The Skin Benefits of Vitamin A

The Skin Benefits of Vitamin A

by | Jul 18, 2018

THE SKIN BENEFITS OF VITAMIN A

You know the drill when it comes to caring for your skin: cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen... With so many possibilities (and products) to help your skin looks its best there are a few nutrients that skin really needs—and vitamin A is one of them. Whether you get it from your diet or in a topical cream, the protective and nourishing properties of Vitamin A, and the nutrients your body uses to make it, lend a hand in keeping skin healthy, firm and radiant.

Here’s what happens when you feed your body vitamin A:

  • IT PROTECTS AGAINST UV DAMAGE AND SLOWS SIGNS OF AGING. Most of your vitamin A intake comes from eating foods rich in beta-carotene and provitamin A carotenoids, which are potent antioxidants.

IT ENCOURAGES HEALTHY SKIN CELL PRODUCTION. Retinal, retinol and retinoic acid are important to cell production and growth. Vitamin A also stimulates fibroblasts—the cells responsible for developing tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy—in the deep layers of your skin. Because vitamin A and carotenoids play such a big role in cell and tissue growth, not getting enough can lead to weakened skin, causing problems ranging from dryness to wounds that heal more slowly.

  • IT PROTECTS AGAINST INFECTION. Your skin is an important part of your immune system; think of it as your body’s bouncer—a first line of defense against bacteria, pollutants and infection. By promoting cell production, vitamin A helps strengthen this barrier, protecting your complexion from harmful irritants that attempt to attack the surface.

Here’s what happens when you apply vitamin A topically:

  • IT SMOOTHES WRINKLES. Topical vitamin A in the form of retinol (found in over-the-counter products) and retinoic acid (found in prescription creams) are proven wrinkle-fighters and many dermatologists’ go-to recommendation for combating signs of aging. Research has shown that these ingredients are able to stimulate collagen production: When collagen becomes damaged due to UV exposure and other aggressors, wrinkles begin to develop, much like cracks in a weak foundation. Retinoids “turn on” cells responsible for making new collagen, strengthening your skin and filling in fine lines below the surface so skin looks smoother. One study found that after using a prescription-strength vitamin A cream for 10 to 12 months participants noticed significantly fewer wrinkles, and medical experts noted an 80 percent increase in collagen.
  • IT EVENS SKIN TONE AND GIVES YOU A GLOW. Vitamin A creams can help lighten sun-induced brown spots and boost skin radiance in two ways: First, by increasing and normalizing skin cell turnover, which helps you shed pigmented, damaged and rough surface cells, making room for healthier cells and allowing light to bounce off more evenly. Secondly, retinoids may block an enzyme needed for melanin (pigment) production, further helping to deliver an even-toned, glowing complexion.

IT CLEARS UP ACNE. Pimples form when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria and oil, providing the perfect breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes, a common bacteria responsible for blemishes. When vitamin A creams stimulate cell turnover the same process happens within the pores themselves, helping to slow oil production and keep pores clear.

What we recommend – click on the photo for more info…

Retinal

Be sure to use sunscreen during the day, too; topical retinoids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV damage. Avoid retinol and retinoids if you’re pregnant; you can speak to your dermatologist about other options that are safer while you’re expecting.

 

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6 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT SUMMER SUN PROTECTION

6 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT SUMMER SUN PROTECTION

by | Jul 11, 2018

How much do you know about sun safety? These facts will help ensure your skin is well-protected:

1. The sun emits two types of rays that reach your skin, UVA and UVB. What’s the difference between the two?
Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays emit the same amount of radiation from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are stronger in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Are UVA and UVB rays equally harmful to skin?
Yes, but they affect it in different ways. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin redness. (Think “B” for “burning.”) They cause inflammation, surface dryness and excess dry skin buildup.

UVA rays are weaker than UVB rays but pass further into your skin. They stimulate excess pigment, resulting in dark marks, age spots and dullness. UVAs also break down collagen and elastin, causing lines, wrinkles and sagging. UVA rays can penetrate glass, which means they harm your skin even while indoors.

3. What does SPF stand for, and how does it work?
SPF is short for “Sun Protection Factor.” The higher the SPF, the more protection. But exactly how long a sunscreen protects you depends on your skin color and its tolerance to UVB rays.

To get a sense of how long you can stay in the sun, multiply your sunscreen’s SPF number by the amount of time it takes your skin to burn in the sun.

If your skin turns red in 10 minutes without sun protection, your math would look like this:

• SPF 15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) without getting burned
• SPF 30 x 10 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) without getting burned

…but there’s a little more to it than this. First, no sunscreen can block out 100% of the sun’s rays. Since you can’t rely on sunscreen for complete protection, be sure to cover up your body and wear a big hat and sunglasses.

4. What’s the difference between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?
The two types of sunscreens protect skin in different ways and have different properties. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, reflect and scatter light and are gentle on skin — which is why Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH and SOOTHE sunscreens are physical sunscreens. Chemical screens, such as avobenzone, absorb light and blend well with more ingredients. Rodan + Fields REVERSE, REDEFINE and ESSENTIALS sunscreens are chemical sunscreens.

Whether physical or chemical, all Rodan + Fields broad-spectrum sunscreens are formulated to protect against damage from both UVA and UVB rays.

5. How much sunscreen do I need?
More than you probably think! Apply one tablespoon of sunscreen to your face and one ounce — the amount that would fill a shot glass — to your body for adequate sun protection.

6. How frequently should I reapply sunscreen?
One application of sunscreen won’t protect your skin for the entire day. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours — more frequently if you’ve been in the water. This is true even if you’re using a sunscreen with a high SPF.

Now that you’re armed with sun-care knowledge, forward this post to a friend.

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