Vitamins and Your Skin

Nutrition seems to play an enormous role in minimizing free radical damage. Studies show that after the age of 30, there is a sharp decrease in the number of ingested vitamins that are transported to the skin. This is when our skin most needs antioxidant protection. However, applying potent, stabilized vitamins to the skin via creams and lotions can significantly help reduce the effects of premature aging.

Our hectic, modern lifestyle taxes the body and depletes its natural supply of vitamins and minerals. Adding good vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet can boost your immune system and improve the way you look and feel.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and using an antioxidant cream on a daily basis is a wise insurance policy for your skin. Watch for products that contain vitamin A (to act on wrinkles), vitamin C (for radiance and tone) and vitamin E (to improve texture).

THE BENEFITS OF TOPICALLY APPLIED VITAMINS

Vitamin A
• Improves skin elasticity
• Increases moisture content, making skin appear more supple
• Helps to reverse the signs of photo aging
• Scavenges free radicals

Vitamin C
• Plays a vital role in the production antioxident of pro collagen, the building blocks of collagen fibres
• Controls production of hyperpigmentation
• Scavenges free radicals
• Strengthens capillary walls; helps heal the skin
• Boosts skin’s immune system

Vitamin E
• Protects skin cells and membranes
• Controls production of collagen
• Appears to promote skin healing
• Relieves skin dryness
• Slows collagen degradation
• Anti-inflammatory

Pro-Vitamin B5
• Encourages cell regeneration
• Stimulates the healing process
• Prevents scarring
• Conditions the skin

Vitamin F
• Restores the skin’s natural barrier function
• Maintains optimum moisture levels

Topically applied vitamins are very fragile. When exposed to oxygen, light or pullution, they can decompose and lose many of their beneficial qualities. Look for sealed packages that are specifially designed to protect the potency of products, as opposed to vitamin-rich skincare products that are packaged in open containers such as jars or dropper bottles.