Vitamin A may already be well known as a top ingredient in skin care products. Commonly referred to as retinol or retinoid, this active substance is known to increase cell turnover and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But do vitamins have any benefits for hair?
It’s becoming increasingly common for popular skin care buzzwords to appear on hair product labels, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. However, formulating completely different beauty categories may yield different results. We asked experts to find out what exactly vitamin A does for your hair, how you should use it on a daily basis, and who are the best candidates. Ta. Learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision about adding vitamin A to your hair routine.
meet an expert
Dr. Marisa Garshick, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Ross Kopelman is a hair loss expert and hair restoration surgeon.
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is an important nutrient for the body. Necessary for our immune system, vision, proper growth and development, organs (including skin), and teeth. This vitamin may be known by another name. Carotenoids, the antioxidants that give carrots their color, are converted to vitamin A in the body. As mentioned above, vitamin A is also known for its uses in skin care, and vitamin A is commonly referred to as retinol or retinoid.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause many health problems, but when it comes to hair, “too little vitamin A can cause your scalp to become dry and your hair brittle,” says hair loss specialist and surgeon. says Dr. Ross Kopelman.
Vitamin A benefits for hair
Promotes hair growth: “Vitamin A, taken in moderation, supports the growth of strong, healthy hair,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marisa Gershick. “However, overconsumption is associated with hair loss.” In other words, moderation is key. Kopelman added, “This ingredient also plays a role in cell turnover, which is essential for hair follicle health and the growth of strong, resilient hair.” Promotes Scalp Health: The key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. The base of your head is where hair growth begins and determines the overall health of your hair. “Vitamin A helps regulate sebum production, which keeps the scalp moisturized and prevents dryness and flaking that can inhibit hair growth,” says Kopelman.
Protect from hair breakage: There is no point in improving hair growth if your hair constantly breaks. Vitamin A can help. “Vitamin A supports the overall health of your scalp and hair follicles, making your hair stronger and less brittle,” explains Gershick. Strengthen your hair: Even if your hair isn’t broken, you want to make it as strong as possible. “Its antioxidant properties help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress,” says Gershick, adding that this means hair is also less likely to become brittle. When you get enough vitamin A, you may notice that your hair is softer and shinier than before.
Things to consider
Everyone needs sufficient amounts of vitamin A in their lives, but actively consuming vitamin A is not suitable for everyone. Excessive use can actually have negative effects. That being said, there are several cases where this ingredient is a prime candidate for your hair care routine.
If your hair is brittle or brittle, you may benefit from vitamin A. “People with dry scalp, brittle hair, or thinning hair due to nutritional deficiencies may benefit from vitamin A,” says Gershick. “This is especially helpful for people with vitamin deficiencies that affect hair health.”
We mentioned that vitamin A may promote hair growth, but those who suffer from hair loss should be careful before using the ingredient. “If you are already experiencing hair loss, we recommend that you do not take vitamin A supplements without consulting a professional, as overdosing can worsen the problem,” warns Kopelman. do. “Too much can disrupt the natural growth cycle and actually lead to hair loss,” Garshick also warns against overdosing, as well as a heads-up for people having babies. “Pregnant women should also consult their doctor, as high doses can adversely affect fetal development,” Girshik explains.
How to use
There are several ways to get more vitamin A. While it’s always fun to add new products to your rotation, both of our experts recommend adding more foods rich in this nutrient to your diet first. “For best usage, I always tell patients to focus on natural dietary sources to ensure a balanced intake,” suggests Kopelman. Similarly, Garshick recommends focusing on foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and eggs, to maintain balanced levels naturally.
The next level up is using vitamin A topically. “Certain hair oils and hair serums may be formulated with safe levels of vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol or retinoids, to ensure they are compatible with your scalp type,” says Gershick.
Finally, you can also take vitamin A as a supplement. “If you’re considering supplements, stick to the recommended daily intake (usually around 700 to 900 micrograms for adults) and check with your health care provider to make sure they’re safe for your specific situation.” ” Kopelman said. If you choose this method, Garshick recommends adding other vitamins to the mix. “Combining oral vitamin A with other vitamins, such as vitamin E and zinc, can have a synergistic effect and help overall scalp and hair health,” she says. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
last point
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for our bodies and plays an important role in the health of our scalp and hair. Makes hair softer and shinier, promotes hair growth and promotes scalp health. Include foods rich in vitamin A in your diet, use it topically in hair products, or take it as a supplement. However, too much of this ingredient can have negative effects, so be sure to maintain safe levels. If you want to consider taking supplements, first check with your health care provider to make sure you are an appropriate candidate for supplements.
