Health fact – Vitamin A plays an important role in skin wound healing
As the skin is often injured, the hair cells are immediately activated to compensate for the damage to the skin.
“With this new study, we now have a better understanding of how to prevent various skin and hair disorders and cancer,” said Rockefeller University researcher Elaine Fuchs.
The researchers also discovered that adequate amounts of vitamin A are essential for the efficient functioning of these cells. Too much vitamin A can prevent cells from changing roles properly, while low levels can spend too much time repairing the skin instead of growing hair.
Note that when cells in the body change their designated function, it is called lineage plasticity. This process occurs in both cancer and wound healing.
