Vitamin A is important to the eyes, but did you know that it is also important to the skin?

Vitamin A, or retinol, is normally obtained through the diet through foods that are brightly colored and carotenoid-rich, such as carrots and tomatoes. In the body, it is converted into compounds called retinoids, which function to help normalize skin growth.

Topical retinoids are available from prescription medications to over-the-counter beauty products. Retinoids help soften and express comedones (blackheads), decrease pore size, increase collagen production, even out discoloration, and decrease inflammation. Hence, it is an important active ingredient found in most anti-aging and skin beautifying products. More specifically, the active ingredient of these beauty products often contains retinol or retinaldehyde. Its more potent prescription equivalent is used for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.