27/08/2026
It's the ingredient we get asked about more than any other.
If there's one ingredient we talk about more than any other in the treatment room, it's Vitamin A.
You've probably heard it's good for your skin. Maybe you've also heard it's only for older skin, or that it's harsh, or that you need to be a skincare expert to use it properly. None of that's quite right, so let's clear it up.
What is it?
Vitamin A (you'll also see it called retinol or retinal) is one of the most well-studied active ingredients in skincare. Put simply, it's an ingredient that speaks the same language as your skin cells. Once it's absorbed, your skin converts it into a form it can actually use, and that's where the real work happens.
What does it actually do?
Vitamin A works at a cellular level to speed up skin cell turnover, which just means it helps your skin renew itself faster and more efficiently. In practice, that looks like smoother texture, a more even tone, softer-looking fine lines and a genuine boost to collagen production over time. It's one of the few ingredients that can actually change the way your skin behaves, not just how it looks on the surface.
Who should use it?
Almost everyone can use some form of Vitamin A, which surprises a lot of people. It isn't just for ageing skin. If you're dealing with congestion, uneven texture, dullness or early lines, it's worth talking about. The key is starting at the right strength for where your skin is now, which is exactly why we don't recommend just grabbing the strongest one off the shelf.
What should you look for?
Not all Vitamin A is created equal. Look for a stable, well-formulated version, ideally one designed to release gradually so your skin gets the benefit without unnecessary irritation. Strength matters too, and it should match where your skin is today, not where you'd like it to be in six months.
Not sure where you sit?
Come in and let us look at your skin properly before you commit to a Vitamin A routine. We'll talk through what you're currently using, how your skin's handling it, and which strength actually makes sense for you, not just what's trending.
