BeautyFresh Blog

Beauty Ideas, Tips, Reviews & Hints

Vitamin A & Sun Protection – The FAQs

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Vitamin A has a myriad of potent benefits when it comes to sun protection.

Firstly, vitamin A’s functions regulating, maintaining and repairing the skin are vital in offsetting UV damage.

“Vitamin A in cells supports healthy ageing. So just by its regular activity it reduces the symptoms of ageing in the skin”

states Dr Gaby.

Alongside this, retinyl palmitate – the storage form of vitamin A – has photoprotective properties. Dr Gaby explains that retinyl palmitate is a “chromophore”, meaning it absorbs photons of UV light before they penetrate deeper into skin. Dr Gaby notes that protection varies from person to person, depending on the amount of vitamin A already present. If a client has low levels of vitamin A, any vitamin A taken orally or added topically will be quickly converted into the active form (retinoic acid) to perform its functions in the skin. It is only when there is sufficient vitamin A supplied to the skin that additional vitamin A is stored as retinyl palmitate – where it provides its photoprotective effect.”

Additionally, once retinyl palmitate has performed its photon absorbing function it is deactivated and no longer performs other functions. One molecule cannot both protect and repair.

Maintaining optimum levels of vitamin A in the skin is, therefore, vital to ensure clients benefit from retinyl palmitate’s photoprotective properties while retaining vitamin A’s powerful skin health functions. The body’s stores of vitamin A should be replenished both orally and topically every day, and the younger this replenishment begins, the greater the chance of reducing effects of skin ageing.

Check out some options from the Advance Nutrition Programme for Vitamin A:

Advanced Nutrition Vitamin A 60
Advanced Nutrition Vitamin A 120

Understanding Vitamin A

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Vitamin A’s vital role in the skin is central to the IIAA skincare philosophy, particularly in Advanced Nutrition Programme products. Recently IIAA have received several questions on exactly how and why vitamin A has such powerful skin benefits. To answer these questions, IIAA asked their experts to explain the science behind the so-called ‘skin vitamin’.

Dr Des Fernandes, founder at IIAA

“Every skin cell naturally contains about 91% retinyl esters (mainly retinyl palmitate (3% retinol and 3% retinal and 3% retinoic acid. The only form that makes any change to skin is retinoic acid that acts on the DNA through various receptors. Every molecule of retinoic acid was in the beginning retinyl palmitate / ester. That is the natural pathway – Retinyl Palmitate to Retinol to Retinal and finally to retinoic Acid.

The body carefully controls the levels of the various steps. If there is too much retinol it is converted into retinyl esters, if there is too much retinal, it is converted to retinol to be converted to retinyl esters. There is no limit to the size of the retinyl ester stores. The higher they are, the less likely it is to develop a skin cancer. You cannot build up your ‘store’ of retinol because it is changed to the ester form to keep the retinol at physiologically safe levels.

Whichever vitamin A you put on the skin gets converted to retinyl esters. Every single molecule of vitamin A can only become a single molecule of retinoic acids and that is what works.

The important message is that no matter what form of vitamin A you use, they all go through the same process and provided that they are not retinoic acid, they will be converted to retinyl esters. The higher the storage state is of Retinyl esters, the more retinoic acid we make eventually.

Vitamin A is a most precious molecule and the body controls it exceptionally carefully. Most skins are damaged by light and lose their storage forms of vitamin A. there is less change to the levels of retinol / retinal, but this all ends up with less activity of retinoic acid. Once the stores are filled, the cell starts to work normally again, cancers become less likely etc. However, depleted skin must be slowly re-introduced to good levels of vitamin A. That’s why Start Low – Go Slow”.

Dr Gaby Prinsloo, Medical Director for IIAA

“Vitamin A regulated DNA activity and metabolic process in numerous cells in the skin, and it is essential for normal cellular function. It also aids in DNA repair.

It regulates many genes controlling the growth and differentiation of keratinocytes. This leads to a thicker epidermis, a compact stratum corneum and a smooth skin surface. It controls melanin production in the melanocytes and ensures an equal distribution of melanin leading to even pigmentation.

Vitamin A also acts on fibroblasts, stimulating collagen producing genes to increase the production of healthy collagen, improving the quality of healthy collagen, improving the quality of elastin produced and increasing the secretion of high quality hyaluronic acid (HLA). This restores dermal papillae, improves skin elasticity, decreases wrinkles and sagging and increases hydration of skin. Vitamin A decreases the degradation of collagen by decreasing the production of, and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that can break down proteins).

Vitamin A acts on sebaceous glands, normalising oil production. It improves the immune system in the skin as well as the blood supply to the skin. Finally, retinal esters act as chromophores absorbing and providing some protection against UVB rays.

In addition to the benefits in skin, vitamin A is essential for general body health. It regulates gene transcription leading to healthy growth and development of numerous tissues throughout the body. It is essential for the optimal functioning of the immune system and is crucial to the formation of rhodopsin (visual purple) in the retina which is needed to see in low light.

Physiologically, topical vitamin A and oral vitamin A have the same effect on the skin, but reach it in different ways.

