How important are vitamins for the skin of the face? 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 a major factor in skin aging. The sun's UV rays have been shown to destroy collagen and also inhibit 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. 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 collagen fibers with water, which further reduces compactness 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 skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as a complex of vitamins of group B.
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 radiation, preventing the process of photoaging of the skin.
- The 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 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, the latter play an important role in the aging process. Vitamin E for the skin of the face actively fights free radicals and, consequently, prevents premature aging.
Studies have shown that vitamin E is also effective in absorbing the sun's harmful UV rays. Additionally, 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 found that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (surface 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 any moisturizer.
Thus, vitamin E for the skin allows you to:
- protects from UV rays
- has powerful antioxidant properties,
- has anti-inflammatory action,
- helps in the 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 safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - "alpha-tocopherol acetate", "alpha-tocopherol acetate"). This form is recommended by the FDA. This shape is natural (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-tocopherol acetate".
On the Internet you can find many different ways on how to use vitamin E for the face at home, because. it can be bought inexpensively at any drugstore and its benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for the skin of the face - this is confirmed by the reviews of cosmetologists and patients - must be in the cosmetic bag of every woman who takes care of her appearance. Below we will tell you how to use the 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 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 the pharmacy you can freely buy bottles or capsules containing an oily solution of vitamin E.
Vitamin E for the face: how to use it:
- Warm in your hands and then squeeze out 1-2 vitamin E capsules.
- Apply with light massaging 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 severe 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 tip of the ring finger. Use the caresses, as if guiding the movements, because. this is the least harmful to the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E to the skin around the eyes at night and not rinse off until the morning.
Vitamin E face mask
There are a huge number of vitamin E mask recipes 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, mix well. Then apply this mixture on your face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Avocado Vitamin E Wrinkle Mask - First mash half a ripe fresh avocado, then add 2 vitamin E capsules and mix well. Next, apply this paste on your face and neck, leaving this mask on for 15-20 minutes. After this time, rinse with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips
During the winter, the lips are often weathered and chapped, 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, thereby preventing further damage to the skin of the lips.
How to apply:
- apply the contents of 1 capsule of vitamin E on the lips,
- better do it at night,
- avoid licking your lips, because. this will prevent the vitamin from being absorbed by the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is most often found in anti-aging cosmetics, because. it, with long-term use (around 24-36 weeks), has the following effect on the skin
- gives the skin a uniform color and texture,
- stimulates the production of collagen,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces age spots,
- and it also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A with varying potency. 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, retinol is the 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 low-cost vitamin A substances (retinol esters) rather than pure retinol or retinaldehyde.
Retinoic acid-based products will further 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 the application.
The use of vitamin C
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, but its properties don't 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 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) implies not a specific molecule, but a whole group of substances, which include: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbylphosphate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, 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 products with vitamin C.
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 rave reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see their effectiveness at all. What is it connected 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 facial skin aging and fading.
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 in the corners of the mouth, premature aging of the skin, dryness and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid): improves the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture. Helps dry skin look softer, smoother and reduces facial wrinkles. Also used with other whitening products for skin 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 nutrition of the hair follicles and, as a result, an increase in the fragility 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 especially 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
The cause of dark circles under the eyes is believed to be fragile capillaries that burst and appear through thin skin. Studies and patient reviews have shown that vitamin K, applied to the skin, reduces dark circles and the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams is even more effective at fighting dark circles than vitamin K.
In one study, it was confirmed that after 4 months of constant use of a cream with vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the subjects' dark circles lightened significantly. Researchers were unable to definitively answer which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the puffiness under the eyes, making it less transparent, while vitamin K has a lightening effect, which makes dark circles less noticeable. . 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 was helpful to you!