Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin A for Your Skin

Written by: Radhika Sen

Updated on: 3rd March 2025

Vitamin A is often hailed as a wonder ingredient, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore why this powerful skincare ingredient is a must-have in your routine, breaking down its incredible benefits for skin health. While Vitamin A is also a vital nutrient for overall well-being, our focus here is on its transformative effects in skincare — how it can smooth wrinkles, boost radiance, and help you achieve a more youthful complexion.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A plays two distinct roles — one as a skincare ingredient and another as a vital nutrient for overall health. As a skincare superstar, they typically appear as retinoids and are topically applied to work directly on the skin helping skin to appear more youthful and radiant. This powerhouse ingredient is crucial for skin health, promoting cell production and repair to keep your complexion smooth and vibrant.

Beyond skin-deep benefits, vitamin A is a vital nutrient to support key bodily functions. It aids vision, particularly in low light, as it helps the retina absorb light effectively. It also supports reproductive health, ensuring the proper functioning of reproductive organs in both men and women. Additionally, vitamin A bolsters the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fend off infections and illnesses. Dietary vitamin A comes from sources like animal liver, eggs, and vegetables like carrots. It’s safe to say, this nutrient is indispensable for a holistic health boost.

While both forms of vitamin A are vital for skin health, the topical application directly affects the skin's surface, while the nutrient supports a wide array of internal processes for overall health.

Vitamin A Key Facts in Skincare

Alternative Names:
Retinol, Retinoic Acid, Beta-Carotene

Top Benefits:

✓ Supports cell turnover for a smoother, more youthful complexion
✓ Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
✓ Helps fade pigmentation and even out skin tone
✓ Boosts collagen production for firmer, plumper skin
✓ Promotes clearer skin by preventing clogged pores and breakouts

Who Can Use It:

Everyone in their mid-20s (or even earlier if you’re battling acne), except those with specific allergies or medical conditions; pregnant women should consult a doctor

How Often It Can Be Used:

At Medik8 we recommend phasing in vitamin A gradually as part of your nighttime routine to help your skin build up its tolerance.

What to Pair With:

Moisturisers, antioxidants (like Vitamin C and E)

What to Avoid Combining With:

Benzoyl Peroxide (can deactivate Vitamin A), harsh exfoliants (may irritate)

Benefits of Vitamin A for your skin

A skincare essential, offering a multitude of benefits, vitamin A helps transform your skin’s health and appearance. Here’s why this nutrient deserves a spot in your beauty routine:

Boosts Skin Cell Turnover

Vitamin A promotes the shedding of old, dull skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. This accelerates skin renewal and enhances your natural glow.

Normalises Sebum Production

By regulating oil production, vitamin A helps prevent clogged pores and reduces the risk of acne, keeping your skin clear and balanced.

Fades Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

This nutrient evens out skin tone by lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more uniform complexion.

Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties

Vitamin A soothes irritated skin and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Stimulates Collagen Production

It boosts collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and firmness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-Ageing Properties

With its powerful anti-ageing effects, vitamin A combats signs of ageing, keeping your skin looking youthful and rejuvenated.

Antioxidative Skin Protection

It offers protection against environmental stressors and free radicals, safeguarding your skin from damage and premature ageing.

What are the different forms of vitamin A?

Retinoids:

A broad category of compounds derived from vitamin A, known for their age-defying and skin-renewing properties.

Retinal (Retinaldehyde):

A precursor to retinoic acid, retinal is more potent than standard retinol but less irritating than retinoic acid.

Retinol:

The most commonly used form of vitamin A in skincare, retinol requires two conversions to retinoic acid on the skin. It boosts collagen production and promotes an even skin tone.

Learn more about Retinol

Retinyl Retinoate:

The ultimate vitamin A, and one that’s exclusive to Medik8, retinyl retinoate is 8x stronger* and 11x faster** than classic retinol. It also has the added benefit of photoprotection so it helps to protect skin from UVA damage, therefore unlike other forms of retinoids, it can be used during the day.

*H. Kim et al., Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2008, 15;16(12), pp 6387-93
*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378.

