Vitamins in Skincare
You may be used to popping a few Vitamin pills with your daily breakfast, but did you know that your body doesn’t actually deliver much of the benefits of these vitamins to your skin? Skincare is constantly changing and evolving, nowadays, there are many ways to infuse your skin with the best vitamins to suit your needs; from moisturisers, to serums and cleansers, you can reap the benefits of these skin enhancers in your daily skincare routine.
So, what are the vitamins and what effect do they have?
Vitamins have different roles in our skincare, from hydration to plump skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is best known for it’s purest form, retinol. Famous for it’s anti-ageing properties, it attaches itself to skin cells and gives them a little message to behave like their younger, healthier versions of themselves. It helps increase cell turnover, thickening the dermis to improve plumpness, elasticity and brightness in the skin, achieving a gorgeous glow. On top of this, it helps to improve hyper-pigmentation, acne, large pores, lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide, is fantastic for improving skin texture. It supports and treats hyperpigmentation, reducing the pace that melanin travels to the skin’s surface. It also improves skin congestion, thus reducing acne breakouts.
Vitamin C
Great for anti-ageing benefits, but suitable for everyone. Vitamin C can be incorporated into most skincare routines. It is an antioxidant which aids shielding the skin from free radicals caused by environmental factors (free radicals are nasty, unstable molecules which contribute to the breakdown of collagen, resulting in wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and saggy skin – no thank you). However, Vitamin C is most effective when in combination with SPF. SPF protects the application of Vitamin C and ensures the sun does not burn it away, and Vitamin C increases protection against sun damage. Think of them as the yin to each other’s yang.
Vitamin D
If ‘Sunny D’ springs to mind, you’re along the right lines. Often referred to as the ‘sun vitamin’, it plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation. It supports the skin’s immune system and helps to destroy free radicals in the skin which can cause premature ageing. Finally, Vitamin D also helps to calm inflammation.
Vitamin E
Calling all sufferers of super dry and sensitive skin, this one’s for you. An incredible hydrator and one of the best antioxidants for your skin. It helps to keep the skin not only looking, but also feeling plump and smooth. Provides a shield for pollution and environmental stressors. Think of it as a warm hug. And the best news? When teamed with Vitamin C, it is even more effective.
Not sure which Vitamin to invest in first? Prioritise your needs and take a look at our comparison table below (but if you want to go with Vitamin C, don’t forget your SPF!)
|
Vitamin |
Benefits | Best for | Product recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Anti-ageing, plumping, minimising pores, diminishing the appearance of fine lines. | Those who want anti-ageing properties in their skincare, or anyone looking to treat acne/acne scars. | |
|
B3
|
Improves skin texture, treats hyper-pigmentation and controls oil levels. | Individuals who suffer (or have suffered) with acne or oily skin. | |
| C | Anti-ageing, an antioxidant. Shields the skin from free radicals, a good protector from sun damage. | Everyone can benefit, those who want a natural glow, sufferers of hyper-pigmentation. | |
| E | Protection again the environment and pollution. Provides intense hydration and plumps the skin. | Anyone whose skin still feels parched after applying moisturiser. | Medik8: C-Tetra |
In case you haven’t realised by now, topical vitamins are incredibly effective in supporting your overall skin health. Most have anti-ageing properties and it appears that Vitamin C is best friends with everyone, as it encourages their success in your skincare results.
