Vitamin B's Role in Skin Care: The Anti-Aging Warrior

These days, “taking your vitamins” doesn’t necessarily mean just swallowing a pill or even eating a vitamin-rich diet. Rather, vitamins, especially vitamin B, are being applied topically and are included in more and more night creams, sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, toners, etc.

We know that vitamin B is an essential nutrient; helping to convert food to fuel, improve memory, boost immunity, produce red blood cells, regulate hormones and more.

Our skin reflects our inner health and any deficiency will show up eventually. Since our skin is so readily visible, we can easily witness the redness, dryness, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and even acne that can develop with a deficiency of vitamin B.

VITAMIN B’S ROLE IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

When applied topically, vitamin B will improve your skin’s texture and moisture retention. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because it helps skin stay moist (wrinkles and lines are exaggerated with dry skin).

The Vitamin B complex helps even out skin tone and reduce those dark spots that age us. Finally, vitamin B is a natural antioxidant, so it combats free radicals, those molecules responsible for aging and disease, and helps heal a damaged complexion.

While you absolutely should also consume vitamin B-rich foods (like the salmon pictured above), topical application is crucial. While our skin is the largest organ, it’s not necessarily considered to be the most important by our bodies. The nutrients we ingest typically go to other more vital organs first, with little left to nourish the skin.

Do yourself a favor and also apply vitamins topically to be sure your skin gets what it needs!

VITAMIN B’S ROLE IN SKIN CARE: EACH B HAS ITS OWN JOB!

A lot of people tend to think of vitamin B as just one nutrient but, in reality, there are eight Bs commonly used for skin and beauty! So let’s break it down:

• B1. Also called thiamine, this vitamin has a lot of specific health benefits, such as aiding both the nervous and cardiovascular systems. For skin care it's important because it is such a powerful antioxidant, which keeps our skin youthful.

• B2. Known as riboflavin, it improves the skin’s mucus secretion and might clean up the skin pustules that are common with acne, but a better question might be: “What happens with a B2 deficiency?” You’ll experience dull or oily hair and, since the hair touches the skin, you could see acne flare-ups. You’ll also see premature wrinkles and split nails.

• B3. In skin care products, we’ll usually see it listed as niacinamide and it is known to reduce the signs of aging as it improves elasticity, texture, and tone.

• B5, also called pantothenic acid and panthenol, is really a powerhouse. It alleviates anxiety, allergies, asthma, and heart problems which can result in certain stress-induced skin problems like acne or psoriasis. Remember, the skin reflects our inner health! As for our outer skin health, B5 helps to retain moisture and, especially when combined with vitamin C, promotes healing and repair.

• B6. You might also see it as pyridoxine. It’s used to treat eczema, dandruff, acne, hair loss, dryness, and skin diseases like melanoma and psoriasis.

• B7. We’ve known about B7, or biotin, in the treatment of hair loss but it’s also important for the skin, because it’s so healing and moisturizing. That’s why it appears in massage oils!

• B8. Also called inositol, this vitamin is known for its stress-reducing characteristics, because of the effect on the serotonin levels in your brain. It’s also sometimes used to balance hormones, and some have reported an improvement in their daily mood. This is key as psychological stress is correlated with atopic dermatitis.

• B9. Some call it folic acid and, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, when combined with the amino acid creatine, skin sagging is reduced.

• B12 reduces redness, inflammation, dryness and helps clear up acne. B12 deficiency has been shown to lead to hyperpigmentation so with B12, you can expect a more even skin tone and a reduction in those dark spots. B12 plays a major role in the turnover of new cells and some even apply it directly to psoriasis and eczema.

VITAMIN B’S ROLE IN SKIN CARE: BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Many ask, “Should I also consume B vitamins?” The answer is “yes!” Beauty comes from both within and without, and the skin, our largest organ, reflects our inner health.

Eat a healthy, varied diet! The battle cry of nutritionists is to “eat the rainbow.” That’s not to make the plate pretty, but the most colorful foods are often the most nutrient-rich. To get plenty of vitamin B - eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, lean protein, dairy, eggs, and whole grains.

IN SUMMARY, B VITAMINS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SKIN HEALTH

Vitamin B’s role in skin care has gotten a lot of attention in the beauty world lately, so if you are experiencing chronic skin issues, or are just tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a dull and unhealthy complexion, the cause may be a deficiency of these essential nutrients.

Take a B-complex supplement, adjust your diet, and look for skin care products with the ingredients discussed above and your skin will reward you with a glowing, youthful complexion.

SHOP HERBAL DYNAMICS BEAUTY PRODUCTS WITH B VITAMINS