Take (or apply?!) your Vitamins
Many skin care products tout the beneficial effects of Vitamins as ingredients. Applied topically, the following have been shown to be effective:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that is effective in helping reduce the appearance of fine facial wrinkles and improving skin texture. Use of topical Vitamin A causes increased sun sensitivity so it is strongly recommended to use an effective sunscreen. Tretinoin is a potent derivative of Vitamin A and it is one of the few substances whose anti-aging effects on the skin have been widely documented. Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate are also derivatives of Vitamin A.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide, has been shown to be an effective topical ingredient that helps with skin texture and tone, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce sun damage as well as other damage to the skin caused by free radicals, and may increase collagen synthesis. Additionally, studies show the topical use of Vitamin C provides a form of protection from the sun. However, the use of Vitamin C in products is difficult as it is unstable in the presence of air and becomes oxidized, which negates its effects on the skin. Topical Vitamin C needs to be in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid, as well as in a sufficient concentration, to be effective.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol or Alpha-Tocopherol, is a powerful antioxidant and emollient that protects lipids from free radical damage. Additionally, Vitamin E may help with healing and reducing scars.
Vitamin K
There is some research showing that topical Vitamin K helps with bruising and discoloration of the skin. Vitamin K is used in some eye creams to improve the appearance of dark circles, and is used post-laser surgeries to decrease bruising.
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