How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in collagen synthesis, 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 in skin aging. It has been shown 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 procedures, a special term was even invented - photoaging of the skin.
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 hydration and thickness of the skin, and also reduces the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water, which further reduces theskin firmness and elasticity.
Vitamins can reduce the negative effects 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 the 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 able to 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, preventing the photoaging process of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K - effectively fights dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - perfectly heals skin damage.
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 skin damage from free radicals. As you know, the latter play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for the skin of the face actively fights free radicals and, as a result, prevents its premature aging.
Studies have 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 of these vitamins.
Scientists have also discovered that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the skin, 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 ingredient in any moisturizing cream.
Thus, vitamin E for your 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 various forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopherol acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This form is physical (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 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 - the reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm this - 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.
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. At a pharmacy, you can buy over-the-counter bottles or capsules that contain an oily solution of vitamin E inside.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use:
- Warm in your hands and then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply with gentle massaging movements to the skin.
- It is best 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 press 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and spread its contents around the eyes with the pad of your ring finger. Use the hits, like driving moves, because. this is the least harmful to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E for the skin around the eyes at night and do not 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.
- Vitamin E honey mask for dry skin - take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 capsules of vitamin E to it, mix well. Then apply this mixture on the face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Avocado Vitamin E Anti-Wrinkle 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, leaving this mask for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, rinse with warm 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 the cracks on the lips, but also moisturize the lips well, thus preventing further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- better to do it at night
- avoid licking your lips, because. This will prevent the absorption of the vitamin into the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most often found in anti-aging cosmetics, because. with long-term use (about 24-36 weeks), it has the following effect on the skin
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- stimulates collagen production,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are different 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 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 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 application.
The use of vitamin C
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties don't stop 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" (as well as vitamin A) does not imply 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 substances are only its precursors, i. e. they turn 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 with this vitamin. Many patients leave rave reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see their effectiveness at all. What is it associated with?
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 decompose 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 B vitamins in facial skin creams and serums significantly reduces the effects of aging and fading 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 lack leads to dry skin, appearance of cracks at the corners of the mouth, premature aging of the skin, as well as dryness and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) - improves the ability of the upper layer of the skin to retain moisture. It helps dry skin look softer, smoother and reduce fine lines on the face. It is also used with other skin lightening 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, a lack of nourishment of the hair follicles and as a result leads to increased fragility and cross section of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Also, vitamin B5 contributes to the faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is particularly pronounced when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of skin, nails, 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 provide examples of quality and reliable B vitamin creams and serums.
Vitamin K for the skin
It is believed that the cause of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is fragile capillaries that burst and appear through the thin skin. Vitamin K, applied to the skin, has been proven by studies and patient reviews to reduce dark circles under the eyes, as well as reduce the appearance of bruising and bruising. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams is even more effective at fighting 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 were significantly lightened. The researchers could not answer for sure which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the puffiness under the eyes, making them less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, which makes dark circles less visible. In addition, 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 - turned out to be useful for you!