How long does vitamin A take to work on acne?

Author: Brycen Trantow  |  Last update: Friday, May 16, 2025

As with most acne treatments, vitamin A takes time to work and you should allow for twelve weeks of use before determining whether or not the product has worked for you. It is also advised that you continue to use vitamin A (if it has proven effective) even after your acne symptoms have improved.

How quickly does vitamin A work?

How long do you need to take vitamin A to start experiencing its benefits? Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it can take a long time for levels of this vitamin to build up in your body. However, it may be possible to notice benefits almost immediately after you start supplementing with this vitamin.

Can I just take vitamin A instead of Accutane?

No. Vitamin A is toxic at high levels, and the side effects of Accutane are pretty similar to the symptoms you experience from Vitamin A toxicity. You also have mild acne, Accutane is only used as a last resort for treatment resistant acne.

How long does it take for vitamin A cream to work?

Retinol starts to work in your cells right away, but it'll take several weeks before you see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin.

How long does it take for vitamin A to clear skin?

As with most acne treatments, vitamin A takes time to work and you should allow for twelve weeks of use before determining whether or not the product has worked for you. It is also advised that you continue to use vitamin A (if it has proven effective) even after your acne symptoms have improved.

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How long do you purge on Tretinoin?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

How much vitamin A to clear acne?

Oral vitamin A and acne

The dosage of vitamin A ranged from 36,000 IU to 500,000 IU per day although nearly half of the studies (44%) reported success with a dose of 100,000 IU/day.

What is the strongest acne medication?

Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne that comes in capsules. It has a number of beneficial effects: it helps normalise sebum and reduce how much is produced.

How long does Accutane purge last?

The Accutane Purge

Usually, this occurs within the first month of using Accutane, and it may last several weeks. After the initial flare-up, your symptoms should subside, and your skin should begin to clear up considerably. If you experience an Accutane purge, call your dermatologist to discuss it.

Does vitamin A make acne worse at first?

Unfortunately, these vitamin A sources are also acne-triggering, due to their high levels of iodine and androgen (testosterone) stimulating side effects. Carotenoids are another form of vitamin A, found in carrots, orange-yellow vegetables, and leafy greens.

Is there a downside to taking vitamin A?

Taking more than 3,000 mcg a day of oral vitamin A supplements long term can cause: Bone thinning. Liver damage. Headache.

Is it better to take vitamin A in the morning or at night?

Vitamin A

The time to take vitamin A is after eating or taking with food. This is because vitamin A is fat-soluble. Vitamin A is important for eye health. You can take vitamin A in the morning or evening.

Is vitamin A good for hormonal acne?

The answer is yes! Vitamin A can help reduce and prevent inflammatory acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (4) Exciting! Now let's dive a little deeper into how it's actually able to help you achieve clear skin.

Why was Accutane discontinued?

On 29 June 2009, Roche Pharmaceuticals, the original creator and distributor of isotretinoin, officially discontinued both the manufacture and distribution of their Accutane brand in the United States due to what the company described as business reasons related to low market share (below 5%), coupled with the high ...

How long before vitamin A takes effect?

If you're starting a vitamin regimen, you may be wondering how long does it take for vitamins to work? It can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months of consistently taking a vitamin or mineral supplement to see noticeable changes, depending on several factors.

What kills acne bacteria fast?

Benzoyl peroxide.

This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

Does drinking water help with acne?

Increased water intake often leads to improved skin clarity and reduced acne severity. Many people report fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone after consistently increasing their water consumption. Hydrated skin may appear plumper and healthier, making existing acne less noticeable.

Is vitamin A like Accutane?

Accutane is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A and is detectable in the bloodstream of all people. Vitamin A in large doses has the same effects as Accutane, both good and bad, but quickly becomes harmful since it builds up in the tissue. (Important: Don't take any vitamin A while on Accutane).

Can I take vitamin A every day?

When taken by mouth: Vitamin A is likely safe when taken in amounts less than 10,000 units (3,000 mcg) daily. Vitamin A is available in two forms: pre-formed vitamin A (retinol or retinyl ester) and provitamin A (carotenoids). The maximum daily dose relates to only pre-formed vitamin A.

Is zinc or vitamin A better for acne?

After four weeks, there was a significant decrease in the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates in the zinc-treated groups. The effect of zinc plus vitamin A was not better than zinc alone. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean acne score had decreased from 100% to 15%.

What are the tretinoin uglies?

Vitamin A can be unstable as an ingredient, and this can mean your skin will become more sensitive. There is often an initial phase when using retinoids for the first time, known by many as the 'retinoid uglies'. Essentially, your skin can see a decline before improvement during an adjustment period.

Should you pop pimples during tretinoin purge?

It can be tempting to pop pimples as they form or pick away at dry skin, especially during a breakout. During the purge phase, it's best to leave your skin alone and allow it to heal naturally. Stay hydrated. In addition to the acne purge, the first few weeks of using tretinoin can involve dry and irritated skin.

How to tell if tretinoin is working?

After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. Depending on how often you use Tretinoin, you may begin to see full benefits by this point. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.

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