Retinoic Acid:

The active form of vitamin A that directly affects skin cells, improving texture and tone, and reducing wrinkles. It's often found in prescription-strength products such as tretinoin.

What's the difference between vitamin A, retinol, retinal and retinoids?

Form Description Skin Benefits Potency Who is it suitable for?
Vitamin A Vitamin A is the unequivocal gold standard in skincare when it comes to anti-ageing concerns. Supports overall skin health and cell production. Many different forms of vitamin A vary from mild to high Mature skin, blemish and acne-prone skin, sun-damaged skin.
Retinol A common form of vitamin A used in skincare. Boosts collagen, promotes even skin tone and reduces fine lines. Moderate Most skin types, including beginners to vitamin A.
Retinal Also a form of retinoid that’s further along the vitamin A pathway than retinol, and just one conversion step away from becoming retinoic acid – which means it acts faster on the skin than retinol. Accelerates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and improves texture. It acts 11x faster than standard retinol.* High Blemish-prone skin, mature and ageing skin as well as sensitive skin types.
Retinoids An umbrella term to highlight all vitamin A derivatives, including retinol and retinal. Powerful anti-ageing and skin-renewing properties. Varies from mild to high Suitable for those targeting specific skin concerns like acne and advanced signs of ageing.

*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378.

What is the best form of vitamin A for skin?

Choosing the best form of vitamin A for your skin depends on your specific skin type, concerns, and tolerance. Retinol is a great starting point for most people, offering effective anti-ageing benefits with moderate potency. If you're more experienced with vitamin A and seeking quicker results, Retinal (retinaldehyde) works at amazing speed to accelerate cell turnover, reduce wrinkles and smooth fine lines. It may also be preferable for sensitive skin types as it causes less skin irritation due to fewer conversion steps needed to become retinoic acid. For advanced users with access to prescription treatments, Retinoic Acid directly improves texture and reduces wrinkles. Overall, retinoids, which encompass all these forms, provide powerful age-defying and skin-renewing properties suitable for a range of skin concerns.

How to use Vitamin A in your skincare routine

At Medik8 we believe that incorporating vitamin A into your skincare routine can yield incredible benefits, but it’s important to do so gradually to avoid irritation. Here’s our expert guide for both day and night routines.

Morning Routine

1. Cleanser: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin for the day.

2. Toner: Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels.

3. Vitamin C Serum: Use a vitamin C serum to protect your skin from environmental damage and brighten your complexion.

4. Targeted Serum: We also suggest adding an additional targeted serum to boost overall skin health and tackle individual skin concerns.

5. Moisturiser: Apply a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

6. Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, no matter what season of the year.

Night Routine

1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove daily impurities.

2. Toner: Apply a toner to prep your skin.

3. Vitamin A Serum: Start with a low concentration of vitamin A (whether you choose retinol or retinaldehyde) and gradually climb the ladder of strength as your skin adjusts and adapts.

4. Moisturiser: Follow with an anti-ageing moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated overnight.

Building Up To A Daily Routine

✓ Start Slow:
Begin with using Vitamin A every third night till your skin builds up tolerance.

✓ Monitor Your Skin:
Pay attention to how your skin reacts. If there’s no irritation, gradually increase to every other night.

✓ Adjust as Needed:
Once your skin builds tolerance, you can start using Vitamin A every night.

✓ Hydrate:
Keep your skin well-hydrated to minimise potential dryness or irritation.

By following these steps, you can safely incorporate vitamin A into your skincare routine, maximising its benefits for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

The CSA Philosophy

Unlock glowing, youthful skin with our CSA Philosophy: it’s as easy as using vitamin C & sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. Pioneered by Medik8 since 2009, this simple and clinically proven approach addresses 90% of anti-ageing skincare needs.*

*Proven via independent study on a Medik8 CSA regime, on 30 participants over 12 months.

Which form of Vitamin A should I use?

