Skin Library
V - W - X
V
Vitamin A is one of the most proven actives in skincare. It works in so many ways; as a messenger telling your skin cells to behave like the best version of themselves, by encouraging cell turnover for improved texture, and by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Vitamin A is very active and in its stronger forms can cause irritation, redness and flaking.
Vitamin B is a class of 8 vitamins. They are water-soluble which means they cannot be stored in the body. The most common vitamin Bs in skincare are B3 (niacinamide) and B5 (pantothenic acid).
Vitamin C is the most commonly known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. It prevents the skin from free radical damage to save our collagen fibres as well as enhancing the protection of SPF. It down-regulates pigment production and contributes the lightening the pigmentation. Vitamin C is also vital for collagen production. It can be found in products in a form of L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Vitamin D is produced in our body as a response to sun exposure. It is essential for the strength of the structures like bones and teeth, but also for healthy skin. That’s why we still need short, but regular unprotected sun exposure to ensure the right level of vitamin D in our system as well as supplementing it by eating vitamin D rich foods and supplements.
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and preservative. It protects the membrane of the body's cells and fights against free radicals. It is also vital It is a water soluble vitamin which can be found in certain oil, nuts, grains, fruit or wheat germs.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where melanocytes the cells that produce skin pigment are destroyed in certain areas and it can also turn hair white. Without these pigment-producing cells, the skin loses colour, leading to well-defined white patches. These areas of depigmentation are often long-lasting and can be permanent.
It is also classified as an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own melanocytes, causing the loss of pigment over time.There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but there are several new treatment developments available using stem cell technology, which aim to improve the appearance and even out the skin tone.
W
Deionized, distilled, or purified, it's often used as a vehicle to deliver other ingredients into the skin.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the witch hazel plant, a natural plant extract made from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. It is known for its soothing and skin calming properties. This plant extract is packed with tannins that act as an astringent to tighten skin, while also being gently cleansing and refreshing.
Alongside this, it can support hydration and help strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
Witch hazel may also reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping the skin retain moisture, while calming redness and irritation. In clinical testing, it has shown notable anti-inflammatory effects, including helping to reduce redness (erythema) caused by sunburn and insect bites.
Wrinkles are natural creases, folds, or ridges in the skin that develop as a normal part of aging, a progressive loss of collagen, elastin, and moisture, alongside external factors like ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure and repeated facial movements, basically a nornal part of living life.
There are two main types: dynamic wrinkles, which only appear when you make facial expressions and static wrinkles, which are visible even when the face is at rest. While wrinkles can't be prevent, there are things that can be done to slow their progression.
Daily use of an broad sprectrum SPF, avoid smoking, stay well hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet can all help.
X
Xanthan gum is a common skincare ingredient used mainly to improve a product’s texture. It helps thicken formulas, stabilise ingredients and ensure everything blends and stays evenly mixed.
It is made when sugar is fermented by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, then dried into a powder and is widely used as a food additive, such as in gluden free baking.
It isn’t an active ingredient, so it doesn’t provide direct skincare benefits like hydration or treatment effects but it plays an important supporting role in making products smooth, stable and pleasant to use.
Xanthophylls are naturally occurring yellow pigments found in plants and animals, where they’re stored in fat and skin. They belong to the carotenoid family the group of red, orange and yellow plant pigments.
In skincare, xanthophylls are used for their skin-conditioning properties, helping support overall skin health and appearance. Generally well-tolerated by all skin types, they are used to protect against UV rays, blue light, and premature aging. Unlike some other carotenoids, however, they cannot be converted into vitamin A in the body.