What can we find in nature that may supply us with an additional reservoir of collagen, helping us avoid the topical cream? Most forms of vitamin A that are quickly assimilated by our bodies come from the animal kingdom. These are the above mentioned retinoids. Provitamins instead, which are precursors and must be converted into a form that our bodies can assimilate, are found in the realm of fruits and vegetables. Specially those of orange, dark green and yellow pigmentations. These colors indicate the presence of carotenoids.

Problem is that the ratio of conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A inside our bodies is pretty low, thus a normal human being is required to eat vast quantities of these fruits and vegetables in order to produce sufficient vitamin A. Because the body converts carotene into vitamin A as needed, the risk of intoxication is minimal. The animal form instead, can produce too much of it to levels that are considered harmful, even lethal. According to wikipedia “… if eaten in one meal, 30 to 90 grams of polar bear liver is enough to kill a human being, or to make even sled dogs very ill…”

So what is the take-away today? You need vitamin A to function properly. In measured quantities, the foods that can provide it are: liver (chicken, pork, turkey, beef and fish), eggs, cheese, milk, cod liver oil and butter/margarine. Given the slow intake and rate of conversion from fruits and vegetables you must rely on these foods preferably.

And for a more laser-focused approach you can test some of the more common topical creams, under supervision of a doctor. Some recent studies have shown that compounds made out of vitamin A have consistently estimulated the production of collagen in a much higher degree than regular creams. One such cream can be Neutrogena’s Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream. According to Dr. Irwin (Surgery Free Makeover) it is best to take a gradual approach, applying the cream every couple of days only and during nights, as the Sun can make vitamin A unstable.