Vitamin A for skin? Yep, if radiant, resilient skin is on your wishlist, there’s one skincare ingredient you need to know: vitamin A. We sat down with Dr Ernst Eiselen, long-time Medical Advisor for Environ Skincare, to talk all things retinol, results, and real skin science.
Let’s break it down:
Why Vitamin A is the Ultimate Skin Rejuvenator
“Vitamin A can turn the clock back 10 to 20 years,” says Dr Eiselen.
And he’s not exaggerating. Vitamin A (aka retinol) is the gold standard in skincare – clinically proven to:
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Boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production
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Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
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Even out pigmentation
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Support skin healing and repair
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Stimulate healthy cell turnover
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Fight acne and inflammation
But here’s the kicker: back in the day, vitamin A had a bad rap. It was seen as too harsh for skin – until researchers figured out the secret.
“It’s like good sex—you’ve got to start low and go slow,” says Dr Eiselen. Yep, that one’s hard to forget!
☀️ Sunlight & Vitamin A: A Love-Hate Relationship
Here’s a shocker: 20 minutes of sunlight can deplete up to 15% of your skin’s vitamin A. A beach day? Try 60–80% gone.
UV rays don’t just damage the skin – they also wipe out vitamin A stores and destroy receptors, making your skin more vulnerable to ageing and even cancer.
The solution? Replenish vitamin A topically to support your skin’s natural ability to repair and protect itself.
Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid – What’s the Difference?
If you’re lost in the retinoid maze, you’re not alone. Here’s the simple version:
All vitamin A derivatives (like retinyl palmitate or retinaldehyde) convert into retinoic acid, the active form your skin uses. But this powerful transformation needs to happen slowly – too much, too soon can overwhelm your skin.
✔️ Tip: Check your product label. If vitamin A is listed near the bottom, it’s likely too weak to make a difference.
The Skin Benefits of Vitamin A (When Used Right)
Environ’s Focus Youth Plus Retinol Serum
When applied correctly, vitamin A can:
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Activate skin stem cells
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Support collagen and elastin
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Reduce inflammation
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Balance oil production
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Minimise pigmentation
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Strengthen the skin barrier
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Reverse signs of sun damage
And because only 6% of any topical makes it past the skin barrier, quality and dosage matter.
That’s why Environ Skincare uses the highest legal levels of vitamin A in their step-up system – so your skin can adjust gradually without irritation (and they’re keeping the exact amounts hush-hush). Browse the collection here.
Vitamin A: How to Use It Safely
If you’re new to retinol, ease your way in:
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Start low, go slow (remember that one from earlier?!)
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Apply every second night at first
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Use SPF daily – no exceptions
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Pair with hydrating serums or moisturisers
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Don’t freak out if your skin purges (it’s temporary)
⚕️ Meet the Expert: Dr Ernst Eiselen
Dr Eiselen is a GP based in Perth, Australia, and an expert in skin health. A chance encounter with Environ founder Dr Des Fernandes sparked his deep dive into the power of vitamin A – and he’s been helping people get better skin from the inside out ever since.
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Thanks for stopping by!
