When you hit your 30s it’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding anti-ageing skincare products. More often than not, 30-something skin is fine to carry on with a considered routine of sensible cleansing, regular hydration, a bit of exfoliation here and there and sunscreen always.

But there’s one ingredient maturing skin would benefit from adding into the mix, and for anyone who is entering their 30s, or has been there for a while, vitamin A is essential… if clear, younger-looking skin is your goal.

It’s the holy grail to women (and men) concerned about ageing skin because it assists with our skin’s natural cell turnover (aka desquamation) — something that your skin does naturally every day but at an uneven rate — by creating smoother skin texture and a clearer complexion.

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Leading Australian skincare expert Jocelyn Petroni agrees that vitamin A should be the ride or die beauty product for anyone over 30. 

“Seems simple but the impact and visible results from using vitamin A are enormous as it reduces pigmentation, fine lines and breakouts while revealing fresh, dewy, radiant, glowing skin – and we know hydrated, radiant skin always looks youthful,” says Petroni.

As we get older our skin’s natural cell turn over starts to lag and the result is often a thicker layer of dead skin cells, which creates a dull, uneven complexion. It’s at this point where vitamin A works wonders in encouraging your skin to turnover more effectively, like it used to when you were in your 20s.

“I swear by Vitamin A! I recommend applying a prescription strength Vitamin A in the form of a serum or cream every evening,” adds Petroni. But she warns that it should be used with caution, like any new skincare product you introduce into your routine.

“Vitamin A should always be applied at night because it can make the skin more photosensitive during the day.

“As it is quite a strong ingredient, I would recommend applying once every few nights only and gradually building up to nightly application. This process can differ per person – for some it may take three months to build up and others, one month depending on your skin type.”

It’s always advised that you consult a skincare professional before settling on a vitamin A, especially if you’re after a more potent formula, and definitely avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

“For an at-home option, I love Ultraceuticals Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum, which contains all the benefits of vitmain A,” says Petroni.

“This unique formulation is also a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and flaking.”

Words by Carina Rossi for 9Honey