The percentage of vitamin A you should use depends on your skin's tolerance and your specific skincare goals. Beginners should start with a lower concentration, around 0.1% to 0.3%, to allow their skin to adjust gradually. Intermediate users can increase to 0.5%, which offers more significant age-defying benefits while still being manageable for most skin types. For those experienced with vitamin A, concentrations of 1% or higher can provide powerful results in reducing fine lines, improving texture, and boosting collagen production. Always monitor your skin’s response and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure about the appropriate strength for your needs.

Potential Vitamin A side effects

Dryness and Peeling:

Medik8 Tip:

For those experiencing dry skin or are beginning to peel with vitamin A, we recommend starting with a low concentration and gradually increase your usage. Ensure to use a good moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.

Redness and Irritation:

Medik8 Tip:

Introduce vitamin A slowly into your routine, using it every other night initially. Mix with a moisturiser, apply your moisturiser first or reduce the frequency.

Increased Sensitivity:

Medik8 Tip:

It’s a common myth that vitamin A increases sun sensitivity, but retinoids themselves do not raise the risk of sunburn. However, as with any active ingredient, skin—especially for those new to it—can experience heightened sensitivity.

If you're noticing sensitivity, ensure you're applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and giving your skin time to adjust by avoiding other harsh active ingredients. Moisturising regularly will also help. We also recommend minimising sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.

Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is proven to deliver powerful results with minimal irritation. Its ladder of progressive strengths, offering 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde, makes it suitable for everyone, even the most sensitive skins.

Initial Breakouts:

Medik8 Tip:

This is a temporary phase. Keep your routine consistent and avoid picking at the skin to minimise breakouts.

Flakiness and Itching:

Medik8 Tip:

Incorporate hydrating serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, and gentle cleansers into your routine. Avoid using harsh exfoliants alongside vitamin A.

Allergic Reactions:

Medik8 Tip:

Perform a patch test before fully incorporating the product into your routine. Discontinue use if severe reactions occur and consult a dermatologist.

What makes Medik8’s Vitamin A products special

Vitamin A, often referred to as retinol or retinal, is widely recognised as the gold standard in age-defying skincare. However, its instability and potential for irritation are well-known challenges. At Medik8, we’ve overcome these obstacles with our innovative vitamin A range. Expertly formulated to cater to all skin types and concerns, our products feature stabilised strengths that deliver maximum anti-ageing benefits with minimal irritation.

As experts in Vitamin A, we only use those forms with proven scientific evidence to ensure our formulas deliver visible age-defying results - for both the face and delicate eye area.

At the heart of our collection is our iconic night serum Crystal Retinal. It contains next-generation vitamin A, which works 11x faster than traditional retinol and delivers visibly smoother, clearer, and younger-looking skin in a fraction of the time. Unlike many retinals, which can cause flaking and irritation, Crystal Retinal has been expertly formulated in our in-house laboratory with a unique combination of the highest quality ingredients and patented technologies so it's gentle yet very powerful. For customers looking to gradually step up their vitamin A use, Crystal Retinal offers multiple strengths from 0.01% to 0.24%, allowing for a seamless progression to higher concentrations as your skin adjusts.

Intelligent Retinol, our traditional retinol range, is formulated to be highly stable and slow-releasing, ensuring that even those new to vitamin A can benefit from its anti-ageing effects without irritation. Like Crystal Retinal, Intelligent Retinol caters to all skin types, from beginners to advanced users, and ensures smooth, wrinkle-free skin over time.

Medik8’s Vitamin A products stand apart by offering advanced formulas backed by innovative technologies which deliver supercharged results without the common irritating downsides of other vitamin A formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vitamin A or C better for skin?

Vitamin A improves skin texture and reduces fine lines, while Vitamin C brightens the complexion and boosts collagen production. Both have unique benefits depending on your skin's needs. At Medik8, if your skin tolerates it, we recommend using both ingredients as part of our CSA philosophy.

Is Vitamin A the same as retinol?

No, Vitamin A is a broader term that includes various compounds. Retinol is a specific form of Vitamin A used in skincare for its anti-ageing properties.

How often can I use Vitamin A on my skin?

Start with 2-3 times a week and increase gradually as your skin adjusts. Always follow product instructions and consult a dermatologist if needed.

Radhika Sen

Radhika Sen

Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.