The Vitamin A Debate: Accutane vs. Whole Food Vitamin A for Clearing Acne
If you have struggled with acne and are searching for a way to achieve clear, glowing, and healthy skin, you have likely come across Accutane, also known as isotretinoin. This prescription medication is frequently recommended as a conventional treatment for acne vulgaris. While it can be effective, Accutane comes with potential risks.
Accutane has been linked to numerous long-term side effects and a high risk of toxicity. Our team of practitioners understands the importance of vitamin A for skin health, but we take a different approach—utilizing whole food sources of vitamin A. This method is significantly safer, has minimal to no side effects, and carries a low risk of toxicity. Many of our clients see excellent results when incorporating whole food vitamin A into their acne-healing protocol!
Accutane vs. Whole Food Vitamin A: What’s the Difference?
Accutane - The Breakdown
Accutane is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A. Standard dosing begins at 0.5 mg/kg per day. This medication works by shrinking sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production. Since excess sebum can promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, Accutane helps reduce breakouts. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for inflammatory acne.
However, Accutane poses significant concerns regarding toxicity, requiring careful monitoring by a healthcare provider. Common side effects include:
Dry lips, skin, and eyes
Increased sun sensitivity
Altered blood markers (elevated liver enzymes, changes in lipid panels)
Hair thinning
Joint and muscle pain
Mood changes
Due to heightened skin sensitivity, it is advised to avoid resurfacing treatments (e.g., dermabrasion, laser therapy) during and at least six months post-treatment. Our approach acknowledges that acne is a symptom, and we believe that supporting the body with whole food vitamin A can be an effective, lower-risk alternative. Additionally, Accutane does not address the root cause of acne, meaning breakouts often return once treatment stops.
Whole Food Vitamin A - The Breakdown
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that supports not only skin health but also vision, immune function, cell growth, and bone health. There are two primary sources of vitamin A:
Preformed Vitamin A (found in animal products like fatty fish and organ meats)
Provitamin A Carotenoids (found in plant sources like carrots and sweet potatoes, which the body converts into vitamin A)
For those with hypothyroidism, liver dysfunction, diabetes, intestinal malabsorption, or low-fat diets, conversion of provitamin A carotenoids into active vitamin A may be impaired. In such cases, we typically recommend preformed vitamin A sources, such as retinyl palmitate.
Best Food Sources of Vitamin A
Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol):
Liver
Eggs
Fatty fish
Shrimp
Dairy
Provitamin A Carotenoids:
Carrots
Pumpkin
Papaya
Mangoes
Sweet potatoes
Kale
Spinach
Broccoli
Peas
Can Vitamin A Help Clear Acne?
If you're considering vitamin A as part of your acne-healing journey, we recommend checking your vitamin A levels through blood tests. Optimal vitamin A function also depends on sufficient levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2. Zinc deficiency, for example, can reduce the release of vitamin A from the liver, leading to suboptimal levels.
Unlike Accutane, whole food vitamin A sources have a much lower risk of toxicity. Our team also incorporates whole food-based vitamin A supplementation, such as cod liver oil, to help optimize skin health.
A Client Success Story
One of our clients struggled with persistent, inflamed acne on her cheeks, jawline, and forehead. She had undergone three rounds of Accutane with some initial improvement, but her acne always returned. Through lab testing, we discovered that underlying issues included inflammation, poor iron recycling, suboptimal vitamin A and zinc levels, gut imbalances, and low iodine.
By incorporating whole food vitamin A sources and cod liver oil into her regimen, she saw noticeable improvements within three months. Her breakouts decreased, her acne lesions healed faster, and she frequently received compliments on her glowing skin.
Final Thoughts
While much of the research on vitamin A and acne focuses on Accutane, we have found that whole food forms of vitamin A can be an effective and safer alternative. By addressing underlying causes such as inflammation and nutrient deficiencies, whole food vitamin A can support skin health with significantly fewer risks than Accutane.