Why are vitamins used in skincare?

The importance of vitamins for good health has been instilled in us since we were young and with the skin being the largest and most truthful organ of the body it can reveal a lot about your inner health. When you treat your skin well it will reward you with a glowing and youthful complexion but if your skin is not getting enough nutrients it will most certainly show in various ways – a dull lacklustre complexion, breakouts, dryness, premature ageing or inflammation.  This is where vitamin-infused skincare comes into play because vitamins really are skin-loving ingredients that play an important role in skin health and are most effective when applied topically.  

What does Vitamin A do for your skin?
Vitamin A is one of those really potent ingredients and famed for its powerful anti-ageing properties. There are many derivatives of Vitamin A and perhaps the most widely known is retinol. If you are concerned about wrinkles then this vitamin will be your skin’s best friend as it helps increase cellular turnover regulating the growth and division of healthy cells, and supports skin repair and rejuvenation leaving skin firmer and more youthful.  Vitamin A also helps to regulate oil production and if you are suffering from Keratosis Pilaris (those small goose-like bumps found on the back of the arms and thighs, then you are most likely lacking in this vitamin. 

What does Vitamin B3 do for your skin?
This is a crowd-pleasing ingredient, essential for both the body and the skin, yet we cannot produce Vitamin B3 ourselves.  It can be used on a spectrum of skin types whether the skin is dull, dry, inflamed, congested or all of the above. It keeps skin soft, healthy and glowing and it reduces inflammation in a number of skin conditions including rosacea, acne, eczema and dermatitis. With powerful anti-bacterial benefits it helps promote clearer complexion, reduces large pores and wards off blemishes.  Because it strengthens our skin’s barrier function it helps prevent against premature ageing and also helps treats hyper-pigmentation as it slows down the transportation of melanin to the skin’s surface

What does Vitamin C do for your skin?
Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that deserves some extra special attention.  Hailed as a wonder ingredient and not just for fending off colds, Vitamin C not only recovers skin’s long-lost glow, it is an excellent anti-oxidant to help deflect the effects of pollution. It doesn’t stop there though; this super vitamin is vital for collagen synthesis helping to support the manufacture of the stuffing that is responsible for keeping skin plump and supple and it helps to lessen the appearance of brown spots and the signs of sun damage. This really is one of those go to ingredients and your skin’s much needed ‘wing-man’.

What does Vitamin E do for your skin?
Skincare that has been spiked with Vitamin E can only mean one thing – your skin will be defended by an army of powerful anti-oxidants. Think of Vitamin E as your skin’s own battalion which will protect skin against daily assaults like pollution, sun exposure and free radicals that lead to premature ageing.  Vitamin E is a good all-rounder, thanks to its hydrating and healing properties it is especially good for ultra-dry and sensitive skin types.

What does Vitamin F do for your skin?
Also known as Linoleic Acid, Vitamin F is an essential fatty acid from the omega-6 family. An unsung hero ingredient, it is used to make ceramides in the outermost layer of the skin which is like a cement, keeping skin cells strong and cohesive and providing an efficient skin barrier to block out pollution, irritants and bacteria. Because it is a fatty acid it has powerful anti-inflammatory and moisturising benefits so very effective in treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis leaving skin soft and supple.

So when your skin isn’t quite performing consider that it is a sign that it isn’t getting quite the nutrition that it needs….Vitamins are best for skin and the health of your complexion.

Lucy x