Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin A, including its acetate form (retinyl acetate), is scientifically linked to the treatment and support of acne, though the evidence and clinical use are nuanced. The core scientific basis arises from the essential role of vitamin A in skin health, cellular differentiation, and sebum production. Pharmaceutical derivatives of vitamin A—most notably retinoic acid and isotretinoin—are well-established, highly effective treatments for acne. These medications work by normalizing keratinization, decreasing sebaceous gland size and sebum production, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, these are much more potent and pharmacologically active than dietary vitamin A or its supplement forms. Oral vitamin A (preformed, such as retinyl acetate) has been used in high doses for severe, recalcitrant acne in the past. Some clinical studies from the mid-20th century demonstrated that high-dose vitamin A supplementation (~100,000–300,000 IU/day) could improve acne, but such doses pose significant risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A), limiting this approach in modern practice. There is insufficient evidence that typical dietary or supplement-level intakes of vitamin A have a meaningful impact on acne, and the risk of overdose is significant. In summary, while vitamin A is scientifically connected to acne management, especially via its potent synthetic derivatives, the use of vitamin A acetate as a regular oral supplement for acne is not strongly supported by modern evidence due to safety concerns and limited efficacy at safe dosages.

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