Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1542457
96 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2026 CARROTS HAVE LONG BEEN USED as a symbol of nutrition. But lately, a trend on social media is to show carrots as a way to "eat your retinol." If you search this phrase on Instagram and TikTok, you'll fi nd videos of infl uencers making beautifully shredded carrot salads as a supplement to, or instead of, their retinol skin care routines. But does the science back it up? Can your clients eat their retinol instead of coming to you for treatments that promote healthy aging? To fi nd out, ASCP Skin Deep chatted with Brian Goodwin, education development lead at Éminence Organic Skin Care, and Marley Braun, a functional medicine registered dietitian and licensed esthetician. THE GOOD Consuming vitamin A is good for you—so is using it topically (via vitamin A-derived retinoids like retinol and retinaldehyde). But there's a diff erence. When consumed, vitamin A supports epithelial cells inside the whole body. "It promotes proper cell diff erentiation, strengthens barrier function, and aids in repair, helping tissues like the gut lining and skin stay resilient and healthy," Braun says. So, yes, the skin benefi ts from vitamin A consumption. However, Goodwin explains, when vitamin A is consumed, it's fi rst directed to vital systems in the body (like the liver, eyes, and immune system), and the skin isn't a priority. Topical application, BEHIND THE TREND on the other hand, "delivers vitamin A directly to the skin, where it can interact with retinoid receptors and infl uence cellular activity," he says. THE BAD There's nothing wrong with eating your daily veggies, but let's be careful about expectations. "Eating more carrots won't deliver the same eff ects as topical retinol," Braun says. You should also be wary of overdoing it. "Excessive intake—especially from supplements— can cause dry skin, fatigue, or even liver toxicity," she says. "While it's diffi cult to overconsume vitamin A from food alone, supplementing without testing can be risky." THE CONCLUSION If your clients come to you for advice, guide them toward a treatment plan that gradually introduces retinol. Goodwin recommends starting with bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based ingredient that mimics retinol's eff ects. As the skin acclimates, you can PEXELS introduce professional-grade vitamin A treatments. "Vitamin A and bakuchiol perform best when combined with ingredients that nourish and support the skin barrier," Goodwin says. "Hydrating and antioxidant-rich companions help counteract dryness and optimize results." And don't forget to recommend consistently using sunscreen since retinoids can increase sun sensitivity. The ideal routine combines a balanced diet that includes vitamin A with a skin care routine that promotes healthy aging. "The best outcomes come from supporting skin health both inside and out," Braun says. Scan the QR code to read more from Brian Goodwin and Marley Braun. "Eat Your Retinol" Investigating the good and bad of this viral fad by Jen Anderson Associated Skin Care Professionals Skin Deep magazine (ISSN 1941-2495; USPS-024-571) is a quarterly magazine published by Associated Skin Care Professionals, 25188 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 200, Golden, Colorado 80401. Periodicals rate postage paid at Golden, Colorado, and additional oces. Vol. #25, Issue #1 Winter 2026. All rights reserved © 2025. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASCP, 25188 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 200, Golden, Colorado 80401.