CosBeauty Magazine #76

Feature
Vitamins to look for
in your skincare
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is critical in the maintenance of
healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake of
Vitamin A is likely to result in dry, rough skin.
Synthetic Vitamin A-like compounds, such
as retinol, have been clinically shown to
reduce many visible signs of skin ageing,
especially fine lines and wrinkles. Medical
research has also documented that the use of
retinol on the skin can create new collagen
deposition, greater proliferation of new blood
vessels and capillary formation.
Improvements have also been observed with
regard to skin smoothness, evening of skin tone
and overall skin rejuvenation. Retinol plays a
prominent role in conditioning the skin prior to
many cosmetic procedures such as facial surgery,
CO 2
laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Retinol has also been proven to be a potent
tool in treating acne by preventing the cells that
line the follicular canal from sticking together
and creating the solid impactions that block
the follicle, thereby addressing the underlying
mechanisms that contribute to acne.
If there’s just one anti-ageing product you
invest in, let it be a Vitamin-A derivative.
Vitamin B
Vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-5 (pantothenic
acid) have become popular additions to skincare
products because of their ability to assist in
retaining moisture, evening out skin tone and
improving a variety of skin concerns such as
redness, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Vitamin B-3 is a relatively new ingredient
in the skincare market but has demonstrated
great results, offering a milder alternative to acid
exfoliators like glycolic and salicylic acid, which
can be too harsh for certain skin types. Of note,
it helps to inhibit the transfer of pigment to
skin cells and thereby reduce the appearance of
pigmentation and age spots.
B-5 is a more commonly used vitamin in
skincare and is widely recognised for its ability in
maintaining tissue hydration levels and helping
to soothe, heal and regenerate the skin’s barrier.
It’s also good for those with sensitive skin.
Vitamin C
Also known by its chemical name ascorbic
acid, Vitamin C has been doted on by many in
the skincare industry as a miracle cure for fine
lines and wrinkles. And, while this may be a slight
overstatement, there is no doubt that Vitamin C
can benefit the skin topically in a variety of ways.
Firstly, Vitamin C has proven effectiveness
as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are a critical
natural defence against ‘free radicals’, or unstable
molecules that age the skin as a result of pollution,
smoking and sun exposure.
Topical Vitamin C can protect the skin from
UV damage caused by prolonged sun exposure
by reducing the amount of free radical formation.
Despite its ability to help protect against skin
damage and reduce discolouration, Vitamin C
products should still be used in conjunction with,
not in place of, a good sunscreen.
Another benefit of Vitamin C is its ability to
enhance synthesis of collagen and elastin, which
help skin maintain its plumpness and firmness.
Research also suggests that Vitamin C may help to
inhibit facial hair growth, acne and the formation
of melanin build-up (pigmentation), which can
cause dark spots on the skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an oldie but a goodie in skincare. It’s
known for its soothing and moisturising properties
and also anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. It
has antioxidant properties and can help prevent
free radical damage as well as improve skin softness
and smoothness while providing modest photo
(sun) protection.
68 www.cosbeauty.com.au