It’s always good to use both oral and topical vitamin a to ensure that we are getting maximal availability of vitamin A in the skin. Topical vitamin A fortifies the skin from the outside, while oral vitamin A feeds from the inside, reaching the deepest layers of the skin, all our skin and it feeds the skin 24 hours a day.”

<< Purchase your Vitamin A today from Beauty Fresh >>

60 capsules

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A+ (60 capsules) – Beauty Fresh

120 capsules

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A+ (120 Capsules) – Beauty Fresh

Combat Sun Damaged Skin with Vitamin A

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Reverse and Rewind… How to combat sun damaged skin with Vitamin A

As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure. Sun damage is no exception, but what should you do when it’s too late? Have you spent numerous summers happily soaking up the rays with scant regard for UV protection, but what was once a golden tan has now morphed into leathery, pigmented and prematurely aged skin?

Reversing the damage can be a challenge, but you have a powerful weapon in your arsenal: Vitamin A.

‘I believe that sun damage is a disease that can be treated’, says Dr Des Fernandes, Environ founder. ‘It’s caused by a deficiency in vitamin A’. Given its extraordinary skin benefits, it’s no surprise that this vital nutrient has powerful, proven anti-ageing properties.

Vitamin A ‘normalises skin’. Admittedly, this doesn’t sound particularly exciting, but what does Beauty Fresh mean by ‘normal’ skin. It’s smooth. It’s even-toned. It’s hydrated and luminous. It shows no sign of premature ageing. Doesn’t sound quite so boring now, does it?

Vitamin A’s normalising abilities are particularly important when it comes to sun damage because there is often a lot to reverse.

Do you suffer with pigmentation marks, excessive wrinkling and a course, thickened skin?

These symptoms can manifest themselves decades after UV ray exposure, so even if you have shunned the sun and religiously slathered yourselves in sunscreen for the past ten years, your skin may tell a different story if you were less careful in your youth.

Thickened Skin
Course, leathery skin is the hallmark of sun damage. Think Donatella Versace. Photo damaged skin has a thickened stratum corneum (often referred to as the horny layer) and thinner epidermis, healthy skin has the opposite. When we’re constantly exposed to UV rays the skin tried to protect itself by thickening the horny later, resulting in a rough texture that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making it look dull – the polar opposite of a dewy, radiant complexion that so many clients aspire to.

If you look at sun damaged skin under a microscope, the cells on the epidermis are loose, there are gaps where the collagen has been broken down, compromising its elasticity and ability to retain moisture.

Healthy skin has a thinner horny layer with ‘compacted’ cells, which means they are tightly packed together. Vitamin A has been shown to play a significant role in influencing the genes that cause epidermal stem cells to grow into fully functioning keratinocytes and mature into healthy layers of the epidermis. It increases the growth of the basal layer which is why the epidermis becomes thicker and therefore more tolerant to damaging environmental effects. Its has also been shown to compact the cells on the horny layer, helping to reverse UV damage.

Collagen Breakdown
In addition to thickening the epidermis and thinning an excessively thickened horny layer, Vitamin A also promotes collagen formation by supporting the fibroblast cells which make this essential protein. Our collagen production slows down significantly as we age, so compounding the problem with UV exposure spells disaster – goodbye plump, youthful skin, hello premature sagging and wrinkles. Applying vitamin A topically and taking it orally gives your body the building blocks it needs to make new collagen, resulting in a firmer, younger looking complexion and fewer lines. Vitamin C is also important for collagen formation, lightening and brightening the complexion.

Pigmentation Problems
Solar lentigines more commonly known as sun spots or liver spots, are another tell tale sign of too much sun and not enough protection. They occur because UV radiation damages the keratinocyte cells. These make up 90% of the epidermis and have several functions during their life cycle, one of which is communicating with melanocytes which are responsible for melanin production. When they are damaged, this communication is disrupted, resulting in either too much melanin being produced (hyperpigmentation) or too little (hypopigmentation). Vitamin A normalises this process by protecting skin from UV damage repairing rh DNA of the keratinocytes which stops it ‘telling’ the melanocytes to make more melanin and reducing the activity of tyrosinase which is ultimately turned into melanin.

Some people wonder why pigmentation marks can’t be removed with exfoliation. The reasons for this are complex, but in essence melanocytes transfer melanin to the keratinocytes in the lower layers, which then carry it up to the surface of the skin. However, if the melanocyte’s DNA is damaged by UV exposure it will keep ‘giving’ the keratinocytes too much melanin. This cycle will continue until it’s been normalised with vitamin A.

Vitamin A is fundamentally the most important molecule in addressing sun damage and anti-ageing. There is simply nothing else like it!

