When you think of vitamins, what comes to mind? Many of us think of the pills we used to dread taking when we were younger.
While taking a daily vitamin might seem like a chore, it’s one of the best things you can do for your body—especially as you age. Not only do vitamins benefit your general health, but they also help to nourish your skin, hair, and nails.
Our bodies receive many of the vitamins we need from our diet, but taking additional supplements is a great way to keep your levels in check. No matter how many vitamins you ingest, however, it’s important to know that the body only delivers a certain percentage to your skin. This is where applying vitamins topically comes into the picture.
Vitamin-infused skincare products can help to improve a wide variety of skin concerns, whether it be wrinkles, uneven texture, or dark under eye circles. Think of it this way: vitamin supplements treat your skin from the inside out, while topical vitamins treat your skin from the outside in.
So what are the best vitamins to apply to your skin, and how do you use them? Keep reading to learn about 5 different vitamins you can incorporate into your routine for glowing, radiant skin:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most common vitamins you’ll find in skincare products, and for a good reason! This one ingredient packs a powerful punch of benefits, including:
-
Hydrates: Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a vitamin C derivative, is known for the hydrating effect it has on the skin. It helps to prevent water loss, which in turn boosts skin’s ability to retain moisture.
-
Brightens: Applying vitamin C has been proven to impede melanin production, which is the culprit of hyperpigmentation. If you suffer from age spots, sun spots, acne scarring or even a condition like melasma, vitamin C can be the perfect solution to help fade darkness and brighten the skin overall.
-
Reduces redness: In addition to fading darkness, vitamin C can help to calm and prevent redness and inflammation in the skin. Whether you naturally are prone to redness or it develops due to external factors such as a sunburn, vitamin C may be the perfect fix.
-
Promotes collagen production: Collagen is often considered to be the secret to youthful skin. It’s naturally produced by the body, but this decreases as we age—which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. However, there are ways to combat this, one of them being applying vitamin C to the skin.
-
Keeps skin from losing its elasticity: In addition to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, collagen also helps to prevent sagging by keeping skin firm. Because of vitamin C’s ability to boost collagen production, it’s considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients.
-
Protects against sun damage: Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure. While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, using it in addition to sunscreen can be a powerful weapon in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Another great feature of vitamin C is that it’s safe for most skin types. The ingredient is available in all types of products, from serums to moisturizers to oils. Choosing a product all comes down to your preference!
Product to try: Vitamin C 25% Rejuvenating Serum
Vitamin A
In the skincare world, vitamin A is known as retinol, which is one of the most effective ingredients for fighting signs of aging. Retinol is available in different strengths—lower concentrations are often available over-the-counter, while higher concentrations must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
When applied to the skin, retinol can provide the following benefits:
-
Treats acne: Retinol is found in many acne treatments, and it’s often one of the first things dermatologists prescribe for patients suffering with breakouts. Why? Retinol helps to slough away dead skin cells, which prevents clogged pores (a common cause of acne). It also helps to fight inflammation, which is a common problem among those with acne-prone skin.
-
Prevents fine lines and wrinkles: When applied topically, retinol has been shown to boost collagen production, which in turn prevents fine lines and wrinkles. This is why you’ll see retinol as a main ingredient in many anti-aging products on the market today.
-
Fades hyperpigmentation: Due to its ability to promote cellular turnover, retinol is an amazing ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation. Whether you struggle with hyperpigmentation from sun damage, acne scarring, or you’re just feeling like your skin is looking dull overall, retinol serum can be the perfect product to add to your lineup.
-
Improves texture: Rough skin texture is often caused by the buildup of dead skin cells, which retinol can help to eliminate. With consistent use, retinol can lead to a smooth, bright, and youthful-looking complexion.
One thing to be aware of with retinol (vitamin A) is that it can come with side effects, depending on the type and strength used. In some cases, retinol can cause dryness, itchiness, and irritation, so it’s best to start with a small amount and slowly work your way up. Oftentimes, your skin will adjust to it over time—but when in doubt, consult with a dermatologist!
