Vitamins for skincare - Dy DermatologyWe use vitamins on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, but they are specifically vital for healthy skin. There are five major vitamins that are most common and important for skin care routines: Vitamins A, B3, B5, C and E. If you aren’t using these vitamins, here’s a look at what they do for your skin and why you should consider incorporating these topical vitamins into your daily routine.

Vitamin A

Also known as: Retinoic acid

Vitamin A benefits include removing blackheads and whiteheads, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The oral form of Vitamin A, called isotretinoin, is effective against deep/cystic acne, decreasing oil production and preventing the formation of skin cancer. In over-the-counter products, it is listed as retinol, and requires an enzyme to make it work as the active form of retinoic acid. It also can be found in over-the-counter products as retinyl palmitate, but the absorption on skin is very minimal. Retinal is unstable, so not all forms are effective. Remember: you should avoid Vitamin A if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Vitamin B3

Also known as: Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 can be found in salmon, tuna, chicken and nuts. It helps hydrate the skin by production of ceramides. It has anti-inflammatory effects that helps reduce redness in patients with rosacea and can modulate the bacteria that causes acne.

Vitamin B5

Also known as: Pantothenic acid or Provitamin B5

Not only is Vitamin B5 a moisturizer, but it also acts as a natural skin healer and protectant. It acts as a barrier to shield skin from irritation and help heal wounds. It is mainly found in foods like fish, beef, dairy, eggs, avocados and soybeans. It can be found in some cosmetic products under the name of dexpathenol.

Vitamin C

Also known as: Ascorbic acid

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, and its role in collagen production keeps your skin looking young and healthy. It can also be valuable in lightening skin pigmentation, helping dark spots on the skin. Although it can be ingested orally, foods rich in Vitamin C do not increase Vitamin C levels in the skin to the same extent as topical application (like serums). Keep in mind ­– not all vitamin serums are created equal. Ascorbic acid is very unstable and oxidizes upon exposure to light and air, making it difficult to penetrate through the top layer of your skin. Vitamin C serums are available as: L-ascorbic acid, ascobyl-6-palmitate, and magnesium, ascorbyl phosphate (at different concentrations).

Vitamin E

Also known as: Alpha tocopherol

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps hydrate the skin and increases the effect of other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and photoprotective effects for skin cancer. Its main function is to protect against sun damage by absorbing the harmful UV light when it hits the skin. Vitamin E is available in many skin care products, but it is ideal to have your main source of Vitamin E come from your diet. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin E are: vegetables, oils, seeds and nuts.

As you can see, adding vitamins to your daily skincare routine can benefit your skin in many ways. In fact, you can even mix vitamins into your existing skincare routine. Either way, your best way to get glowing, healthy and youthful skin is to get the right mix of vitamins so your skin can be looking, feeling and doing its very best.


 

Dr. Lady Christine Dy, Dermatologist

Dr. Lady Dy is one of the most sought after dermatologists in the United States. She has studied all over the world and has worked with the world’s leading experts in skin and hair. Her patients fly from all over North America, Dubai, Norway and Korea to be treated by her in Chicago. To learn more about hair loss and to find the treatment plan that’s right for you, contact Dy Dermatology Center. Click here to request an appointment or call the dermatology center at (847) 832-1185.