Some vitamins – in pill form – have been shown to have antioxidant qualities. Several skin care companies have incorporated these vitamins into their product lines in hope of slowing the aging process – or at least the appearance of it.
Buyer beware: The FDA doesn't regulate supplements in skin care products, and dermatologists are only beginning to study the effects of vitamins applied topically. While antioxidants applied to the skin seem like they should reduce free radicals, we’re a long way from knowing for sure.
With that caveat in mind, here are 5 of the most frequently used vitamins for healthy skin.
Vitamin E
Image provided by The Body Shop
Using Vitamin E in skin care is thought to have multiple benefits to your skin. It is a potent antioxidant that is thought to fight off free radicals that cause the signs of aging. Some examples of free radicals are smoke, pollutants and excess sun.
Vitamin E is also a great moisturizing ingredient that is found naturally in our bodies. It is found in many skin care lines, which makes it easy to find, but it is also available as a supplement at any drugstore. It's easy to poke a hole in the capsule and squeeze out the Vitamin E gel and apply right to your skin.
The Body Shop has an entire line of Vitamin E skin care products. Pictured here is their Vitamin E Facial Oil.
Vitamin A
Image courtesy PriceGrabber
Are you familiar with the anti-aging (and anti-acne) superstar "retinol"? If so, then you're familiar with Vitamin A and the great things it can do for your skin.
Vitamin A forces your skin cells to turn over faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. It can cause some irritation to your skin, and many people using prescription-strength have to start slow, applying only every couple of days.
Using Vitamin A increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so use ample amounts of sunscreen. Results will take time to achieve.
Your best bet is to get your Vitamin A from your dermatologist who can educate you and give you a personalized dose. But a potent (yet expensive) over-the-counter line of products using Vit A is ZO Skin Health.
Vitamin K
Image provided by Sephora
If you've been searching for an eye cream that will get rid of the dark circles under your eyes, you've likely come across one with Vitamin K inside.
While dark circles under the eyes can be caused by numerous reasons, they are typically visible because of leaking capillaries under your skin. The skin under your eyes is thin, which makes the leaking capillaries visible as dark circles.
It is often recommended to look at your stress level, sleep schedule and smoking habits when trying to get rid of the circles. And concealers work wonders, but if you still can't banish those dark circles, try an eye cream with Vitamin K, like MD Skincare: Lift and Lighten Eye Cream which is believed to actually constrict the capillaries under your skin.
Vitamin C
Image provided by EmerginC
Vitamin C is another super-star antioxidant found in citrus fruit. This is another ingredient that you'll have no problems finding in many skin care products, especially those meant for anti-aging. Vitamin C is thought to fight off free radicals, slow down the aging process and even reverse the signs of aging.
It's a great ingredient to look for in skin care lines, because the benefits to your skin are great, but know that Vitamin C has a hard time staying stable in skin care products, especially when introduced to the air. Try looking for serums and moisturizers that come in an airless chamber pumps to keep the air out of the bottle.
EmerginC's Vitamin C Serum pictured here is a good example of a stable Vitamin C serum on the market.
Vitamin B
Image courtesy Pricegrabber
Vitamin B is thought to be a great addition to your skin care product, especially if you have dry skin or are looking to decrease age spots. Using products with Vitamin B may also help your skin's appearance by evening out the overall tone as well. In fact, it's showing great acne-fighting properties as well.
You'll may notice the label will read B-3, B-5, B-6 B-12, etc...all which are forms of Vitamin B. And you'll definitely have your choice of product lines and price points with Vitamin B in them.
A good drugstore line with Vitamin B is Olay Total Effects, which contain 7 vitamins, including Vitamin B. They have an entire line from cleansers to serums to moisturizers with Vitamin B in them.
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