Product to try: Prickly Pear Antioxidant Daily Moisturizer
Vitamin B
Niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B-3, is another powerful skincare ingredient. It can provide a variety of benefits when ingested by the body, but it also does many great things for the skin when applied topically, including:
-
Keeps skin firm: Niacinamide has been shown to help build keratin in the skin, which is a protein that maintains skin’s firmness.
-
Promotes hydration: Niacinamide is one of the best ingredients you can use to strengthen your skin’s lipid barrier, which is essential to retaining moisture. When your skin is able to retain moisture, the more hydrated and plump it will be.
-
Reduces inflammation: Whether you experience redness, acne, or even eczema, niacinamide can be a great ingredient to keep your skin even and calm.
-
Regulates oil production: Niacinamide is commonly favored among those with oily skin because of its ability to balance skin’s oil production. It’s also great for those with acne-prone skin, as an overproduction of oil is often what causes breakouts to develop!
-
Treats large pores: Dealing with large pores can be frustrating, but luckily niacinamide can help to shrink pore size due to its ability to balance the skin’s moisture level.
-
Protects skin from sun damage: Similar to vitamin C, niacinamide can protect skin from damage caused by UV rays. In turn, this can help to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are several other B vitamins that bring antioxidant power and skin health benefits, such as panthenol, biotin and more.
Product to try: Hyaluronic Acid & Oat Overnight Recovery Mask
Vitamin E
While niacinamide may be best suited for oily and acne-prone skin, vitamin E can do wonders for dry skin. This ingredient is incredibly rich and moisturizing, so if you’re someone who struggles with dry, flaky skin, vitamin E oil may be your new best friend.
In addition to being highly moisturizing, vitamin E can provide the following benefits:
-
Treats wrinkles and fine lines: One of the main causes of wrinkles and fine lines is dryness in the skin. So, if there’s one thing you can do to prevent this, it’s keeping your skin hydrated at all times. Vitamin E oil is an amazing ingredient to use to keep your skin moisturized, and it’s also high in antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radical damage.
-
Fades hyperpigmentation: Some research shows that vitamin E can help to fade scars with consistent use. This is why it’s commonly included in products designed to treat acne scarring. If you really want to tackle hyperpigmentation in your skin, try using vitamin E oil in conjunction with vitamin C.
-
Soothes irritated skin: If you’re someone who struggles with dryness, flaking, and redness in the skin, consider using vitamin E oil as the last step in your nighttime routine. This will really lock in moisture and help to soothe skin overnight, leaving you with soft, supple skin in the morning.
Product to try: Mango & Green Tea Firming Eye Mask
Vitamin K
Last but certainly not least, vitamin K is another vitamin that can provide powerful benefits for the skin. It may be lesser known than vitamins A, B, C, and E, but its list of benefits are just as impressive:
-
Prevents free radical damage: Vitamin K is high in antioxidant properties, which makes it great for preventing free radical damage caused by smoke, pollution, and UV exposure.
-
Fights signs of aging: Like several of the vitamins mentioned, vitamin K helps to protect collagen in the body. As a result, this can prevent the development of signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
-
Combats dark under eye circles: One of the unique features of vitamin K is its ability to help the skin dissipate bruising and discoloration. This makes it an amazing ingredient to use in treating dark under eye circles. Whether you don’t get enough sleep, have allergies, or suffer from dark, puffy under eyes naturally, vitamin K can be an amazing ingredient to incorporate into your morning skincare routine.
-
Calms inflammation: Vitamin K also helps to soothe inflammation caused by skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Taking vitamin K in a supplement and applying it topically can help keep inflammation at bay.
Product to try: Vitamin K Contouring Eye Cream
As you can see, vitamins can be an amazing addition to any skincare routine. Keep in mind that many vitamins can be used in combination with one another in order to enhance their effects. However, before you mix different skincare ingredients, be sure to do your research or consult with a professional.
We hope you enjoy trying out these different vitamins in your skincare regimen!
Vitamin-Packed Skincare from Herbal Dynamics Beauty
