How to Use Vitamin A Like a Pro!
You’ve seen Vitamin A touted as the must have in your routine across socials- and for good reason.
Vitamin A (when used correctly) is a total powerhouse and can address skin concerns like skin laxity, acne, uneven skin tone, brightness and texture.
Buckle up for a crash course in Vitamin A mastery – your ticket to glowing, dreamy skin.
Vitamin A works by increasing skin cell turn over.
“When the rate of turnover slows, so does the supply of these protective agents to the skin’s surface, and this can in turn can lead to skin dehydration, discolouration, dry skin, and impaired moisture barrier function.”
Who’s Vitamin A For?
Vitamin A can be for everyone, but the formulation and the potency matter a lot.
Note: People pregnant, trying to fall pregnant or breast feeding shouldn’t use Vitamin A. Consult with your GP for further details.
The Nitty-Gritty Made Simple
Photo: Chart of types of Vitamin A. Created by: Thedermreviews
There are multiple forms of Vitamin A in skincare. Brands will typically advertise what type they are using (I’ll make sure to note these in the suggestions section).
What you really need to know?
As you move up the ladder from retinyl esters to retinol…
then retinaldehyde…
and finally to retinoic acid…
you're dealing with an increase in potency (how strong) and effectiveness (results).
With increased potency, there's also a higher likelihood of skin irritation.
But wait! There’s hope!
Brands are moving fast with their formulations, to decrease how irritating stronger forms of Vitamin A can be.
What that means?
A encapsulated (coated) Retinal may be significantly less irritating than a retinol, even though it requires less conversions.
Don’t worry- we’ve got a great list of Vitamin A products below for every budget and skin type.
How To Use Vitamin A
1. Use a pea-sized amount
Think 'pea-sized amount.' Seriously, that's all you need! Even when you’ve progressed far in your Vitamin A journey.
Once you have a pea-sized amount, dab the tiny dots all over your face. Rub it in gently, making sure not to go overboard in any one spot.
Precision is key, and this type of application ensures you’re not over depositing the product in one area, potentially increasing sensitivity.
2. Easy Does It
Start slow, once a week slow. No need to rush into nightly routines!
I've been at this for ages, and I still keep a good three-day gap between my Vitamin A use.
When I was struggling with more active acne, I built up my Vitamin A to every 2 nights!
3. The Sandwich Technique
No, I'm not talking about lunch! It's all about layering here. Slap on some moisturiser, add your pea-sized Vitamin A magic, and seal the deal with another layer of moisturiser.
This method slows down how fast the Vitamin A gets into your skin, giving it a gentler ride.
4. My Go-To Picks
Now, here's the fun part – recommendations! These are my personal faves, but remember, what suits one face might not suit another:
Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary 2% Granactive Retinoid Emulsion
Acne-Prone Skin: Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream
Dry Skin & Aged Skin: Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream
All Skin Types: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
Test them out, see what clicks with your skin, and chat with a dermatologist or GP if you need extra guidance.
5. Knowledge is (Skincare) Power
Before you jump headfirst into the Vitamin A world, do a little homework!
Check out podcasts below and further reading. Trust me, understanding what you're dealing with makes all the difference.
Skincare School With Amy Clark & Dr. Michelle Wong
Articles By: Dr. Michelle Wong
Final Thoughts
Mastering Vitamin A is like learning a new skill – it takes a bit of time and finesse. But once you’ve got the hang of it, hello, radiant skin.
Go easy, protect your precious face with the Sandwich Method, and arm yourself with knowledge.
Your skin will thank you.
