Know your skincare ABCs 

You’ve probably noticed vitamins popping up in all the latest formulations – as well as some old classics. But do you know which ones will help you beat your particular skin concern?

A is for anti-aging and acne 

When it comes to hero ingredients in skincare, tretinoin, a prescription form of vitamin A, is right up there. Numerous trials have shown creams containing it to be effective against skin ageing as tretinoin boosts production of collagen. This means plumper, smoother skin with decreased wrinkle depth. Getting vitamin A in your diet is just as important. ‘Vitamin A, and the plant-based precursor betacarotene, which is found in carrots and sweet potatoes, can help reduce acne, and also help maintain and repair the skin,’ says nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston of Foods For Life. ‘If your levels are low, then this can result in dry, flaky skin.’

Why not try:  

Vitamin A 8000iu

Andalou Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream

Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Restoring Night Cream

B is beating inflammation and redness 

If you’ve ever scrutinised the ingredients list in your face cream, you might have come across niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide– but you might not know it’s part of the family of B vitamins. London-based dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk explains. ‘Studies have mainly focused on its anti-inflammatory and anti-acne actions, and researchers believe it helps by reducing levels of enzymes that can cause localised tissue damage.’

But you don’t have to put B vitamins on your face to reap the benefits – make sure you get them in your daily diet. ’Vitamin B comes as a family of individual nutrients and many are important to hair, skin and nail health, each bringing different qualities to the overall picture,’ says Bishop-Westo. ‘Biotin [vitamin B7] for example, supports the structure.’ So if you’re looking for a supplement, it’s important to go for one that contains all the B vitamins.

Why not try:  

Holland & Barrett Complete B Vitamin B-Complex

Solgar No-Flush Niacin 500mg

Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream

C is for creating collagen 

‘Vitamin C is a multifaceted beauty nutrient,’ says Bishop-Weston. ‘It is needed for collagen production, helping keep nails and hair strong. It is an antioxidant, and long-term supplementation has been found to protect the DNA in skin cells from sun damage. It also helps us absorb iron, helping protect against iron-deficiency hair loss.’

It’s impressive in topical creams, too. ‘Studies have demonstrated it can reduce wrinkles, roughness, skin laxity and sallowness,’ adds Dr Kluk. As it’s water-soluble, look for a product with an oil or silicone base. 

Why not try: 

Timed Release Vitamin C-1500mg

A’kin Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C

Jãsön C-Effects Pure Natural Hyper C Serum

Trilogy Age Proof Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15

And don’t forget vitamin E 

It’s a super-moisturising antioxidant that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function, and you’ll often find it in oils for treating scars and as the ingredient tocopherol in many moisturisers. ‘Vitamin E supplemented in natural forms has been shown to reduce sun damage and wrinkles and improve the texture of skin,’ says Bishop-Weston.

Why not try: 

Holland & Barrett Natural E-400iu

Holland & Barrett 100% Natural Vitamin E-Oil 30,000iu

Dr. Organic Vitamin E Skin Lotion

Summary

Article Name

Know your skincare ABCs 

Description

You’ve probably noticed vitamins popping up in all the latest formulations – as well as some old classics. But do you know which ones will help you beat your particular skin concern?

Author

Claire Coleman

Publisher Name

Healthy Magazine

Publisher Logo