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 harmful environmental factors such as free radicals and solar radiation.
Sun exposure is one of the main factors in skin aging. Solar UV radiation has been proven to destroy collagen and also inhibit the activity of fibroblasts which produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. For these processes, a special term has even been coined - 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. In addition, 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 the fibersof collagen with water, which further reduces 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 vitamin B complex.
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, thereby increasing the elasticity of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins C and E - perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, preventing the process of photoaging of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K - effectively fights dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C and vitamin B5 - perfectly heal skin damage.
Below we will consider the 5 most important vitamins for facial skin, 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 free radical damage to the skin. As you know, these play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights free radicals and, therefore, prevents its early aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective at 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 for sun protection than products containing either of these vitamins.
Scientists have also discovered that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (the outer 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, as a result, its moisture content will increase. That is why vitamin E for the face - reviews of cosmetologists confirm this - is a desirable component in all moisturizers.
Thus, vitamin E for the skin allows to:
- protects against UV rays
- has powerful antioxidant properties,
- has an anti-inflammatory action,
- helps to 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 several forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safest form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopherol 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. These forms are less active and less safe. They will be indicated in the instructions for cosmetic products by the prefix "DL", for example "dl-tocopherol" or "dl-tocopherol acetate".
On the Internet you can find many ways to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it can be purchased cheaply at any pharmacy, and the benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for the skin of the face - 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 for the skin around the eyes.
How to Use Vitamin E for Dry and Sensitive Skin
Those with dry, sensitive skin know how important and difficult it is to find the right ingredients to maintain healthy skin. 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 vials or capsules that contain an oily solution of vitamin E inside.
Vitamin E for the face: instructions for use:
- Warm up in your hands then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply with light massage movements 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 an expensive eye cream. However, remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause serious 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 pulp of your ring finger. Use tapping, as if driving movements, because. it is the least damaging to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E for the skin around the eyes at night and not rinse off until morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are a large number of vitamin E mask recipes that you can prepare at home. Below are the most popular ones.
- 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 neckline. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Avocado Vitamin E 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 on for 15-20 minutes. After this time, rinse with lukewarm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
During the winter, the lips are often weathered 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 the lips well, thus preventing further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to register:
- apply the contents of 1 capsule of vitamin E on the lips,
- better to 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. it, with long-term use (about 24-36 weeks), has the following effect on the skin
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- stimulates the production of collagen,
- reduces the depth of fine lines and wrinkles,
- reduces pigment spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with varying potency. These include: retinol, retinol esters (e. g. retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products made with 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. it causes much less skin irritation. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose a quality cosmetic product with retinol. many manufacturers use inexpensive vitamin A substances (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 already said, they cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially instart of application.
The 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 maintain the good condition of our skin.
Effects of vitamin C on the skin:
- protects the skin from ultraviolet rays,
- 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, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate and others.
The most effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. The remaining substances are only its predecessors, that is, they transform 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 rave reviews about these 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 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 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 reduced 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 mouth, premature skin aging, as well as dry and brittle 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. Also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation.
- Using B3 with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in fighting 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 regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is particularly pronounced when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - is involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of the 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 have provided examples of 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 show through thin skin. Vitamin K, applied to the skin, has been shown in 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 constant use of a cream containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), dark circles under the eyes of subjects lightened significantly. Researchers weren't able to determine with certainty which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens bags under the eyes, making them less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect, which makes dark circles less dark. visible. Additionally, 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 - was useful for you!