How important are vitamins for the skin? They play an important role in the synthesis of collagen, maintaining the elasticity and hydration of the skin, and protecting it from harmful environmental factors such as free radicals and sunlight.
Sun exposure is a major factor in skin aging. It has been proven that the sun's UV rays destroy collagen and inhibit the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. They even coined a special term for these processes - skin photoaging.
By the age of about 40, the amount of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by about 2 times, which directly affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin. In addition, at this age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in skin hydration and thickness, as well as a decrease in the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water, which further reduces the skin's firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative impact of the external environment on the skin and activate the skin's metabolic processes. Numerous studies have shown that the most necessary vitamins for the beauty of the skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, and a vitamin B complex.
The main effects of vitamins used in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C - can increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, thus increasing the elasticity of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins C and E - perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, prevents the photoaging process of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K effectively fights against dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - perfectly heals skin damage.
Below we will look at the 5 most important vitamins for the face, and 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 caused by free radicals. As is known, the latter play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for the skin of the face actively fights against free radicals and, as a result, prevents its premature aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E effectively absorbs the sun's harmful UV rays. In addition, cosmetic products containing a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C have been shown to be more effective in sun protection than products containing the above vitamins.
Scientists have also found that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis, i. e. the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin decreases and thus its moisture content increases. Therefore, vitamin E for the face - the opinions of beauticians confirm this - is a desirable component of all moisturizers.
Thus, vitamin E enables the skin 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 mutation and skin cancer.
Forms of vitamin E
There are many forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safest 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. These should be 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 ways to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it can be bought cheaply in any pharmacy and its benefits for the skin are enormous. Therefore, vitamin E for the skin of the face - as confirmed by the opinions of beauticians and patients - should be in the cosmetic bag of every woman who takes care of her appearance. Below we will tell you how to use vitamin E capsules for the face and skin around the eyes.
Use of vitamin E for dry and sensitive skin
Those with dry and sensitive skin know how important and difficult it is to find the right ingredients to keep your skin healthy. Vitamin E is one of the few that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. You can freely buy bottles or capsules containing a solution of vitamin E in oil at the pharmacy.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use it:
- Warm it up in your hand, then squeeze out 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply it to the skin with light massaging movements.
- This is best done at night (before bed).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes
Vitamin E capsules can perfectly replace expensive eye cream. However, keep in mind that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen and can cause severe allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyelids.
Gently press 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and apply the contents to the eye area with the pad of your ring finger. Use groping as if you were making driving moves because. this damages the delicate skin of the eyelids the least. It is best to apply vitamin E to the skin around the eyes at night and not to rinse it off until morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are tons of vitamin E mask recipes that you can make at home. The most popular ones are listed below.
- Vitamin E honey mask for dry skin - take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 vitamin E capsules, mix well. Then apply this mixture on your face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Anti-Wrinkle Avocado Vitamin E Mask – First, mash half a fresh, ripe avocado, then add 2 Vitamin E capsules and mix well. Then apply this paste on your face and neck and leave the 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 often wear out and crack, which causes very painful sensations. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only quickly heal the cracks on the lips, but you can also hydrate the lips well, thereby preventing further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- best to do at night
- avoid licking the lips because. this prevents the vitamin from being absorbed into the skin.
The vitamin
Vitamin A is most often found in antiaging cosmetics because. with long-term (approx. 24-36 weeks) use as a cure, it has the following effect on the skin
- gives an even color and texture to the skin,
- 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 many forms of vitamin A with varying strengths. These include: retinol, retinol esters (such as retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13-cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Pure retinol and especially retinol acetate based products are much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, retinol is most often used in antiaging cosmetics. 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.
Retinoic acid-based products most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the depth of wrinkles, however, as already mentioned, they cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially at the beginning of application.
Use of vitamin C
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties do not end there. For example, many clinical studies have confirmed the effect of vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. We can say that after vitamin A, vitamin C is the most important vitamin for keeping our skin in good condition.
The 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" (as well as vitamin A) does not mean 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 materials are only predecessors, i. e. after application and absorption into the skin, they become that. Below are examples of quality vitamin C products.
Research into the effect of vitamin C on collagen synthesis has led to an explosion in the number of cosmetic products containing this vitamin. Many patients leave laudatory reviews of such cosmetics, while others do not see their effectiveness at all. What is it related to?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C is very important in the composition of the product, but also its concentration and even the pH of the cosmetics. The production technology (stabilization of vitamin C) is no less important, so that it does not degrade from air and light even before the cream or serum is applied to the skin.
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 reduces the effects of aging and fading of the facial skin.
The most important B vitamins for the skin.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for skin, nail and hair care. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth, premature aging of the skin, as well as dryness and breakage of hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) - improves the moisture retention capacity of the upper layer of the epidermis. It helps dry skin look softer and smoother and reduces fine lines on the face. It can also be used with other skin whitening products to treat pigment spots.
- The combined use of B3 and vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. However, the lack of B3 leads to dryness of the skin, lack of nutrition of the hair follicles and, as a result, an increase in the fragility and cross-section of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. In addition, vitamin B5 contributes to the faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is especially pronounced in combination with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of skin, nails, and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss and seborrhea of the scalp.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – helps regulate skin pigment production and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below are examples of quality and reliable vitamin B creams and serums.
Vitamin K for the skin
Dark circles under the eyes are thought to be caused by fragile capillaries that break and show through the thin skin. Vitamin K applied to the skin has been shown in studies and by patients to reduce dark circles under the eyes and reduce the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamin K and A in face creams fights against dark circles under the eyes even more effectively than vitamin K alone.
In one study, it was proven that after 4 months of continuous use of a cream containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the dark circles under the eyes of the subjects lightened significantly. The researchers could not give a definite answer as to which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the swelling under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. In addition, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope that our article: Vitamins for the evaluation of the skin of the face - proved useful for you!