In the second part of this three-part blog series, we will go through how vitamin A deficiency can show up on our skin as different symptoms. As stated in the first part, vitamin A, or retinol, participates in numerous vital tasks in our body and is necessary, e.g. to maintain the structure and function of the cell epithelium in the skin. Retinol participates in the construction of a protective wall against various infections and pathogens, is necessary in the process of healthy cell regeneration and slowing down too fast cell division, and also has the ability to increase the production of collagen in the skin.

What does retinol do for our skin and where is the best place to get it?

According to the mythical story, Cleopatra would have bathed in goat's milk and treated her skin with animal tallow to take care of her beauty. We wouldn't be surprised at all if the story were true, because especially goat's milk and the tallow of an animal that typically ate grass contain plenty of vitamin A in a natural bioactive form, which our skin recognizes and is able to utilize best.

In skin care, retinol is known to promote the formation of epithelial cells and the production of collagen and thus acts as a retarder of premature aging. Retinol prevents skin wrinkling and is known to smooth lines. It has been found to lighten liver spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, soothe acne, reduce enlarged skin pores, balance sebum secretion, support the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduce skin thinning and increase the softness, elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.

Photo: Two weeks after using Mummeli Tallow Cream

How can retinol or vitamin A deficiency appear in our skin?

• as premature wrinkling of the skin,
• as various pigment disorders,
• as dryness and hardness of the skin,
• as a certain type of acne (acne vulgaris)
• as symptoms of keratosis pilaris.
• the skin symptoms of psoriasis have also been associated with the possibility of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency.
  
  

Can acne be caused by retinol deficiency?

Yes! In many cases, acne and the abnormal functioning of the sebaceous glands can be caused by a retinol deficiency. Acne is often treated with synthetic retinol derivatives, which, however, do not work in the same way as natural retinol in its bioactive form. The microbes in inflamed acne skin are often out of balance and would desperately need the right kind of nutrition, such as beef tallow, for example. Due to the effect of acne medications, the microbiome of our skin does not get the right kind of nutrition, so they start to produce different metabolites, which actually cause inflammation and an imbalance in our skin that also manifests as acne.

Kolme Cosmetics' Tallow creams contain tallow from grass-fed beef, where retinol is in its original form

Skin care products containing tallow are an excellent choice for skin in need of nutrients and fatty moisture. Tallow is a well-tolerated raw material and it is very similar to the skin's own sebum.

Tallow Creams are also an excellent product for those of you who suffer from, for example, acne or are weaning yourself off cortisone ( TSW ), because excessive use of glucocorticoids (cortisone, acne medications, retinoids, etc.) exposes you to retinol deficiency. Synthetic retinol derivatives and plant-derived beta-carotene cannot replace the natural bioactive form of animal-derived retinol.

Many have said that Tallow Cream makes the skin especially elastic, soft and brings a healthy glow to the face. Have you already let your skin enjoy natural retinol?