How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in the synthesis of collagen, maintain the elasticity and hydration of the skin and protect it from harmful 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 radiation destroys collagen, and also inhibits the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. A special term has even been coined for these processes - skin photoaging.
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, by this year, the amount of hyaluronic acid found in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in hydration and thickness of the skin, and the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water also decreases, which further decreases skin firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative impact of the external environment on the skin, and also activate metabolic processes in the skin. Numerous studies have shown that the most necessary vitamins for the beauty of the skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as the 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, which increases 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 process of skin photoaging.
- Combination of vitamins A and K - effectively fights dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - perfectly heal skin damage.
Below we will consider the 5 most important vitamins for the skin of the face, and we will 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 you know, the latter play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights against free radicals and as a result prevents its early aging.
Research has shown that vitamin E is also effective in absorbing harmful UV radiation 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 vitamin alone.
Scientists have also discovered that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (the top 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 will decrease and thus its moisture content will increase. That is why vitamin E for the face - the reviews of cosmetologists confirm this - is a desirable component in all moisturizing creams.
So, vitamin E for the skin allows you 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 several 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. 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 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's why vitamin E for facial skin - the reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm this - must 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.
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 keep 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 an oil solution of vitamin E at the pharmacy.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use:
- Warm in your hands, then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply to the skin with light massage movements.
- It is best to do it 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 cream. However, keep in mind that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause severe allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyelids.
Gently squeeze 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and apply its contents to the eye area with the pad of your ring finger. Use patting, as if to initiate movements, because. this does the least damage to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E to the skin around the eyes in the evening, and not to wash it off until the morning.
Face mask with vitamin E
There are a huge number of recipes for vitamin E masks that you can make at home. Below are the most popular.
- Honey mask with vitamin E for dry skin - take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 capsules of vitamin E to it, mix well. Then apply this mixture on your face and décolletage. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask can be used 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 the mask on for 15-20 minutes. After this time, wash it off with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
During the winter, the lips are often worn and cracked, which causes very painful sensations. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only quickly heal cracks on the lips, but also moisturize the lips well, which will prevent further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- it's best to do it at night,
- avoid licking your 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 effect on the skin
- gives the skin a uniform color and texture,
- stimulates collagen production,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and also fights against acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with different strengths. These include: retinol, retinol esters (for example, retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol, and even more retinol acetate, will be much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, retinol is most often 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 most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis 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 application.
Vitamin C use
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 for maintaining 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 skin pigmentation,
- stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.
The term "vitamin C" (like vitamin A) does not mean 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 remaining substances are only its predecessors, i. e. they turn into it after application and absorption into the skin. Below are examples of quality vitamin C products.
Research on the effect of vitamin C on collagen synthesis has led to an explosion in the number of cosmetic products with this vitamin. Many patients leave enthusiastic reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see its effectiveness at all. What is it related to?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C in the composition of the product is important, but also its concentration and even the pH of cosmetics. No less important is the production technology (stabilization of vitamin C), so that it does not disintegrate from 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 vitamin B in facial creams and serums significantly reduces the effects of aging and fading of the facial skin.
The most important vitamins of the B group 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 in the corners of the lips, early 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. It helps dry skin look softer, smoother and reduces fine lines on the face. It is also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation.
- Using B3 together with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. But the lack of B3 leads to dry skin, to the lack of nutrition of the hair follicles, and as a result leads to increased brittleness and cross-section of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Also, vitamin B5 contributes to 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 we have given examples of high-quality and reliable creams and serums with B vitamins.
Vitamin K for the skin
It is believed that the cause of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes are fragile capillaries that burst and appear through the thin skin. Studies and patient reviews have shown that vitamin K, applied to the skin, reduces dark circles under the eyes, as well as the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamin K and A in face creams is even more effective in fighting dark circles under the eyes than vitamin K alone.
In one study, it was confirmed that after 4 months of constant use of a cream with vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the dark circles under the eyes of the subjects significantly lightened. The researchers could not definitively answer which of these two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens puffiness under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. Moreover, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope that our article: Reviews of vitamins for facial skin - will prove useful to you!