Vitamin A for Psoriasis Relief: Foods, Supplements, and Treatments
Living with psoriasis can feel like a constant balancing act. Between flare-ups, treatments, and searching for ways to calm irritated skin, it’s natural to wonder if certain nutrients might make a difference. One vitamin that often comes up in the conversation is vitamin A—well known for its role in skin health and immune support.
But can vitamin A really help with psoriasis relief? And if so, what’s the best way to get it—through foods, supplements, or treatments? In this article, we’ll break it all down in simple terms so you know what’s fact, what’s hype, and what might actually help your skin feel better.
What Is Vitamin A and Why Does It Matter for Skin?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that your body needs for growth, immune function, vision, and—most importantly for psoriasis—healthy skin cell turnover. Unlike some vitamins, it isn’t just one compound but a group of related substances, mainly retinoids (active vitamin A) and carotenoids (plant-based precursors like beta-carotene).
When it comes to skin health, vitamin A plays a few key roles:
Supports skin repair: Vitamin A helps regulate how quickly skin cells grow and shed. This is important for people with psoriasis, since the condition causes skin cells to multiply too fast.
Keeps the barrier strong: Adequate vitamin A helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which prevents dryness, irritation, and infection.
Calms inflammation: Vitamin A influences immune responses and may help reduce the overactive immune activity that drives psoriasis flare-ups.
Because of these effects, vitamin A has been studied not only as part of a healthy diet but also as the basis for certain psoriasis medications, such as retinoids. Whether you get it from food, supplements, or prescription treatments, this nutrient is closely tied to how your skin looks and feels.
The Connection Between Vitamin A and Psoriasis
Castor oil has gained recognition as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Its effectiveness lies in its unique chemical composition and the way it interacts with the skin. Here’s a closer look at the science behind castor oil and why it works for managing psoriasis symptoms:
1. Rich in Ricinoleic Acid
Ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, makes up about 90% of castor oil’s composition. This fatty acid is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with psoriasis. By calming the inflammation, ricinoleic acid provides relief from the discomfort of flare-ups.
2. Deep Penetration into the Skin
Unlike many other oils, castor oil has a unique ability to penetrate deeply into the skin due to its low molecular weight. This allows it to hydrate and nourish not just the surface but also the underlying layers of the skin, helping to address the dryness and cracking caused by psoriasis.
3. Promotes Wound Healing
Psoriasis can result in damaged or broken skin, making it prone to infections and slower healing. Research suggests that castor oil stimulates the production of tissue growth factors, which play a crucial role in wound healing. It also enhances the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself, speeding up recovery from lesions or flare-ups.
4. Acts as a Natural Humectant
Castor oil’s humectant properties help it attract and retain moisture in the skin. This is essential for people with psoriasis, as dryness can exacerbate symptoms and lead to more severe flaking. By keeping the skin hydrated, castor oil helps maintain its elasticity and barrier function.
5. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
Psoriasis-affected skin is more susceptible to infections due to cracks and open sores. Castor oil contains compounds with antibacterial and antifungal effects, such as undecylenic acid, which help prevent secondary infections and keep the skin healthy.
6. Packed with Antioxidants
The antioxidants in castor oil protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This is important for psoriasis patients, as oxidative stress can worsen inflammation and contribute to skin damage.
7. Improves Circulation
Castor oil has been found to enhance blood circulation when applied topically, which can aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Better circulation promotes faster healing and improved overall skin health.
By addressing the root causes of psoriasis symptoms—such as inflammation, dryness, and impaired skin repair—castor oil offers a science-backed, natural solution for managing the condition. Its multifaceted benefits make it a powerful addition to any psoriasis care routine.
Best Food Sources of Vitamin A for Psoriasis
So how exactly does vitamin A tie into psoriasis? Since this vitamin helps control how skin cells grow and shed, it makes sense that it could play a role in a condition like psoriasis, where skin cell turnover happens way too quickly.
Here are a few ways vitamin A may be connected to psoriasis relief:
Helps regulate skin cell growth: By slowing down the rapid buildup of skin cells, vitamin A may ease thick, scaly patches.
Supports immune balance: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and vitamin A is known to influence immune function—potentially calming the overactive immune response that drives flare-ups.
Reduces inflammation: Some studies suggest vitamin A and its compounds may lower inflammatory signals in the body, which could mean less redness and irritation.
That said, vitamin A isn’t a magic cure. While eating vitamin A–rich foods supports overall skin health, high-dose supplements or prescription forms (like retinoids) come with side effects and should only be used under medical guidance. Too much vitamin A can actually harm the liver, bones, and skin—so balance is key.
