Glowing naturally
Vitamins can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful
I
f our bodies need vitamins, minerals and micronutrients to grow and keep us healthy, then it’s only logical that we should include these in our skin care routines to give us that extra little boost.
Vitamins have not always been vitamins. Let’s back up for a while: Until the 1900s, no one had any idea there was such a thing. Then a Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk (yes, a pretty cool name, we know) came along. He was studying beriberi disease, and realised all the sufferers were deficient in what’s now called vitamin B1 or thiamine.
Casimir coined the term himself: after realising these nutrients were essential to the human body and its functions, he chose the name ‘vital amines’ with vital coming from the root word ‘vita’ meaning ‘life’ in Latin.
But more than a century later, trying to figure out what each vitamin actually does — and which ones are best for you — can still feel a bit like wading through a bowl of alphabet soup.
If you’re deciding which ones to ingest, we suggest consulting a doctor or nutritionist. But if you’re looking to figure out the difference between a vitamin C serum and a vitamin A-derived retinol cream, knowing the benefits of each can empower you to make the best choice for your skin.
And there are choices abound. Vitamin-enriched skin-care products can protect against free- radical damage, treat fine lines and wrinkles, and lessen hyper-pigmentation. Basically, there’s a vitamin out there for every one of your skin concerns — you just have to know which one provides which benefits.
VITAMINS FOR SKIN HEALTH
Vitamin E
This has been a staple in the skincare industry for a
long time. It’s a moisturising antioxidant, which guards the skin barrier and improves hydration. It can also protect the skin from UV rays.
Vitamin C
This is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production, decreases pigment formation, and protects against
environmental stressors.
Topical application can reduce discolouration of pigments.
Vitamin A Commonly known as retinol.
Vitamin A is widely-considered among the most effective skin- care ingredients around. And
it’s worth noting that vitamin A was the first vitamin approved by the FDA.
Vitamin D We naturally produce this
vitamin from sun exposure, but should we sit outside and risk UV damage? Vitamin D can be a valid treatment for psoriasis, but talk to your doctor.
RETINOL W
hile it’s true there is no magic bullet when
it comes to perfecting skin, one ingredient comes pretty close: retinol. Prescription retinol products and over the counter retinols can increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis. With consistent use of a topical retinol you can see improvement of fine lines, dark spots, texture, and tone. However, don’t forget, always have a balanced diet too.
Proceed with caution While an OTC retinol (0.5%- 2% concentration) isn’t quite as effective or speedy as prescription-strength, it’s less likely to cause irritation, redness, and peeling so is better for anyone with sensitive or drier skin. But, slow down a minute. Start with one night a week and see how your skin reacts before adding a second night a week and so forth. Perhaps start by applying your moisturiser
before applying your retinol in order to make it a little bit less intrusive and less irritating in the first weeks.
Safer alternatives There are also naturally derived retinol alternatives like rosehip seed oil, chicory root oligosaccharides, and tara tree gum, but choose wisely, do your homework and speak to a professional, there are plenty of qualified practitioners out there.
Vitamin B
There are a range of these. B3 is called niacinamide and most commonly found in skin care products. This helps skin maintain its normal barrier, reduces dryness and related conditions like eczema.
Vitamin F The ‘F’ refers to fatty acids,
found in omega 6 and omega 3. These help regulate and
promote the healthy function of our body, including playing a role in the health of our skin.
98 | SPRING 2021 | ONBOARD
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