How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and hydration, and protecting it from adverse environmental factors such as free radicals and solar radiation.
Sun exposure is one of the main factors in skin aging. It has been proven that solar UV rays destroy collagen, and also inhibit the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermis layer of the skin. For this process, a special term has been coined - skin aging photo.
Around the age of 40, the amount of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by about 2 times, which directly affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Also, at this age, the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in the hydration and thickness of the skin, and also reduces the level of hydration of collagen fibers with water, which in turn reduces the skin's firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative effects of the external environment on the skin, and also activate metabolic processes in the skin. Many studies have shown that the most necessary vitamins for skin and hair beauty are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as vitamin B complex.
The main effects of vitamins used in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C - able to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, further increasing skin elasticity.
- The combination of vitamins C and E - perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, preventing the photoaging process of the skin.
- A combination of vitamins A and K - effective against dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - heals skin damage perfectly.
Below we will consider the 5 most important vitamins for the skin of 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 free radical damage to the skin. As you know, the latter plays an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights free radicals and, as a result, prevents early aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective in absorbing harmful UV rays from the sun. 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 with either of these 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 nature of the epidermis, i. e. evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin will decrease and, thus, its moisture content will increase. That is why vitamin E for the face - reviews of cosmetologists confirm this - is a desirable component in any moisturizer.
Therefore, vitamin E for the skin allows you to:
- protect against UV rays
- has strong antioxidant properties,
- has anti-inflammatory action,
- helps in fighting wrinkles and fine lines,
- moisturizes and softens dry skin,
- reduce the risk of cell mutation and skin cancer.
Vitamin E form
There are several forms of vitamin E, but the most active and biologically safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopheryl acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This form is natural.
There are also synthetic forms of vitamin E, which are synthesized from petroleum products. Such forms are less active and safe. They will be indicated in the instructions of cosmetic products with the prefix "DL", for example, "dl-tocopherol" or "dl-tocopheryl acetate".
On the Internet you can find many different ways how to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it can be bought cheaply at any pharmacy, and its benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for the skin of the face - reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm this - must be in the cosmetic bag of any woman who takes care of her appearance. Below we will tell you how to use vitamin E capsules for the face and for the skin around the eyes.
How to Use 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 maintain skin health. Vitamin E is one of the few that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. At the pharmacy, you can buy bottles or capsules that contain an oily solution of vitamin E inside.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use:
- Warm it in your hand and then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply with a light massaging motion on the skin.
- It is best to do this in the evening (before going to bed).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes
Vitamin E capsules can perfectly replace expensive eye creams. However, remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause a severe allergic reaction if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyelids.
Squeeze 1 capsule gently into the palm of your hand and apply the contents around the eyes with the pad of your ring finger. Use applause, as if driving the movement, because. this is the least damaging to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E to the skin around the eyes at night, and do not rinse until morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are tons of vitamin E mask recipes that you can make at home. Below are the most popular.
- Vitamin E honey mask for dry skin - take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 vitamin E capsules to it, 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. After that, apply this paste on your face and neck, leave this mask on for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, wash with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
During the winter, the lips are often weathered and cracked, causing a very painful sensation. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only heal cracks on the lips quickly, but also moisturize 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,
- preferably done at night,
- avoid licking the lips, because. this will prevent the vitamin from being absorbed into the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most often found in anti-aging cosmetics, because. it, with long-term course use (about 24-36 weeks), has the following effects on the skin
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- stimulate collagen production,
- reduce the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduce age spots,
- and also fight acne (black spots and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with varying potencies. These include: retinol, retinol esters (eg, retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol, and especially retinol acetate, will be much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, it is the most commonly used retinol in anti-aging cosmetics. it causes more or less skin irritation. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose quality cosmetic products with retinol. many manufacturers use cheap vitamin A ingredients (retinol esters) rather than pure retinol or retinaldehyde.
Products based on retinoic acid will most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the depth of wrinkles, however, as we have said, 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 to keep our skin in good condition.
Effects of vitamin C on the skin:
- protect the skin from ultraviolet rays,
- protect the skin from free radicals,
- participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers,
- reduce the depth of wrinkles,
- reduce skin pigmentation,
- stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
The term "vitamin C" (as well as vitamin A) implies not one 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 material that remains is only its predecessor, i. e. they turn into after application and absorption into the skin. Below are examples of quality vitamin C products.
Research into the effects of vitamin C on collagen synthesis has led to an explosion in the number of cosmetic products with this vitamin. Many patients leave comments about such cosmetics, while others do not see its effectiveness at all. What does it have to do with it?
It turns out that not only the form of vitamin C in the composition of the product is very important, but also its concentration, and also the pH of cosmetics. No less important is the manufacturing technology (stabilization of vitamin C), so that it does not decompose from air and light even before applying a cream or serum to the skin.
Vitamin B for beautiful skin and hair
A study published in 2003 showed that the use of vitamin B in creams and serums for the skin significantly reduces the effects of aging and fading of the skin.
Vitamin B is the most important for the skin.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for the maintenance of skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, the appearance of cracks at the corners of the mouth, early skin aging, as well as dryness and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) - increases the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture. It helps dry skin look softer, smoother, and reduces fine lines on the face. Also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation.
- The use of B3 together with vitamin A (retinoid) gives better results in the fight against wrinkles. But lack of B3 leads to dry skin, lack of nutrition of hair follicles, and consequently leads to increased fragility and cross-section of hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Also, vitamin B5 contributes to faster skin cell regeneration, but this effect is especially noticeable when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - is involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of skin, nails, hair. Its deficiency can cause dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss, and seborrhea on the scalp.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) - helps regulate skin pigment production and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Below we have provided examples of quality and reliable creams and serums with vitamin B.
Vitamin K for the skin
It is believed that the cause of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is fragile capillaries that break and appear through the thin skin. Vitamin K, applied to the skin, has been shown by studies and patient reviews to reduce dark circles under the eyes, as well as reduce the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamin K and A in a face cream is more effective in combating dark circles under the eyes than vitamin K alone.
In one study, it was confirmed that after 4 months of continuous use of a cream with vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the dark circles under the eyes of the subjects lightened significantly. The researchers could not answer for sure which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens puffiness under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, which makes dark circles less noticeable. In addition, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope our article: Vitamins for facial skin reviews - turns out to be useful to you!