How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and hydration, and protecting the skin from adverse environmental factors such as free radicals and solar radiation.
Sun exposure is one of the major factors in skin aging. Solar UV radiation has been shown to destroy collagen and also inhibit the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermis of the skin. A special term has even been coined for these processes - skin photoaging.
By about age 40, the amount of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by about 2 times, directly affecting the firmness and elasticity of the skin. In addition, at this age, the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in the hydration and thickness of the skin, and also reduces the hydration of the collagen fibers with water, which further reduces the firmness of the skindegree and flexibility.
Vitamins reduce the negative effects of the external environment on the skin and also activate the skin's metabolic processes. Numerous studies have shown that the vitamins most needed for beautiful skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, and the B complex.
The main role of vitamins used in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C - able to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, thereby increasing the elasticity of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins C and E - perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevents skin photoaging.
- Combination of vitamins A and K - effective against dark circles.
- Vitamin C and Vitamin B5 - Perfect for healing skin damage.
Below we discuss the 5 most important vitamins for facial skin, tell you what they do, and give examples of high-quality cosmetic products based on them.
Facial Vitamin E
Research shows that vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant that helps reduce free radical damage to the skin. As you know, the latter plays an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights free radicals, thereby preventing premature aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective at absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun. Additionally, cosmetic products containing a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C have been shown to be more effective at sun protection than products containing either vitamin.
Scientists have also discovered that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (surface layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobicity of the epidermis, i. e. the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin will decrease and therefore its moisture content will increase. That's why facial vitamin E (beautician's reviews confirm it) is an ideal ingredient in any moisturizer.
Therefore, vitamin E for skin can:
- UV protection
- Has powerful antioxidant properties,
- has anti-inflammatory effect,
- Helps fight wrinkles and fine lines,
- Moisturizes and softens dry skin,
- Reduce the risk of cell mutation and skin cancer.
form of vitamin E
Vitamin E comes in many forms, but the most biologically active and safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopherol acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This form is natural.
There are also synthetic forms of vitamin E, which are synthesized from petroleum products. This form is less active and secure. They will be indicated in the cosmetic's instructions with the prefix "DL", eg "dl-tocopherol" or "dl-tocopheryl acetate".
On the internet, you can find a lot of different ways to use a vitamin E facial at home because. It is available cheaply at any drugstore and its benefits for the skin are enormous. That's why vitamin E for facial skin - as esthetician and patient reviews confirm it - must be in the makeup bag of any woman who takes care of her appearance. Below we will show you how to apply vitamin E capsules to the skin around the face and eyes.
How to Use Vitamin E for Dry and Sensitive Skin
People with dry and sensitive skin know how important and difficult it is to find the right ingredients to keep their skin healthy. Vitamin E is one of the few products that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. At pharmacies, you can buy free bottles or capsules of vitamin E oily solution.
Facial Vitamin E: How To Use:
- Warm up with your hands, then squeeze out 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply to skin with light massaging movements.
- It is best to do it at night (before bed).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes
Vitamin E capsules are the perfect replacement for expensive eye creams. However, keep in mind that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause a severe allergic reaction if it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyelids.
Gently squeeze 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and use the pad of your ring finger to apply its contents around the eyes. Use pat, as if driving motion, because. It does the least damage to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It's best to apply vitamin E to the skin around your eyes at night and rinse off until the morning.
Vitamin E Mask
There are tons of vitamin E mask recipes you can make at home. The following are the most popular.
- Vitamin E Honey Mask for Dry Skin - Take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 vitamin E capsules and mix well. Then apply this mixture on the face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Anti-Wrinkle Avocado Vitamin E Mask - Mash half a fresh ripe avocado, then add 2 Vitamin E capsules and mix well. Afterwards, apply this paste to the face and neck and leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
In winter, lips are often weathered and cracked, causing a very painful feeling. With the help of vitamin E, not only can quickly heal cracked lips, but also moisturizing the lips well, thus preventing further damage to the lip skin.
how to apply:
- Apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- best done at night
- Avoid licking your lips because. This will prevent the vitamin from being absorbed by the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most commonly found in anti-aging cosmetics because. Long-term use (about 24-36 weeks) has the following effects on the skin
- Gives skin an even color and texture,
- stimulate collagen production,
- reduce the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduce age spots,
- Also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with varying potency. These include: retinol, retinol esters (eg, retinol acetate), retinal, trans-retinoic acid, 13-cis-retinoic acid, and others.
Products based on pure retinol, especially retinol acetate, will be much weaker than products containing retinal or retinoic acid. However, the most commonly used in anti-aging cosmetics is retinol. It causes far less skin irritation. Unfortunately, it's hard to choose good makeup products that contain retinol. Many manufacturers use inexpensive vitamin A substances (retinol esters) instead of pure retinol or retinal.
Products based on retinoic acid will most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the depth of wrinkles, however, as we have already said, they can cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially in the beginningwhen using it.
Use of Vitamin C
Everyone knows this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties don't stop there. For example, numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effect of vitamin C on collagen and elastin fiber synthesis. It can be said that after vitamin A, vitamin C is the most important vitamin for maintaining good skin condition.
The effect of vitamin C on the skin:
- protects the skin from UV radiation,
- protects the skin from free radicals,
- Involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers,
- reduce the depth of wrinkles,
- reduce pigmentation on the skin,
- Stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.
The term "vitamin C" (as well as vitamin A) refers not to a specific molecule, but to a group of substances including: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate, etc.
The most potent form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. The remaining substances are just their predecessors, i. e. they become it after being applied and absorbed into the skin. Below are examples of high-quality vitamin C products.
Research into the effects of vitamin C on collagen synthesis has led to a surge in cosmetic products containing this vitamin. Many patients leave rave reviews about this type of makeup, while others simply don't see its effectiveness. What is it about?
It turns out that not only the form of vitamin C in product ingredients is very important, but also its concentration, and even the pH of the cosmetic. Equally important is the manufacturing technology (vitamin C stability) that does not break down with air and light even before a cream or serum is applied to the skin.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair
Research published in 2003 showed that the use of B vitamins in creams and serums can significantly reduce the effects of facial skin aging and fading.
The most important B vitamins for the skin.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for maintaining skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, premature skin aging, and dry and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Improves the ability of the upper layers of the epidermis to retain moisture. It helps dry skin look softer, smoother and reduces fine lines on the face. Also used for pigmentation with other skin lightening products.
- Use B3 with vitamin A (retinoids) to fight wrinkles better. But a lack of B3 can lead to dry skin and a lack of nutrients for the hair follicles, resulting in increased fragility and cross-section of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. In addition, vitamin B5 helps to speed up the regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is especially pronounced when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) - Involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which are the basis of skin, nails, and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry, itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss, and scalp seborrhea.
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Helps regulate skin pigmentation and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Below we provide some examples of high-quality and trusted B-vitamins-containing creams and serums.
Vitamin K for skin
It is believed that the cause of dark circles under the eyes is the rupture of delicate capillaries and appearing through the thin skin. Research and patient reviews show that vitamin K applied to the skin can reduce dark circles and reduce the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamin K and A in the cream is more effective at fighting dark circles than vitamin K alone.
In one study, it was demonstrated that dark circles under the eyes of subjects were significantly brighter after 4 months of continuous use of a cream containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A). The researchers couldn't definitively answer which of the two vitamins contributed to this: Retinol increases puffiness under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. Additionally, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope our article: Vitamins for Facial Skin Review - Results Worked for You!