MAIN MAG ON BOARD SPRING 21

Glowing
naturally
Vitamins can keep
your skin looking
healthy and youthful
VITAMINS FOR SKIN
HEALTH
Vitamin E
This has been a staple in
the skincare industry for a
long time. It’s a moisturising
antioxidant, which guards the
skin barrier and improves
hydration. It can also protect
the skin from UV rays.
If our bodies need vitamins, minerals and
micronutrients to grow and keep us healthy,
then it’s only logical that we should include
these in our skin care routines to give us that
extra little boost.
Vitamins have not always been vitamins. Let’s
back up for a while: Until the 1900s, no one
had any idea there was such a thing. Then a
Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk (yes, a
pretty cool name, we know) came along. He was
studying beriberi disease, and realised all the
sufferers were deficient in what’s now called
vitamin B1 or thiamine.
Casimir coined the term himself: after realising
these nutrients were essential to the human
body and its functions, he chose the name ‘vital
amines’ with vital coming from the root word
‘vita’ meaning ‘life’ in Latin.
But more than a century later, trying to figure
out what each vitamin actually does — and which
ones are best for you — can still feel a bit like
wading through a bowl of alphabet soup.
If you’re deciding which ones to ingest, we
suggest consulting a doctor or nutritionist. But
if you’re looking to figure out the difference
between a vitamin C serum and a vitamin
A-derived retinol cream, knowing the benefits of
each can empower you to make the best choice
for your skin.
And there are choices abound. Vitamin-enriched
skin-care products can protect against freeradical
damage, treat fine lines and wrinkles,
and lessen hyper-pigmentation. Basically,
there’s a vitamin out there for every one of your
skin concerns — you just have to know which
one provides which benefits.
Vitamin C
This is an antioxidant that
boosts collagen production,
decreases pigment formation,
and protects against
environmental stressors.
Topical application can reduce
discolouration of pigments.
Vitamin A
Commonly known as retinol.
Vitamin A is widely-considered
among the most effective skincare
ingredients around. And
it’s worth noting that vitamin A
was the first vitamin approved
by the FDA.
Vitamin D
We naturally produce this
vitamin from sun exposure, but
should we sit outside and risk
UV damage? Vitamin D can be
a valid treatment for psoriasis,
but talk to your doctor.
While it’s true there is
no magic bullet when
it comes to perfecting skin,
one ingredient comes pretty
close: retinol. Prescription
retinol products and over the
counter retinols can increase
skin cell turnover and
stimulate collagen synthesis.
With consistent use of a
topical retinol you can see
improvement of fine lines,
dark spots, texture, and tone.
However, don’t forget, always
have a balanced diet too.
RETINOL
Proceed with caution
While an OTC retinol (0.5%-
2% concentration) isn’t quite
as effective or speedy as
prescription-strength, it’s
less likely to cause irritation,
redness, and peeling so
is better for anyone with
sensitive or drier skin. But,
slow down a minute. Start
with one night a week and see
how your skin reacts before
adding a second night a week
and so forth. Perhaps start
by applying your moisturiser
before applying your retinol
in order to make it a little
bit less intrusive and less
irritating in the first weeks.
Safer alternatives
There are also naturally
derived retinol alternatives
like rosehip seed oil, chicory
root oligosaccharides, and
tara tree gum, but choose
wisely, do your homework
and speak to a professional,
there are plenty of qualified
practitioners out there.
Vitamin B
There are a range of these.
B3 is called niacinamide and
most commonly found in skin
care products. This helps skin
maintain its normal barrier,
reduces dryness and related
conditions like eczema.
Vitamin F
The ‘F’ refers to fatty acids,
found in omega 6 and omega
3. These help regulate and
promote the healthy function
of our body, including playing a
role in the health of our skin.
98 | SPRING 2021 | ONBOARD