressing deficiencies or systemic conditions like severe acne, where vitamin A pills for skin provide broader physiological support. Studies show that while oral absorption is efficient in individuals with healthy digestion, it carries a higher risk of toxicity—especially in fat-soluble forms like retinyl esters. In clinical dermatology, retinol vs vitamin A refers not to efficacy alone, but to the context of use: topical vitamin A works best for surface-level skin aging, while vitamin A supplements support internal repair when prescribed. Optimal outcomes depend on matching the delivery method to the treatment goal, skin condition, and patient tolerance. Healthy skin, vibrant you—order NuBest glutathione today. How much vitamin A should I take for acne? As mentioned above, vitamin A is likely safe if you take about 3,000 mcg (10,000 units) daily. Remember that vitamin A is available in two different forms, including preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. And the maximum daily dose of 3,000 mcg is related to only preformed vitamin A. Meanwhile, some supplements often have both preformed and provitamin A forms. In this case, the amount of preformed vitamin A needs to be determined if the amount of vitamin A is safe. But, a vitamin A supplement with higher amounts of vitamin A (over 3,000 mcg) may be safe if a portion of the vitamin A is the provitamin A form. All in all, vitamin A is an essential nutrient for both your skin health and overall wellness. Make sure to consume enough animal and plant foods or supplements containing this vitamin to improve your skin optimally. Sources 1. All about vitamin A
