How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in the synthesis of collagen, elasticity and hydration of the skin, protecting it from negative 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 created for these processes - skin photoaging.
By about 40 years, 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 age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in the hydration and thickness of the skin, as well as a decrease in the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water, which further reduces the firmness and depth of the skin. 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 complex of B vitamins.
The main effects of vitamins used in cosmetology:
- Vitamins A and C - can 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, prevents the process of photoaging of the skin.
- A 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, we will also tell 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 the skin of the face actively fights free radicals and, as a result, prevents its premature aging.
Research shows 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 containing either of these vitamins alone.
Scientists have also found 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. evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin will decrease and thus its moisture will increase. Therefore, vitamin E for the face - the 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 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.
Vitamin E forms
There are several forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safe 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 synthesized from petroleum products. Such forms are less active and safer. 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 different ways to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it can be bought cheaply from any drug store and its benefits for the skin are great. Therefore, vitamin E for facial skin - the reviews of cosmetologists and patients confirm this - should be in the cosmetic bag of any woman who cares about her appearance. Below we will tell you how to use vitamin E capsules for the skin around the face and 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 a bottle or capsule containing an oily solution of vitamin E at the pharmacy.
Vitamin E for face: how to use:
- Warm your hands and then squeeze 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply to the skin with light massage movements.
- 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 cream. But remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, so it can cause serious allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyelids.
Squeeze 1 capsule gently in the palm of your hand and apply the contents to the eye area with the pad of your ring finger. Use it as if it controls the actions 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 do not wash off until morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are many vitamin E mask recipes that you can make at home. Below are the most popular ones.
- 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 wash it off with warm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Anti-Wrinkle Avocado Vitamin E Mask - First, mash half a fresh avocado, then add 2 vitamin E capsules and mix well. After that, apply this paste on your face and neck, keep this mask for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this period, wash with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
In winter, the lips often become inflamed and cracked, which causes a lot of pain. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only heal chapped lips quickly, but also moisturize the lips well and thereby prevent further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- Apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to the lips,
- 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 mostly found in anti-aging cosmetics because. with long-term course use (about 24-36 weeks) has the following effect on the skin
- gives an even color and texture to the skin,
- stimulates the production of collagen,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with varying strengths. These include: retinol, retinol esters (eg retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol and even more retinol acetate will be weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, it is retinol that is most commonly used in anti-aging cosmetics. causes less skin irritation. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose a quality cosmetic product with retinol. many manufacturers use cheaper vitamin A substances (retinol esters) than pure retinol or retinaldehyde.
Products based on retinoic acid will most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the depth of wrinkles, but 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 do not end there. For example, numerous clinical studies have confirmed the effect of vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. After vitamin A, we can say that vitamin C is the most important vitamin to maintain the good condition of our skin.
The effect 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 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 items are only its predecessors, ie. after application and absorption into the skin, they become it. 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 high reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see its effectiveness at all. What is it about?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C in the product, but also its concentration, and even the pH of cosmetics are very important. Production technology (stabilization of vitamin C) is no less important so that the cream or serum does not break down from air and light before applying it to the skin.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair
Research published in 2003 showed that the use of B vitamins in facial creams and serums significantly reduces the effects of aging and dullness on the face.
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 causes dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, premature aging of the skin, 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 to look softer, smoother and reduce fine lines on the face. It is also used with other skin whitening agents for pigmentation.
- The use of B3 in combination with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. However, B3 deficiency leads to dry skin, malnutrition of hair follicles, and as a result, hair fragility and cross section increase.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - Helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Also, vitamin B5 promotes faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is especially noticeable when combined with vitamins B5 and C.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) - participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which are the basis of 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 skin's pigment production and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below we have presented samples of quality and reliable creams and serums with B vitamins.
Vitamin K for the skin
It is believed that the reason for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is fragile capillaries that burst and become visible through the thin skin. Vitamin K applied to the skin has been proven by research and patient reviews to reduce dark circles under the eyes, as well as reduce the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams is more effective in fighting dark circles under the eyes than vitamin K alone.
In one study, after 4 months of continuous use of a cream containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), it was confirmed that the dark circles under the eyes of the subjects were significantly brighter. The researchers couldn't definitively answer which of these two vitamins contributed: retinol thickens under-eye puffiness and makes it less transparent, while vitamin K has a brightening effect that makes dark circles less noticeable. In addition, retinol increases the penetration of vitamin K into the skin and its interaction with cells.
We hope that our article: Vitamins for facial skin - was useful for you!