Nevertheless, the authors suggested that given how oral vitamin A is considerably cheaper than isotretinoin, a daily dose of 50,000 to 300,000 IU/day may represent a suitable alternative in cases where isotretinoin is not available.
Retinoic (vitamin A) acid is available in the form of tretinoin gel or cream (0.01–0.025%) and its isomer, isotretinoin gel (0.05%).
In large doses, vitamin A can have similar effects to Accutane. However, because it can build up in the tissues and has similar side effects as Accutane, vitamin A shouldn't be used to treat acne.
Dietary Intake Recommendations
The recommended daily intake of vitamin A for women is 700 micrograms, and for men, it's 900 micrograms. Most people can get this amount from the foods they eat. As noted, MINDBODYSKIN offers a daily dose of 6,110 micrograms of vitamin A—the sweet spot for treating acne.
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.
Retinol is actually just another word for vitamin A. It is an extremely effective cell-communicating ingredient, meaning the substance can literally attach itself to almost every skin cell and it 'tells' the cells that they should behave like healthy, younger skin cells. Retinol is an antioxidant.
Nevertheless, the authors suggested that given how oral vitamin A is considerably cheaper than isotretinoin, a daily dose of 50,000 to 300,000 IU/day may represent a suitable alternative in cases where isotretinoin is not available.
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.
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%.
Retinols are like a lighter alternative to isotretinoin that are safe and effective for everyday use. Like Accutane, retinols are derived from vitamin A. Unlike isotretinoin, they are applied topically rather than taken orally. Retinols are available over the counter in a variety of strengths.
Topical retinoid medications indicated for the treatment of acne include Retin-A (tretinoin), Tazorac (tazarotene), and Differin (adapalene). As with isotretinoin, retinoid medications require a prescription.
For adults, 19 and older, the tolerable upper limit for vitamin A is 10,000 IU per day. Talk to your doctor before taking any dose close to that amount. People who have liver disease or diabetes should not take vitamin A supplements without their doctor's supervision.
You should avoid certain supplements, especially those containing vitamin A. Accutane is a retinoid. Retinoids are effective acne medications that contain a form of vitamin A. Getting too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, so it's best to avoid using other products that contain vitamin A while taking Accutane.
Accutane®, a brand name for the medication isotretinoin, is a potent oral treatment for severe acne. It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, which work by reducing the production of oil (sebum) by the skin's oil glands.
Focus on getting the right vitamins to improve wound healing
Experts recommend eating at least one serving every day of a food that is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc because these help your body prevent infection during the wound healing process.
Overall, vitamin A is one of the best vitamins to prevent and reverse signs of aging, including sagging skin. Whether you pop it into your mouth each morning or apply it to your face as a serum, it's sure to keep your complexion looking younger than ever!
Large doses of oral vitamin A supplements don't appear to affect acne.
What happens if I take too much vitamin A? Some research suggests that having more than an average of 1.5 mg (1,500 µg) a day of vitamin A over many years may affect your bones, making them more likely to fracture when you're older.
Retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both retinoids — topical forms of vitamin A. Retinol is a common over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient in acne and anti-aging products. Retin-A is a prescription-only acne treatment, but it's used off-label for anti-aging effects, too. Retinol and Retin-A work the same way to treat acne.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men and women is 900 and 700 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day, respectively. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is set at 3,000 μg/day of preformed vitamin A.
The strongest retinol you'll find over the counter is adapalene, which is the main ingredient in the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. “Differin was originally formulated for acne patients, but if your skin is thick and or oily, you can achieve the same benefits,” says Elmasry.