Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A and its derivatives have a scientific basis for use in acne treatment, though the primary agents are not retinyl acetate specifically, but rather retinoic acid derivatives (retinoids) such as tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin. Vitamin A is essential for skin health and regulates epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Early use of orally administered vitamin A (in high doses) showed some efficacy in acne, but it was limited by toxicity and side effects. Modern acne therapy leverages synthetic retinoids, which are chemically related to vitamin A, and act by normalizing desquamation, reducing sebum production, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Retinyl acetate is a storage form of vitamin A and is less active than retinoic acid. There is limited evidence that topical or oral retinyl acetate itself, at doses safe for human use, is effective in treating acne. Most scientific studies and clinical guidelines focus on retinoic acid derivatives rather than vitamin A esters like retinyl acetate. Therefore, while the scientific rationale for vitamin A derivatives in acne is strong, the evidence specifically for retinyl acetate is weak and not robustly supported by clinical trials or dermatological guidelines. Safety concerns also preclude the use of high-dose vitamin A supplementation for acne. In summary, while retinoids are foundational in acne therapy, the use of retinyl acetate itself is not well supported by high-quality evidence.

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