Can vitamins be beneficial to your skin health?
Some recent research has found that vitamins can be useful in preventing and treating certain skin conditions. A 2019 study, for instance, discovered that increased amounts of vitamin A – which can be found in foods like sweet potato, spinach, carrots, fish, and eggs – in your diet can lower your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer.
And Accutane, a drug used to treat severe acne, is actually an oral Vitamin A called isotretinoin.
But in general, taking vitamins orally isn’t going to make a meaningful difference in the state of your skin. That’s because doing so doesn’t allow for the same targeted application as skincare.
Vitamin-enriched skincare products, on the other hand, can help lessen hyperpigmentation, protect against free-radical damage, and treat fine lines and wrinkles.
To help you make the best choice for your skin, here’s a breakdown of the three most widely used vitamins in skincare.
Vitamin E
WHAT IT DOES: Called alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E has been a go-to for the skincare industry for a long time. It’s a moisturizing antioxidant. It also protects skin-cell membranes from oxidation by free radicals, specifically when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. In fact, a 2002 study found that vitamin E has UV protective benefits when it’s combined with vitamin C.
HOW IT’S USED: Among the most common applications for topical vitamin E is the treatment of burns, surgical scars, and wounds. The research is mixed, though, as to just how effective it is in these circumstances.
Vitamin C
WHAT IT DOES: Also called L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental irritants, decreases pigment formation, and boosts collagen production.
Like other antioxidants, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to protect against damage caused to skin cells by things like UV rays and pollution. This damage can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also adept at treating hyperpigmentation. It does this by inhibiting the main enzyme responsible for the conversion of tyrosine into melanin. Some vitamin C topical formulations can even effectively decrease discoloration caused by melasma.
However, topical vitamin C can be very unstable, meaning it breaks down quickly when it’s exposed to oxygen or sunlight, rendering it ineffective. Look for products that are packaged in airtight containers. And if the product changes color, it’s usually a sign the vitamin C is breaking down.
HOW IT’S USED: In skincare products, vitamin C is often combined with vitamin E, and sometimes ferulic acid, because the combination of these ingredients improves the stability of the vitamins and doubles the sun protection for the skin. Keep in mind that vitamin C is very potent. A few drops per application are plenty to achieve the desired results.
Vitamin A
WHAT IT DOES: Vitamin A is considered to be one of the most effective skincare ingredients available. It was the first vitamin approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a topical ingredient that changes the appearance of the skin’s surface.
Vitamin A comes in lots of different forms in skincare, though the most recognizable is over-the-counter retinol. It works by binding to receptors in skin cells, which, in turn, strengthens the epidermis, protects collagen against degradation, and stimulates skin cell turnover. For this reason, vitamin A is a powerful acne fighter, too.
HOW IT’S USED: There can be an adjustment period because vitamin A products like retinol are so powerful, so start with a low concentration and don’t use it every day. Once your skin builds up a tolerance, you can use it more often. But even then, you only need a very small amount. And be patient. The first results should appear in two to four weeks.
Finally, while many of these products are available over the counter, it’s good idea to talk with a board-certified dermatologist before introducing them to your daily or weekly routine. They can help you hone in even more on the ones that will best suit your needs.
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