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Natural Living

“A” Youthful Glow

When it comes to skin, most dermatologists consider topical vitamin A to be the best age-defying nutrient.

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Decades of testing and research have found that vitamin A reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fades brown spots and sun damage, smooths roughness, decreases pore size, helps to clear acne, and increases firmness.

Vitamin A works by sloughing off the top layer of skin, which evens skin tone, and thickens the layers below, helping to smooth wrinkles. The vitamin also boosts collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm, by blocking the genes that cause it to break down and increasing other gene activity responsible for collagen production. The most common forms of vitamin A used in topical skin-care products are retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde.

Equally essential for great-looking skin, not to mention healthy eyes, is consuming plenty of vitamin A-rich foods. The vitamin helps your eyes adjust to light changes, and also helps keep your eyes, skin, and mucous membranes moist. Top food sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and mustard greens.

A+ Tips for Beautiful Skin

When using a skin-care product that contains vitamin A, keep the following points in mind:

  • Sunlight inactivates most forms of vitamin A, so apply vitamin A serums, creams, and lotions at night.
  • Highly concentrated vitamin A topicals can be irritating, causing redness and flaking. To avoid this, apply them every second or third night initially and work up to every night or every other night.
  • Be vigilant with sunscreen, as vitamin A makes skin more sun sensitive.

Soften, nourish, and hydrate your skin with Kiss My Face Vitamin A & E Deep Moisturizing Lotion Antioxidant-rich retinyl palmitate, vitamin E, and grape seed oil-plus soothing aloe vera and botanical flower extracts-are combined in a luxurious lotion to hydrate your hands, face, and body.

Renew, refine, and smooth skin with MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Serum. This wrinkle fighter is powered by the retinaldehyde form of vitamin A that is less irritating, more stable, and is thought to be more effective than other forms. In addition, ceramide 3 hydrates and protects skin from outside pollutants, and orange plant stem cells boost skin’s elasticity.

Purify and refresh your skin with Earth Science Aloe Vera Complexion Toner & Freshener. This alcohol-free, non-drying toner normalizes skin’s pH while removing dirt, impurities, makeup, and mineral deposits. Retinyl palmitate helps prepare skin to absorb a moisturizer, while aloe, panthenol (vitamin B5), hyaluronic acid, and sea kelp hydrate. It’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Amplify cell turnover for less noticeable lines and wrinkles with Aroma Naturals Amazing Vitamin A,C & E Crème. Retinyl palmitate combined with vitamins C and E; alpha lipoic acid; and a patent-pending complex of omegas 3, 6, 7, & 9 fatty acids help restore skin’s texture, elasticity, and resilience. Fortified with coconut water, aloe vera
gel, and chamomile tea for rapid hydration, and cocoa butter to smooth skin, this rich moisturizer is an anti-aging multitasker.