How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in the synthesis of collagen, maintaining the elasticity and hydration of the skin, and protecting it from adverse environmental factors such as free radicals and solar radiation.
Sun exposure is one of the main factors of skin aging. It has been proven that solar UV radiation destroys collagen and also inhibits the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. For these processes, a special term was even coined - photoaging of the skin.
At approximately the age of 40, the number 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 causes a decrease in skin hydration and thickness, and also reduces the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with age. water, further reducing the skin's firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative impact of the external environment on the skin, and also activate the metabolic processes in the skin. Numerous studies have shown that the most necessary vitamins for the beauty of skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as a complex of B vitamins.
The main effects of vitamins used in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C are capable of increasing 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, preventing the photoaging process of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K effectively combat dark circles.
- Vitamin C along with vitamin B5 perfectly heal skin damage.
Next, we will consider the 5 most important vitamins for facial skin, as well as 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 play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights free radicals and, consequently, prevents its premature aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective at absorbing the sun's harmful UV radiation. Additionally, cosmetic products containing a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C have been shown to be more effective in sun protection than products containing either vitamin.
Scientists have also discovered that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (superficial layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis, that is, the 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.
Thus, vitamin E for the skin allows you to:
- protects from UV rays
- has powerful antioxidant properties,
- has anti-inflammatory action,
- helps in the fight against wrinkles and fine lines,
- moisturizes and softens dry skin,
- reduces the risk of cell mutation and skin cancer.
forms of vitamin E
There are various forms of vitamin E, but the safest and most biologically active form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms: "alpha-tocopheryl acetate", "alpha-tocopheryl acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This form is natural (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 the benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for facial skin, reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm, must be in the cosmetic bag of any woman who takes care of her appearance. Here we 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
People with dry and sensitive skin know how important and difficult it is to find the right ingredients to keep skin healthy. Vitamin E is one of the few that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. In a pharmacy, you can freely buy bottles or capsules that contain an oily solution of vitamin E inside.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use:
- Warm in your hands then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply with light massage movements on the skin.
- It is better to do this at night (before going to bed).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes
Vitamin E capsules can perfectly replace an expensive eye cream. However, remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause severe allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyelids.
Gently squeeze 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and apply its contents around the eyes with the pad of your ring finger. Use pats, as if driving movements, because. this is the least damaging to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It's best to apply vitamin E to the skin around your eyes at night and don't rinse it off until morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are a huge number of recipes for vitamin E masks 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 capsules of vitamin E and mix well. Then apply this mixture on your face and neckline. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Avocado and Vitamin E Anti-Wrinkle Mask - First mash half a fresh ripe avocado, then add 2 capsules of vitamin E and mix well. After that, apply this paste to your face and neck, leaving this mask on for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
During the winter, the lips are often worn and cracked, causing very painful sensations. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only quickly heal cracks on the lips, but also moisturize them well, thereby preventing further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- apply the content of 1 capsule of vitamin E on the lips,
- better do it at night,
- avoid licking your lips, because. this will prevent the vitamin from being absorbed through the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most often found in anti-aging cosmetics, because. he, with the use of the long-term course (about 24-36 weeks), has the following effect on the skin
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- It stimulates collagen production,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are various forms of vitamin A with varying potency. These include: retinol, retinol esters (eg retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol, and even more so retinol acetate, will be much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, it is retinol that is most commonly used in anti-aging 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.
Products based on retinoic acid will stimulate collagen synthesis more strongly and reduce the depth of wrinkles, however, as we have already said, they cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially at the beginning of the app.
The use of vitamin C.
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties do not end there. For example, numerous 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 maintain the good condition of our skin.
Effects 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 pigmentation in the skin,
- stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.
The term "vitamin C" (as well as vitamin A) implies not a specific molecule, but a whole group of substances, including: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbate sodium and others.
The most effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. The remaining substances are just their predecessors, ie. they are converted into it after application and absorption into the skin. 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 favorable comments about such cosmetics, while others do not see their effectiveness at all. What is it connected to?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C in the composition of the product is very important, but also its concentration and even the pH of cosmetics. No less important is the manufacturing technology (stabilization of vitamin C), so that it does not break down with air and light even before applying the cream or serum to the skin.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair
Studies published in 2003 showed that the use of B vitamins in creams and serums for facial skin significantly reduces the effects of aging and discoloration of facial skin.
The most important B vitamins 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 lips, premature aging of the skin, as well as dryness and brittleness of hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid): improves the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture. Helps dry skin look softer, smoother and reduces fine lines on the face. It is also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation.
- The use of B3 together with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. But the lack of B3 leads to dry skin, lack of nutrition of the hair follicles and, as a result, increased brittleness and cross section of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. In addition, vitamin B5 contributes to faster skin cell regeneration, but this effect is especially pronounced when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7): participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of the skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency can cause dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss and seborrhea of the scalp.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin): helps regulate the production of skin pigment and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below, we have provided examples of reliable and quality creams and serums with B vitamins.
vitamin k for skin
The cause of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is believed to be fragile capillaries that burst and appear through thin skin. Studies and patient reviews have shown that vitamin K, applied to the skin, reduces dark circles under the eyes, as well as reduces the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams is even more effective at combating dark circles than vitamin K alone.
In one study, it was confirmed that after 4 months of consistent use of a cream containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the dark circles under the eyes of subjects lightened significantly. The researchers couldn't definitively answer which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the puffiness under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. Additionally, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope that our article - Vitamins for facial skin reviews - was useful to you!