Visit Beauty Fresh for your Advanced Nutrition Programme Vitamin A >>>

In Review; Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture Lock

Posted: November 12, 2019

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture Lock A glowing, hydrated complexion provides the perfect canvas for party season make-up, but seasonal changes can leave skin feeling the polar opposite. Skin’s Natural Moisturising Factors and ceramide levels decrease, partly due to the effects of all that cosy central heating. As if this wasn’t bad enough, we have […]

Happy Gut = Healthy Skin

Posted: October 22, 2019

Do you want beautiful, healthy skin and to support a normal, healthy gut? What we put on our skin on the outside is massively important as the wrong creams and lotions can wreak havoc and leave the skin feeling and looking very compromised. However, rebalancing the skin from the inside is going to reach cells […]

Hyaluronic Acid… Why is it an Anti-Ageing Hero?

Posted: October 15, 2019

Which looks younger – dry, dull skin or a hydrated, dewy complexion? The answer, of course, is the latter. We all know how important vitamin A is in reversing the signs of ageing, but it has a companion which takes the effects to a new level: hyaluronic acid. The chances are your clients will have […]

Daily Defence – A Routine for Autumn & Winter Skin

Posted: October 11, 2019

The hot summer days will soon make way for golden leaves and chilly Autumn breezes. Changes in weather can have a dramatic impact on skin, so now is the time to prepare before winter makes its icy appearance. Daily Defence & Damage Limitation – A Guide to Perfect Skin Sometimes you just can’t win. When […]

Moisture: A Must for Mature Skin

Posted: October 9, 2019

As we age our cell metabolism begins to slow and the skin’s barrier function weakens. You may notice loss of elasticity and moisture, leading to age-induced dryness and more pronounced wrinkles. Skin Moisture Lock combines hyaluronic acid with gluten-free wheat ceramides to help hydrate dull, lacklustre skin and reduce wrinkle depth while plumping for a […]

Matis – Fundamental Beautifying Creams…

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Fundamental Beautifying Cream; Matis Paris oldest formulation and a staple for your skincare routine

Reponse Jeunesse Fundamental Beautifying Cream, Matis Paris oldest formulation, remains one of the brand’s most iconic products of the last 80 years.

Suitable for all skins, it is a great product for people that have just started using skincare and they haven’t identified their skin’s specific needs just yet.

Fundamental Hydrating Cream has a luxurious, creamy texture, a fragrance of old school glamour and revitalising properties. It helps repair, stimulate, hydrate and protect the skin limiting imperfections thanks to its anti-bacterial action.

One of its main active ingredients, the mimosa Tenuiflora extract, has several properties including soothing, anti-bacterial, reparative and anti-oxidant actions.

The cream hydration action is thanks to its consistency in Hyaluronic Acid, a “sponge” molecule capable to retain up to one thousand times its weight in water. It helps hydrate the superficial layers of the skin and has a plumping effect on it.

Other active ingredients present in this formula are Silicium derivative which moisturises and limits the skin dehydration, Vitamin E which is a great anti-oxidant and palmitate of Vitamin A which stimulates skin renewal preventing cellular ageing.

Fundamental Beautifying Cream is particularly good to use after laser treatments and to apply on scars (6 weeks after the scar was created).

Check out more Matis creams here on the official Beauty Fresh website or be sure to read more reviews below…

In Review; Once Upon a Time – Matis Gift Sets

Posted: November 22, 2021

Once Upon a time Gift Sets by Matis are the perfect Christmas gift for those who love their skin, be it face care or anti-ageing these gift sets are on sale for the Christmas period here @BeautyFresh, so check out our review of the Matis Once Upon a Time Gift Sets available online now… Matis […]

BeautyFresh Wins Matis Online Retailer of the Year

Posted: October 19, 2021

Beauty Fresh wins the Award of Matis Online Retailer of the Year 2019 Sunderland, February 2020: Beauty Fresh, the beauty online retailer which distributes a complete line of professional treatment products, has been awarded with the title of the Matis Online Retailer of the Year 2019.  The awards, organised by the renowned French skincare brand, […]

In Review; Matis Caviar The Scrub (50ml) & Mask (50ml)

Posted: September 22, 2021

Exfoliating Granita with CAVIAR – By Matis Matis The Scrub face scrub with exfoliating CAVIAR is a complete skincare solution which will delight the senses. Its unique formula combines all the power of French caviar, known for its natural richness in omega-3, proteins, minerals and vitamins, with natural volcanic lava powder, coupled with an active […]

MATIS Hyalushot-Perf, the latest generation Biocellulose face mask for optimum anti-ageing action

Posted: May 10, 2021

MATIS, the Parisian luxury skincare brand is very excited to launch Hyalushot-Perf, another amazing product in the Corrective line of products. Reponse Corrective offers the cosmetic alternative to aesthetic medicine. Inspired by cosmetic surgery techniques, it responds to the first ageing signs of men and women from the age of 30 years old to deliver […]

Matis Caviar Line, a luxurious skincare line with French caviar’s precious, prodigious powers

Posted: February 23, 2021

Often referred to as “black gold”, Caviar is a skincare super-ingredient with powerful and mineral-replenishing anti-ageing properties. It contains 47 different vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing treat for the skin. Sturgeon eggs are packed full of nutritious goodness, with all the ingredients needed to slow down skin ageing. The secret to caviar’s skin-nourishing […]