Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin A plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin, and its use for treating dry and/or flaky skin is supported by scientific evidence. Vitamin A refers to a group of fat-soluble retinoids, including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, which are vital for skin cell growth and differentiation. Deficiency in vitamin A is well-documented to cause dermatological symptoms, most notably xerosis (abnormal dryness of the skin), scaling, and sometimes follicular hyperkeratosis (rough, bumpy skin). Supplementation or topical application of vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) is a standard treatment for various skin conditions, including dryness and disorders of keratinization. Multiple clinical studies and dermatology guidelines support the use of topical retinoids (such as tretinoin) to increase skin cell turnover, improve moisture retention, and normalize the shedding of skin cells, thereby reducing dryness and flakiness. While oral vitamin A supplementation is generally reserved for individuals with a confirmed deficiency (since excess can be toxic), topical retinoids are widely used and accepted in both medical and cosmetic dermatology for improving skin texture and hydration. In conclusion, both the prevention of deficiency-related skin symptoms and the therapeutic use of retinoids for dry, flaky skin are well-supported by scientific literature.

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