When your skin is glowing that "happy" glow, it’s easy to feel like you’re on top of the world. But it can make you wonder: is my skincare routine up to par? Are the products I’m using now going to keep my skin healthy for the future? Skincare products today contain micronutrients that carry different benefits in ways that can better address skin concerns. As always, if you’re considering new products to add to your routine, we suggest first consulting your physician or a nutritionist.
Where to start?
Skincare options on the market claim to enhance your current regimen by giving your skin high-quality ingredients to stay aglow. But from serums, to acids, to oils… where does one begin? With an entire alphabet of vitamins, some of those including numbers, so it can feel a lot like you walked straight into a complex math equation. For now, we’re going to look at vitamins E, C, A, D, B, and F. Be sure to bookmark this post, where we’ll clarify some of the skin-happy benefits of vitamins (both those you’ve heard of and ones you haven’t).
E is for Exposure Protection
Let’s start with vitamin E, aka alpha-tocopherol. Topical vitamin E is super-packed with antioxidants and moisturizing agents to guard the skin barrier. It also improves your skin’s ability to stay hydrated. With summer on its way, let’s agree we’ll take all the hydration and moisturizing benefits we can get, right? It protects your skin-cell membranes from oxidation damage by free radicals.
C is to Clear Up (lines, wrinkles, discoloration, etc.)
Vitamin C, aka L-ascorbic acid, boosts the production of collagen, which gets harder to produce on your own as you age. An essential to have in your skincare arsenal, Vitamin C prevents damage from environmental stressors, like pollution or sun exposure. It can inhibit the formation of melanin and decrease the chance of hyperpigmentation. In other words… fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration are less likely to “set up shop” on your face.
A is for (less) Acne
Think of Vitamin A as the swiss-army-knife of skincare defense. It has a number of benefits and can be found in a variety of over-the-counter forms and derivatives. It’s approved by the FDA to improve your skin’s appearance. It strengthens the protective properties of the epidermis and encourages skin cell turnover. In essence, the application of vitamin A encourages healing and regeneration, while preventing further damage to your skin. It is known to fight off acne and brighten your complexion, as well.
D is for “Don’t overdo it with Vitamin D”
Moving on to Vitamin D… Most of us think of “catching sun” as the best way to get Vitamin D. While exposure to the sun can produce vitamin D, it is advised to limit spending extended periods of time exposed. If you spend time outside, you should also make sure you apply sunscreen with adequate SPF and wear garments designed to protect you in the sun. Deficiencies in Vitamin D can cause diseases like diabetes and cancer, and should be assessed by your doctor to consider prescription solutions.
B is for Benefits in “Beast Mode”
Both Vitamin B3 and B5 are powerfully packed with benefits for glowing skin. Out of all the B vitamins, the vitamin that “does all the things” would be vitamin B3. Niacinamide (a form of B3) helps to reduce dryness and soothes the symptoms of conditions like eczema. It increases lipid levels to assist with moisture absorption and retention. B3 improves the appearance of skin tone and texture. If that wasn’t enough, it can also reduce the appearance of pores, dark spots, pigmentation, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Okay, B3 leave something for the rest of us! B5, aka pantothenic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin, while keeping soft and supple. Got room for more? B5 also improves hydration and reduces the loss of moisture. Yes!
F is for Fabulous Fatty Acids
Last, but not least, Vitamin F, aka fatty acids! Found in linoleic and linolenic acid, vitamin F helps to regulate and promote healthy function. Known to reduce inflammation, fatty acids help maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is also an effective skin-soothing agent. Many moisturizers and serums on the market include “vitamin F” and other fatty acids in their formulas.
Goodness, that’s a lot of benefits - who knew?!
There’s tons of info out there about the ingredients in skincare products and it’s important to know what we’re putting on our skin. Remember, when testing new products, we recommend introducing them to your routine slowly, and then building from there. The options for topical solutions available can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be - just come back to visit for a quick refresher!