Is vitamin A or C better for skin?

Author: Prof. Johanna Rau  |  Last update: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Vitamin A is a must for its anti-aging properties thanks to retinol and retinoids abilities to promote collagen production and skin cell turnover. Vitamin C is also a must to protect the skin from photoaging and therefore preventing damage which may lead to wrinkle formation.

Can vitamin A and C be used together on skin?

Seité [11] showed that topical application of a combination of vitamins A and C is able to reverse, at least in part, skin changes induced by both chronologic and photoaging. However, vitamin supplemented formulations, even in the ester form, may present low shelf-life, as shown by Guaratini et al.

Is vitamin C or A good for skin?

Conclusion. Vitamin C is an essential part of skin health both as a small molecular weight antioxidant and as a critical factor for collagen synthesis. Vitamin C contributes to photoprotection, decreases photodamage, and is needed for adequate wound healing.

Is vitamin A the best for skin?

Adequate consumption of vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair.

Is it better to use vitamin C or retinol?

They both provide similar benefits which is why dermatologists have even given a go-ahead to use the two together. If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine.

Vitamin C: How To Use It & What Are The Benefits? | Dr Sam Bunting

What is the difference between vitamin A and C serum?

These two nutrients work wonders for the skin, with vitamin C acting as a defender, protector, and supporter of collagen production. On the other hand, vitamin A renews skin cells and stimulates collagen production.

Is vitamin A the same as retinol?

Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is a nutrient important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties.

Is vitamin A or C good for skin?

Vitamin A is a must for its anti-aging properties thanks to retinol and retinoids abilities to promote collagen production and skin cell turnover. Vitamin C is also a must to protect the skin from photoaging and therefore preventing damage which may lead to wrinkle formation.

What is the Holy Trinity of SkinCare?

The Holy Trinity of SkinCare: Antioxidant, Retinol, & Sunscreen. Holy Trinity Women's Edition: A daily antioxidant, or Vitamin C, is essential for protection against signs of visible aging (discoloration) caused by environmental aggressors.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

What is the disadvantage of vitamin C on face?

While Vitamin C serum is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Symptoms of irritation can include redness, itching, and a burning sensation.

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.

What does retinol do for the face?

What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.

What are the side effects of vitamin A on the skin?

Additional cutaneous effects include dry skin, pruritus, peeling of the palms and soles, and fissuring of the fingertips. Higher doses of vitamin A may lead to telogen effluvium. Severe cases may manifest with bone pain and increased intracranial pressure.

Who should not use vitamin C on their skin?

Strictly speaking, there are no contraindications to the use of a vitamin C-based skincare product for topical application. It is only advised not toapply this acid to your skin if you have a wound that is currently healing to avoid the risk of irritation.

Can you have vitamin A and C together?

Vitamin A and vitamin C can be taken together. Taking these two supplements at the same time will not cause adverse reactions. It is recommended to take these two supplements separately for better results.

What are the only 3 skincare products you need?

Dermatologists recommend keeping it simple and say that everyone's skin care routine should include a few essential steps: cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.

What does vitamin A do for skin?

Your Vitamin A Serum Improves The Following

Exfoliates – making skin smooth and even-toned. Repairs the cellular structure of the Epidermis – optimising your UV protection. Decreases clustering of Melanin granules – thus reducing brown spots or pigmentation. Decreases sebum production and thus treats acne brilliantly.

What was Marilyn Monroe's skincare?

To get her signature on-camera glow, Monroe would apply thick layers of Vaseline or white Nivea Creme under her makeup, while dermatologist Erno Laszlo kept her well stocked in his Phormula 3-9—a reparative botanical balm, specially created to heal a scar of hers—and Active Phelityl Cream, an all-purpose moisturizer.

What is better than vitamin C for skin?

The skincare industry's spotlight often flits between Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C, both known for their brightening properties. However, numerous clinical studies and dermatologist testimonials suggest that Glycolic Acid might be the more effective skin-brightening ingredient.

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.

Which vitamin is best for skin?

There is evidence that vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and the minerals chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc play important roles in maintaining skin heath.

Is vitamin A good for wrinkles?

Topical vitamin A–based drugs called retinoids—the most used and most studied anti-aging compounds— may reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Can too much vitamin A be harmful?

Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage. It can also cause birth defects in a fetus. Later symptoms include severe headaches and general weakness. Bone and joint pain are common, especially among children.

What is the most potent form of vitamin A for skin?

Retinaldehyde or retinal

When compared to retinol, retinal is further along the vitamin A pathway and is just one conversion step away from becoming retinoid acid. This means that it acts faster than retinol on the skin; making it the most potent form of vitamin A that you can buy without a prescription.

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