Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin A has scientific validation for use in supporting or treating acne, particularly in the form of its synthetic derivatives, known as retinoids. Oral isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) and topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) are established, first-line therapies for moderate to severe acne vulgaris. These compounds are structurally related to Vitamin A and act primarily by normalizing keratinocyte differentiation, reducing sebaceous gland activity, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects, all of which are key in the pathogenesis of acne. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support the efficacy of retinoids in reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. However, the direct use of Vitamin A (retinol or retinyl esters) itself, as opposed to pharmaceutical retinoids, is less common due to lower potency and a higher risk of toxicity at the doses required for clinical effect. Oral Vitamin A in high doses was used before the advent of isotretinoin, but its use has largely been abandoned due to concerns about teratogenicity and toxicity. Overall, the scientific evidence for the acne-fighting effects of retinoids is robust, but the direct use of plain Vitamin A is limited by safety concerns. Importantly, neither topical nor oral Vitamin A should be self-administered for acne without medical supervision.

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Other ingredients used for Acne

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