Medicine has established Recommended Daily Allowances or RDA levels for over 200 different vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
However, many people overlook these essential vitamins in their skincare products. That's why we've put together this list of the most common vitamin-rich ingredients you should look out for in your skincare:
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E has been a staple in the skincare industry for a long time. It's a moisturizing antioxidant that guards the skin barrier and improves skin hydration. It also protects skin-cell membranes from oxidation by free radicals, precisely when UV rays hit the skin. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the vitamin has UV protective benefits when combined with vitamin C. One of the most popular applications is the treatment of burns, surgical scars, and wounds.
Reauty Recommends for you:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C — also called L-ascorbic acid — is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production, decreases pigment formation, and protects against environmental stressors.
Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to protect against damage caused to skin cells by things like pollution and UV rays. Damaged skin cells mean accelerated signs of aging — like lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Topical application of some formulations of vitamin C can even effectively decrease discoloration caused by melasma and hyperpigmentation, two of the hardest pigment issues to treat.
Reauty Recommends for you:
First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Vitamin A:
comes in many forms, though its most famous derivative is the over-the-counter retinol. Vitamin A changes the appearance of the skin's surface. It works by binding to receptors in skin cells, strengthening the epidermis's protective function, protecting collagen against degradation, and stimulating skin cell turnover. For the same reason, vitamin A is a powerful acne fighter, too.
Retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative available only by prescription. It's been evaluated as a topical treatment for hyperpigmentation and fine lines. It is a dermatologist's favorite for delivering results with relatively mild adverse effects like redness and increased sensitivity.
Reauty Recommends for you:
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 6TR 15ml
Vitamin D:
We naturally produce this vitamin from sun exposure, but should we sit outside and risk UV damage? Uh, not. But it's essential to ensure we have enough: Research has found an association between vitamin D deficiency and diseases like cancer and diabetes. It's also a critical factor in bone health. If you're concerned that you're deficient in vitamin D, please! — don't go out in the sun unprotected. Instead, apply your sunscreen and head to a medical professional, who will assess your levels and potentially advise you to take vitamin D supplements. However, it can be found in some over-the-counter beauty products to treat psoriasis.
Reauty Recommends for you:
Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil
Vitamin B:
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin B refers not to a single vitamin but to a group of them. There are eight different types: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), B6, biotin (B7), folate (B9), and B12.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the B vitamins most commonly found in skincare. Niacinamide is best known for helping skin maintain its normal barrier function, reducing dryness, and soothing conditions like eczema. It increases lipids in the skin, making it ideal for moisturizing. It can also improve the appearance of your skin tone and texture. It helps to reduce the appearance of pores, dark spots, pigmentation, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Vitamin B5 — also known as pantothenic acid — is another essential B vitamin often used in skin care. "It's good at soothing the skin and keeping it soft and supple," says Neuser. Pantothenic acid improves skin hydration, reduces moisture loss, and has anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for those with irritated skin.
Reauty Recommends for you:
Eva Naturals Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K is an anti-inflammatory and affects the vasculature of the skin (by helping to induce quick blood clotting); hence it helps reduce bruising and swelling quickly. Vitamin K can be used in a cream formulation post-surgery for wound healing and reducing swelling. Recently, Vitamin K creams are also being used to reduce the appearance of dark circles for the same reason.
Reauty Recommends for you:
Reviva Labs Vitamin K Creme
Signs of Vitamin Deficiency in Your Skin:
Vitamin deficiency symptoms include hyperpigmentation, poor wound healing, hair loss, nail abnormalities, rough, scaly patches, and excessive dryness. However, this is not an exhaustive list. Your healthcare provider is the only person who can detect whether you are low in a vitamin. One way to know if you're deficient in a vitamin is by taking a blood test.
Conclusion:
Whether you're aiming to brighten, reduce wrinkles, clear acne, or some other problem, applying vitamins topically is an excellent idea. Just find the most effective vitamins for your skin, and gradually increase their dosage until you discover what works for you.
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