Vitamins for the Skin

Vitamins for the Skin

These days we are all aware of the importance of a healthy diet that consists of a good balance of protein, carbs and nutrients and most of us understand the importance of getting the right amount of vitamins.  What many people don’t realise is that vitamins can be introduced topically to the skin directly via creams and serums to deliver targeted benefits where it is required the most.
Vitamins are chemical compounds that are essential for the growth, repair and development of human cells that make up skin, bones and muscle.  The three important vitamins for the skin are A, B & C and I will explain a bit about each.
A = Anti-aging - Retinyl Palmitate/Acetate, Retinol, Retinalderhyde, Retin A/Retinoic Acid/Tretinol.
This is the must-have ingredient to include in your beauty cabinet.  Not only is it anti-aging, but it is also the only ingredient that can reverse cell damage.  Vitamin A improves hydration within the cell, can reverse the damage done to DNA, promotes wound healing, shrinks the sebaceous gland, improves collagen density, skin elasticity and breaks down pigmentation.  It is important for Vitamin A to penetrate to the basal layer, so it can engage the receptors within the cell membrane, to absorb and function correctly. If the vitamin does not absorb at the correct point, it can lead to visible side effects such as irritation, dryness and flaking. It is important to only use it in the evening as it is a known photoreactive ingredient, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Care needs to be taken initially when starting to use Vitamin A, as it is known to cause irritation if overused or not used correctly.
B = Boosting - B3 Niacin/Niacinamide, B5 Panthenol/Panthenoic Acid, B12
The incorporation of Vitamin B3 into your daily routine will enable the skin's cells to absorb oxygen more efficiently, which in turn prevents the development of acne-causing bacteria. It is very healing and can assist with treating skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, acne, aging, dry skin, sun damage and hyperpigmentation.  It also contributes to the skins barrier function by encouraging the production of natural emollients to retain hydration.  Vitamin B5 is a beneficial antioxidant which assimilates quickly within the skin, stimulates natural moisturising properties and ideal for wound healing.
C = Collagen production – Ascorbic Acid/Ascorbyl Phosphate/Ascorbyl Palmitate
A powerful antioxidant which stimulates the production of collagen, improves the skin's texture, is a photo-protector, helps to break down pigmentation, strengthens capillaries, improves skins firmness and can reverse the damage done to DNA.  Vitamin C is necessary for vascular health as capillaries carry oxygen and nutrients to every single cell.  Topical application of Vitamin C to the skin is 20 times more effective than ingesting it orally.  It protects the skin by stabilising free radicals and preventing them from doing damage.  Vitamin C is needed to restore and repair the damage done to cells due to UV exposure and oxidation.  Correct storage of Vitamin C is very important as once it has oxidised the benefits of the antioxidants and cellular renewal is less effective.  Ensure it is kept out of direct sunlight, replacing the lid to reduce oxygen exposure and kept away from high temperatures.
At Clinica-Lase we have a wide range of products that contain these essential vitamins. Oxygen facials can also be used to deliver these vitamins deep into the dermal layer of the skin.