Adult Acne - Does Vitamin A Help Cure Acne?

Our bodies do not make Vitamin A, even though it is essential for good health. Its supply relies on outside sources. In other words, if we do not provide these outside sources the health of our eyes, our immune system, our skin and bones are at risk.

A Vitamin A supplement is one of the most common sources. Acne sufferers often turn to these supplements in an effort to treat their acne. After all, our skin does need Vitamin A to stay healthy, so it makes sense to supply it with extra nutrients. As long as the body is getting enough from the right sources, there is nothing wrong with this. There are dangers in taking too much Vitamin A over a long period. It is much better to make sure this essential vitamin is included in the foods we eat.

Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A, or Retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is stored in the body until the body needs it. This means you do not have to take large amounts of it every day. It is found in easily accessible foods like butter, cheese,eggs, fortified margarine, yogurt and fish. Liver has a high concentrate of Vitamin A, so if you are eating that every week you will be getting enough for your body's needs. Also, Vitamin A is in most multi vitamin supplements and in some breakfast cereals.

Most fruit and vegetables contain Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Carrots owe their colour to beta-carotene - hence the reason most of us were urged to eat carrots when we were young so that we would get vitamin A to help our vision. It is known to help us see in dim light, so if we eat carrots we will see better in the dark - some popular "old wives tales" are true. Vitamin A acts as an anti-oxidant, which is why health nutritionists advise us to eat dark green and orange/yellow coloured fruits and vegetables. This means it is not only good for our skin but also good for our general health.

Toxic Overload

As we know, too much of a good thing can be bad for us. This is the case with Vitamin A. Having too much over a long period can hurt the liver. It can cause hair loss, excessive dryness of the skin and, in the case of smokers, increased risk of lung cancer. It can also be a danger to the foetus during pregnancy. Supplements can pose a danger because it is easy to take too many. On the other hand, beta-carotene does not turn toxic, which is why it is much safer to get the vitamin from the foods we eat. Of course, there may be times when additional Vitamin A supplements are needed but this is best done under the guidance of your doctor.

By all means, make sure your skin is getting an ample supply of Vitamin A but do it safely by including the right foods in your diet.