In short: vitamin A may help manage psoriasis symptoms, but the “how” depends on whether you’re getting it from your diet, a supplement, or a medical treatment.
Vitamin A Supplements for Psoriasis
One of the easiest—and safest—ways to support your skin with vitamin A is through food. The good news? Many everyday foods are naturally rich in this nutrient, so it’s not hard to add them into your meals.
There are two main types of vitamin A in food:
Preformed vitamin A (retinol): Found in animal-based foods and ready for your body to use.
Provitamin A (beta-carotene): Found in colorful fruits and vegetables, which your body converts into vitamin A.
Here are some top sources to include in your diet:
Animal-based sources (retinol):
Liver (beef or chicken — very high in vitamin A, but best in moderation)
Egg yolks
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel
Plant-based sources (beta-carotene):
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Pumpkin
Spinach and kale
Red bell peppers
Mangoes and apricots
Tip: Pair plant-based vitamin A foods with a bit of healthy fat (like olive oil, avocado, or nuts). Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, your body absorbs it much better this way.
By eating a mix of these foods regularly, you can support your skin health naturally—without the risks that come with high-dose supplements.
Vitamin A Supplements for Psoriasis
While food should always be your first source of nutrients, some people wonder if taking a vitamin A supplement could give them extra relief from psoriasis symptoms. The answer isn’t so simple—supplements can help in certain cases, but they also come with risks.
When supplements might be helpful:
If your diet is low in vitamin A–rich foods
If a blood test shows you’re deficient (which is rare in developed countries)
If your doctor recommends it as part of a broader psoriasis management plan
Safe dosage and limits:
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is around 700–900 mcg (micrograms) per day.
Taking too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which may cause nausea, headaches, liver problems, bone pain, or even more serious issues.
Supplements are more concentrated than foods, so it’s easy to overdo it.
Who should avoid supplementation:
Pregnant women (excessive vitamin A can harm fetal development)
People with liver disease
Anyone already taking prescription retinoids (adding more vitamin A can be dangerous)
Bottom line: A supplement may be useful if you’re deficient, but it’s not something to start on your own. Always talk to your doctor before adding vitamin A capsules or oils, especially if you already take medications for psoriasis.
Medical Treatments with Vitamin A (Retinoids)
eyond food and supplements, vitamin A is also the foundation for a group of prescription treatments called retinoids. These are synthetic forms of vitamin A designed to target skin conditions, including psoriasis. Doctors often recommend them when diet changes and over-the-counter options aren’t enough.
Here are the main ways retinoids are used in psoriasis care:
Topical retinoids
Applied directly to the skin (like creams or gels)
Help slow down the rapid growth of skin cells, reducing scaling and thickness
Often used for mild to moderate psoriasis
Common side effects: redness, dryness, and peeling (which usually improve over time)
Oral retinoids (e.g., acitretin)
Taken as a pill for moderate to severe psoriasis
Work throughout the body to regulate skin cell turnover
Often used when other systemic treatments aren’t suitable
Side effects can be stronger: dry skin and lips, liver strain, increased cholesterol, and birth defects (so they are never recommended during pregnancy)
Working with your dermatologist
Because retinoids can be powerful—and sometimes harsh—they’re only prescribed under close medical supervision. Your doctor will usually run blood tests to monitor your liver health and cholesterol if you’re on an oral retinoid.
Important: Retinoids are very different from regular vitamin A supplements. Taking both together can raise your risk of toxicity, so always let your dermatologist know about any supplements you use.
Should You Try Vitamin A for Psoriasis?
So, is vitamin A the missing piece in your psoriasis care? The truth is—it depends.
On the plus side, vitamin A clearly plays an important role in skin health, immune balance, and inflammation control. Getting enough through food is not only safe but also good for your overall health. Many people with psoriasis may notice that eating more colorful fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods helps their skin feel better over time.
But when it comes to supplements or medical treatments, things get more complicated. Too much vitamin A can be harmful, and prescription retinoids—while effective—come with real risks and side effects. That’s why these options should always be guided by a healthcare professional.
Here’s the simple takeaway:
Yes to getting vitamin A from a healthy, balanced diet.
Maybe to supplements, but only if you’re deficient and your doctor recommends it.
Yes, with caution to prescription retinoids, under medical supervision.
Psoriasis is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. But vitamin A can be a valuable piece of the puzzle—just make sure you use it wisely.
