Easy A

Got a skin issue? Vitamin A could be your ticket to skin clarity and firmness.Sally Hunwick looks at why this skincare ingredient is top of the class

- Sally Hunwick

Retinol, retinoids … vitamin A can be a confusing ingredient to get your head around. But in terms of real benefits, this skin ingredient is a star player. In fact, it is the only ingredient clinically proven to create real skin change.

“Retinol helps improve overall texture and tone,” says Dr Dendy Engelman, Elizabeth Arden consulting dermatologist based in New York. Happy to tackle a range of skin issues such as radiance, pore size, skin elasticity, unevenness, lines and wrinkles, vitamin A performs skincare wizardry when warding off the typical signs of ageing. Experts say vitamin A is appropriate for all adult skin (though they advise putting it aside during pregnancy), but it is particularly valuable for those aged over 30 – when collagen production starts to wane.

“Retinol helps to rejuvenate the skin and bring new skin to the surface,” says Philippa Curnow, head of education at Elizabeth Arden. “It can help with lines and deep wrinkles, skin discolouration, uneven skin tone and pore size.”

The reason retinol is so good at warding off the signs of ageing is because it works on receptors that signal the skin to boost collagen production. “This means an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and the appearance of pore size,” says Engelman. Clarity is the other skin benefit of vitamin A. “Retinoids decrease pore clogging and are anti-inflammatory, which helps treat and prevent acne,” adds Engelman.