Is it Possible to Obtain Retinol from Your Diet?

Do fruits and vegetables really hold anti-aging powers? Well, people of TikTok certainly believe so and are ready to show you how to preserve that baby face with food rich in retinol. If you are not keen on skincare, right after sunscreen, skin professionals love to recommend using retinol and retinoid substances on their skin. In simpler terms, as Dr. Goff from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas put it, "Sunscreen is like brushing your teeth, and a retinoid is flossing." It's undeniable that retinol does wonders when applied topically, but it's the online hacks that make me wonder whether the benefits could simply be gained by eating them instead. If that's true, why would anyone need expensive skin cream to apply at night?


At Balogh's words, "Vitamin A is helpful for our body in myriad ways. However, for the skin, topical application is best. It gets converted into retinoic acid when you put it on the skin, and it aids in cell and collagen formation there. In summary, vitamin A-rich foods are healthy for you, but when it comes to skin problems like acne, dark patches, and aging, a topical application of retinol is the best medicine." With a focus on the short answer: Consuming vitamin A does not furnish the skin with the same benefits as skincare regimens; however, these foods can nourish other bodily functions and possibly benefit the skin. Of course, as with all good food, these should be part of your diet. But if the focus is on acne, aging, and retinol, a visit to the skin specialist is advisable for the right treatment.


However, Balogh states that excess amounts of vitamin A can be dangerous, though with food, this is unlikely, as it's more common with vitamin A supplements. If you feel you are lacking vitamin A and are considering doses, consult a physician beforehand.