How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and moisture, and protecting it from harmful environmental factors such as free radicals and sun exposure.
Sun exposure is one of the main factors in skin aging. It has been proven that UV radiation from the sun destroys collagen and also inhibits the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. A special term was even coined for these processes – photoaging of the skin.
Around the age of 40, the amount of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by about 2 times, which directly affects the skin's firmness and elasticity. Also, at this age, the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in skin hydration and thickness, and also reduces the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water, further reducing skin firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative effects of the external environment on the skin, and also activate metabolic processes in the skin. Numerous studies have shown that the most important vitamins for the beauty of skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as a complex of B vitamins.
The main effects of vitamins in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C - can increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, thereby increasing the skin's elasticity.
- The combination of vitamins C and E - perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevents the process of photoaging of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K effectively combats dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - perfectly heals skin damage.
Below we will consider the 5 most important vitamins for the skin of the face, we will also tell you what functions they perform and give examples of high-quality cosmetics based on them.
Vitamin E for the face
Research shows that vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant that helps reduce skin damage from free radicals. The latter are known to play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for the facial skin actively fights free radicals and thus prevents premature skin aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective in absorbing the sun's harmful UV rays. In addition, cosmetic products with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C have proven to be more effective sun protection than products with either of these two vitamins.
Scientists have also found that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (surface layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis, i. H. The evaporation of moisture from the skin's surface decreases and thus its moisture content increases. That is why vitamin E for the face - reviews of cosmetologists confirm this - is a desirable component of any moisturizer.
Here’s how vitamin E for your skin allows you to:
- protects against UV rays
- has strong antioxidant properties,
- has an anti-inflammatory effect,
- helps fight wrinkles and fine lines,
- moisturizes and softens dry skin,
- reduces the risk of cell mutations and skin cancer.
forms of vitamin E
There are several forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopheryl acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This form is natural (natural).
There are also synthetic forms of vitamin E that are synthesized from petroleum products. Such forms are less active and safe. They are indicated in the instructions for use of cosmetic products with the prefix "DL", for example "dl-tocopherol" or "dl-tocopheryl acetate".
On the Internet you can find many different ways how to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it is available cheaply in every pharmacy and the benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for the skin of the face - the reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm this - must be in the cosmetic bag of every woman who cares about her appearance. Below we explain how to use vitamin E capsules for the face and the skin around the 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 skin healthy. Vitamin E is one of the few that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. In a pharmacy you can buy bottles or capsules containing an oily solution of vitamin E for free.
Vitamin E for the face: Application:
- Warm in hands and then squeeze out 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply to the skin with light massage movements.
- It is best to do this in the evening (before bedtime).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes
Vitamin E capsules can perfectly replace an expensive eye cream. However, remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, and therefore it can cause severe allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyelids.
Gently squeeze 1 capsule in the palm of your hand and use the pad of your ring finger to apply around the eyes. Use tapping as if driving movements because. This is the least harmful to the sensitive skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E to the eye area in the evening and only rinse it out in the morning.
Face mask with vitamin E
There are a variety of vitamin E mask recipes that you can make at home. Below are the most popular.
- Vitamin E Honey Mask for Dry Skin - take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 vitamin E capsules, mix well. Then apply this mixture to the face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Anti Wrinkle Avocado Vitamin E Mask - First mash up half a fresh ripe avocado, then add 2 vitamin E capsules and mix well. After that, apply this paste to your face and neck and leave this mask on for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, wash it off with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
In winter, the lips are often weathered and cracked, which causes very painful sensations. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only heal the lip cracks quickly, but also moisturize the lips well and thus prevent further damage to the lip skin.
How to apply:
- apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- best at night
- Avoid licking your lips because. This prevents the vitamin from being absorbed into the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most often found in anti-aging cosmetics because. it has the following effect on the skin with long-term use (approx. 24-36 weeks).
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- stimulates the production of collagen,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are different forms of vitamin A with different potencies. These include: retinol, retinol esters (e. g. retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol and even more retinol acetate are much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, retinol is most commonly used in anti-aging cosmetics. it causes much less skin irritation. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose a quality cosmetic product with retinol. Many manufacturers use cheap vitamin A substances (retinol esters) instead of pure retinol or retinaldehyde.
Products based on retinoic acid stimulate collagen synthesis the most and reduce the depth of wrinkles, but, as already mentioned, cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially at the beginning of use.
The use of vitamin C
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties don't end there. For example, numerous clinical studies have confirmed the effect of vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. We can say that vitamin C is the most important vitamin after vitamin A to keep our skin in good condition.
Effect of vitamin C on the skin:
- protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation,
- protects the skin from free radicals,
- participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles,
- reduces skin pigmentation,
- stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.
The term "vitamin C" (like vitamin A) does not imply a specific molecule, but a whole group of substances, which include: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate and others.
The most effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. The remaining substances are only their predecessors, i. H. they transform into her after application and absorption 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 an explosion in the number of cosmetic products containing this vitamin. Many patients leave enthusiastic reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see their effectiveness at all. What is it connected to?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C in the composition of the product is very important, but also its concentration and even the pH of cosmetics. No less important is the manufacturing technology (stabilization of vitamin C), so that even before applying the cream or serum to the skin, it does not decompose in the presence of air and light.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair
Studies published in 2003 showed that the use of B vitamins in facial skin creams and serums significantly reduced the effects of aging and fading of facial skin.
The most important B vitamins for the skin.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for the maintenance of skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth, premature aging of the skin, as well as dry and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) - improves the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture. It helps dry skin look softer and smoother and reduces fine lines on the face. Also used with other skin lightening products for pigmentation.
- The use of B3 together with vitamin A (retinoids) leads to even better results in the fight against wrinkles. But the lack of B3 leads to dry skin, lack of nourishment of hair follicles and, as a result, increased brittleness and cross section of hair.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Vitamin B5 also contributes to faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is particularly pronounced when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which are the basis of skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss and scalp seborrhea.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – helps regulate skin pigment production and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below we have compiled examples of high-quality and trustworthy creams and serums with B vitamins.
Vitamin K for the skin
It is believed that the cause of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes are fragile capillaries that burst and appear through thin skin. Vitamin K applied to the skin reduces dark circles under the eyes, as well as the appearance of bruises and bruises, according to studies and patient reviews. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams fights dark circles even more effectively than vitamin K alone.
A study confirmed that after 4 months of constant use of a cream with vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), dark circles under the test subjects' eyes brightened significantly. The researchers were not able to conclusively answer which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the puffiness under the eyes, making them less transparent, while vitamin K has a lightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. In addition, retinol increases vitamin K's ability to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope that our article: Vitamins for facial skin tested - has been useful for you!