Skin Vitamins: What You May Not Know

We all want to have clearer, younger looking skin and everyone would agree that if there’s a shortcut to attaining such, we might as well take it. Not all the time though.

We may think that topical vitamins are very safe since most for them are available over -the-counter and sometimes do not need any prescription. They may seem appear effective as they are  easily absorbed by the skin and does not need to go through the blood stream to be used  by the body, but don’t be deceived by how  easily they can be administered.  Topical  vitamins, like any type of drugs, should also be handled with caution.

Vitamin A or Retinol is known to reduce the signs of skin aging by promoting cell and collagen production thereby making the skin look rejuvenated and toned. Vitamin A creams gradually restore the skin by repairing it in the epidermis layer by forming a younger layer of the skin. The younger skin is more prone to sun damage. To minimize burning, itching and redness due to sun exposure, wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, or minimize sun exposure if it cannot be avoided. If you’re planning to use Retinol in high dosage or if you’re pregnant, it’s best to consult your doctor first as the application of the Vitamin A in higher dosage may result  to conflict with other medications that you are taking.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid although best known for battling colds, is also a skin vitamin. It is an antioxidant and is helpful in producing collagen for the  skin’s elasticity, which prevents skin wrinkling and sagging. Vitamin C, though, is very expensive and high Vitamin C potency can also irritate the skin. In its raw form, Vitamin C is unstable and can be potentially harmful when exposed to air. It can oxidize rapidly and can cause  production of free radicals that may cause cancer. How do you get it in its stable form in cosmetic products? Drug companies offer derivatives of Vitamin C, which is more stable and  far less irritating than Vitamin C itself.  When shopping for cosmetic products, it is best to check the label. Vitamin C derivatives such as Ascorbyl Palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate can easily penetrate skin cells and release L-ascorbic acid in sufficient amounts to boost collagen production.

Vitamin E,the main skin vitamin, affects the skin inside and out. It can protect the skin from free radicals caused by pollution, stress and certain drugs. Vitamin E reduces the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks and contributes to the  skins’ moisture and smoothness. You can break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply it directly to your face or to other dry areas to help the skin retain the moisture. You can rub it on your fingers to soften the cuticles, or use it to soothe chapped lips. Vitamin E is best absorbed by the skin when applied directly but can also be taken orally as it also enhances antibody formation which strengthens the body’s immune system and neurological functions. Vitamin E, when taken or used by healthy people, may be safe. But if you have conditions  like prostate, head or neck cancer, or if you have bleeding disorders, it’s best  to ask your doctor about taking  or  applying higher doses of Vitamin E. Whether or not you’re having enough supply from your food intake, it’s still best to ask the advice of doctors when it comes to supplements. Too much of even the good things can also yield bad outcomes.