Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
05:03
Author Spotlight: Investigating Physiological Functions of Vitamin A Transporters Using HPLC-Based Vitamin A Profiling
Published on: December 27, 2024
1.2K
Vitamin A in Skin and Hair: An Update
Christine A VanBuren1, Helen B Everts1
1Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX 76209, USA.
Nutrients
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Vitamin A metabolites, like retinoic acid, are crucial for skin and hair health, regulating stem cells and hair cycles. Understanding retinoid roles is key, as deficiencies or excesses harm skin and hair.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Nutritional Science
- Skin Biology and Hair Follicle Research
Background:
- Vitamin A is essential for skin and hair health, but both deficiency and excess have adverse effects.
- Active vitamin A metabolites, retinoic acid and retinal, play critical roles in cellular processes.
- Current understanding of retinoid metabolism and function in skin requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the effects of retinoids on skin and hair.
- To explore the regulatory roles of retinoic acid in hair follicle stem cells and melanocytes.
- To investigate the function of retinal in melanogenesis and its unknown source.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current scientific research on retinoids and skin/hair.
- Analysis of studies detailing retinoic acid's dose-dependent effects on cellular regulation.
- Examination of research concerning retinoid levels and ultraviolet irradiation impact.
Main Results:
- Retinoic acid dose-dependently regulates hair follicle stem cells, impacting hair cycle, wound healing, and melanocyte stem cells.
- Retinoic acid influences melanocyte differentiation and proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- Retinoid levels decrease upon skin exposure to UV irradiation; retinal's role in melanogenesis is established, but its origin remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Retinoids are vital regulators of skin and hair physiology, impacting stem cell function and pigmentation.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms and sources of retinoids, particularly retinal, in skin.
- This review highlights the complex, dose-dependent roles of vitamin A metabolites in maintaining skin and hair health.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
5.5K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
5.5K
01:20Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
1.5K
Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...
1.5K
01:19Pigmentation
2.6K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
2.6K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
2.1K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.1K
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
2.6K
Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
2.6K
01:25Introduction to the Integumentary System
9.2K
The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
9.2K