Vitamins are chemical compounds found in food that are important for human development, body functions and health. These compounds are vital because our body cannot make them, therefore we have to get them through food.
When it comes to healthy skin, there are vitamins that we cannot do without.
Vitamin A is the undisputed number 1 skin regenerator and normaliser. It is absolutely necessary for skin cell repair, renewal and regeneration. In my opinion, any products with claims of anti-ageing benefits cannot do without Vitamin A.
There are many B vitamins, the ones that are important for skin health are B3 (niacinamide) as it stimulates microcirculation, reduces pigmentation, helps mitigate acne and congested skin. B5 (D-Panthenol) supports wound healing, B6 (pyridoxine) and B7 (biotin), both these vitamins enable the skin to metabolise lipids and protein, B6 further supports the immune function of the skin.
Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant, it works by neutralising free radicals which cause oxidative stress and damage to skin cells. Vitamin C also helps repair sun-damaged skin and control hyper-pigmentation. New research suggests that it also stimulates and regulates collagen production.
Vitamin E is the perfect partner to Vitamin C. These two work together when it comes to fighting free radicals. Vitamin C ‘sacrifices’ itself to neutralise free radicals, then Vitamin E comes along to ‘revive’ it. Apart from being Vitamin C’s best friend, Vitamin E is a vital ingredient for soft and supple skin.
Naturally, the best way to get your vitamins is through a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle. But did you know that your body distributes the vitamins you ingest to your vital organs first (brain, heart, liver, kidneys etc) and only what’s left over goes to the skin? So, if you are feeding your skin with great skincare, make sure it contains the right vitamins for your skin, at the right dosage, in a delivery system that your skin can absorb.
