How much vitamin A should I take to clear acne?

Author: Catherine Bauch V  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

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.

How much vitamin A to treat acne?

We conducted a study which showed that retinol was indeed ineffective at the usual doses of 50,000 to 100,000 IU daily. Retinol was highly efficacious in doses of 300,000 units for women and 400,000 to 500,000 units for men, toxicity was slight and limited mainly to skin (xerosis) and mucous membranes (cheilitis).

Is 1000 mg of vitamin A too much?

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men is 900 MCG REA, or 3,000 international units (IU). For women the RDA is 700 mcg RAE, or 2,330 (IU). For all adults, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) — the most vitamin A one can take without experiencing negative health effects — is 3,000 mcg RAE, or 10,000 IU.

How much vitamin A should I take for skin?

If you take vitamin A for its antioxidant properties, keep in mind that the supplement might not offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food. The recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women.

Is it okay to take 10,000 IU of vitamin A?

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.

This is Why I NEVER Take Vitamin A Supplements

Can I take vitamin A 5000 IU daily?

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.

Does oral vitamin A help acne?

Oral vitamin A derivatives

It is an isomer of retinoic acid approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating severe acne vulgaris. It can decrease sebum production, acne lesions, and acne scarring, and it has effectively been used to reduce treatment-resistant acne.

Can too much vitamin A cause acne?

Vitamin A from Food

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.

How much vitamin A per day is ok?

The total vitamin A content of a food is usually expressed as micrograms (µg) of retinol equivalents (RE). The amount of vitamin A adults aged 19 to 64 need is: 700 µg a day for men. 600 µg a day for women.

Will taking vitamin A improve my skin?

Adequate consumption of vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. This is because vitamin A affects the skin and hair in a dose-dependent manner, where too much or too little has deleterious effects.

Is vitamin A hard on the liver?

It was concluded that at least in some western countries chronic vitamin A consumption might represent an appreciable cause of chronic liver disease, the recognition of which mainly relies on expert liver biopsy interpretation.

What are four signs of vitamin A toxicity?

Acute systemic vitamin A toxicity typically arises when an individual consumes over 100,000 RAE within a short period, often from supplements or high-dose medications. The toxicity symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, and muscular incoordination.

Can too much vitamin A cause hair loss?

Consuming too much vitamin A over a long period of time can cause coarse hair, partial loss of hair (including the eyebrows), cracked lips, and dry, rough skin. Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage.

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).

What is the best vitamin to clear acne?

Yes, vitamins can help hormonal acne by acting as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy hormone balance. The best vitamins for acne are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a B complex. You can find many of these nutrients in food, but taking supplements can ensure you're getting enough.

How to clear acne on face?

Too much washing and scrubbing also can irritate the skin. Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide and adapalene as the active ingredients. You might also try products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.

What is the best vitamin A for skin?

Our top picks for the best vitamin A serums of 2024
  • Best for Sensitive Skin. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. Read more.
  • Best Overall. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum. Read more.
  • Best for Precise Dosing. RoC Retinol Correxion. Read more.

How do you know if your vitamin A is low?

Symptoms
  • Difficulty seeing in the dark or night blindness (Nyctalopia).
  • Dry corneas or the whites of the eyes (Xerophthalmia)
  • Bitot spots in the whites of the eye.
  • Sores in the corneas (Corneal ulcers)
  • Cloudy corneas (Keratomalacia) If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to blindness.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

How long does vitamin A take to work?

However, it may be possible to notice benefits almost immediately after you start supplementing with this vitamin. Consistency is key and our research recommends taking your Feel supplements for at least 3 months to allow your body to adjust and provide the desired benefits.

How much vitamin A should I take daily for 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.

Which vitamin is needed to remove pimples?

In particular, zinc and vitamins A and D may help treat and prevent acne. Many foods naturally contain these nutrients, including meats, fish, vegetables, and dairy products. Fortified food products, such as breakfast cereals, milk, and fruit juices, are another excellent source.

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%.

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