Vitamins in your skincare regime

If you’re wondering what vitamins are good for skin when considering your diet, that isn’t the only question you should be asking. The vitamins in your skincare products are just as important.

There are five vitamins found in skincare, some more popular than others but all are powerful ingredients. So from A to E, this is how different vitamins benefit your skin.

Vitamin A — retinol slows down ageing

In skincare vitamin A is often referred to as retinol, which is the chemical compound version found in beauty products. It increases skin cell turnover while helping to produce additional collagen, which together slows signs of ageing. These changes take place deep in the skin and can reduce fine lines.

The increased cell turnover helps to unclog pores, treat acne scarring, regulate oil, even skin tone and reduce pigmentation.

Retinol should be used in your evening skincare regime. It can cause sensitivity, so start with a low percentage, once or twice a week, and then slowly increase. It is vital to include SPF in the mornings to protect your refreshed skin.

READ ME: retinol, retin-a, granactive retinoid: what’s the difference?

BEST RETINOL PRODUCTS

Vitamin B — niacinamide protects your skin

There are many forms of Vitamin B used in skincare: Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) are two of the most popular. Both play an important role in cell biology. They are extremely nourishing ingredients, that work wonders for healthy glowing skin that functions well as a protective layer and improve skin immunity.

Niacinamide is a hugely popular ingredient because it so multifaceted, with a huge variety of benefits. It helps to reduce redness, refine pores, regulate oil production, reduce wrinkles and improve hydration. Vitamin B is suitable for all, but people with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from the balancing properties, while those with rosacea, dry or sensitive skin will see a big difference in moisture levels and sensitivity.

BEST NIACINAMIDE PRODUCTS

Vitamin C — ascorbic acid to fight free radical damage

This one is particularly important for those who live in cities or polluted areas, as it protects the skin from absorbing toxins from various sources and counteracts the dull effect of pollution.

A powerful antioxidant, it works to shield the skin cells from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays. It also helps to brighten uneven skin tone and improve elasticity.

Vitamin C can be used morning or evening. Most people recommend it in the morning, so you can have space in your routine for retinol at night — as Vitamin C is an ‘acid’, it is best to use the two ingredients separately. Just like Vitamin A, it can make the skin more sensitive so, again, SPF is a necessity. It will appear usually in product ingredients listed as ‘ascorbic acid’ or ‘L-ascorbic acid’.

BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS

Vitamin D for overall rejuvination

A few years ago, beauty journalists announced that this was the new wonder ingredient, but it never really took off and a lot of people remain unfamiliar with it. It is definitely worthy of acclaim, but can be tricky to find.

Vitamin D is a very powerful ingredient for skin protection and rejuvenation. It is a strong antioxidant, protecting your skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays (similar to Vitamin C), but it also helps to calm inflammation. Studies have shown it can minimise acne and help improve eczema and dermatitis. If your skin is feeling sensitive, then it will help to calm things down while still giving you nourishment and protection.

It pairs with most other skincare ingredients, but due to different pH balances shouldn’t be used alongside AHAs or BHAs. It won’t cause problems, but will reduce the efficacy of the Vitamin D.

BEST VITAMIN D PRODUCTS

Vitamin E is nourishing and an antioxidant

A hero ingredient for dry or damaged skin, Vitamin E is intensely moisturising. Even if your skin isn’t troublesome, its hydrating ability will leave it wonderfully plump and smooth. It is a powerful antioxidant, and pairs amazingly well with other vitamins for enhanced results, such as Vitamin B for extra hydration or Vitamin C for extra protection.

In oil form it is very thick, but marula oil and sea-buckthorn fruit oil are both rich in Vitamin E.