Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is vital to biological development in human beings and animals. Retinol, an ingredient commonly found in skin care products, is derived from animal sources. Vitamin A and retinol have slight differences, but retinol is simply one form of the vitamin.
The terms vitamin A and retinol may be used interchangeably, but this neglects the components of the vitamin's molecular structure. Vitamin A is found in different forms, including preformed retinoids and provitamin cartenoids. Retinoids, such as retinol, are derived from animal sources, such as eggs and dairy foods. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene, are found in carrots, broccoli, squash, and other types of vegetables. Approximately 10 percent of carotenoids derived from plants are provitamin-A carotenoids.
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which means that certain fats and minerals are required to absorb the vitamin into the body. This vitamin can be stored in the body for a few days or even a few months. After intake, the body can convert vitamin A into retinol. People can take vitamin A supplements in addition to eating the natural sources of retinol and beta-carotene. Vitamin A supplements are available in the forms of retinyl palmitate or dietary retinol.
Research shows that the regular intake of vitamin A or its derivatives could alleviate symptoms of certain conditions and improve overall health. It is an anti-oxidant, as it neutralizes harmful free-radicals in the body and on skin. Generally, vitamin A is associated with visual functions, as people with a deficiency of the vitamin display symptoms such as keratomalacia, or night blindness; xerophthalmia, or dry eye; and retinal damage. Taking the vitamin could improve any of the aforementioned conditions.
By themselves, vitamin A and retinol do not have a significant effect if they are applied directly on the skin. Enzymes must combine these forms into retinoic acid. Forms of these substances are used in skin products targeting oily, combination, and aging skin. Retinol is found in skin care products such as eye cream and face cream.
Vitamin A and retinol, if taken or applied in large quantities, will dry out the skin. This side effect makes the vitamin a good ingredient for skin which produces an excessive amount of sebum, or oil.
Other forms of the vitamin A molecule found in skin products include tretinoin and isotretinoin. These retinoids are found in popular skin creams and acne medications. These products containing different forms of Vitamin A derivatives address oily skin, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
If you are in Dallas and interested in understanding the differences between vitamin A and retinol, seeking guidance from Dallas dietitians can be beneficial. These experts can explain how vitamin A is essential for biological development in humans and animals and discuss its various forms, including retinol derived from animal sources and carotenoids found in vegetables.