Want to unleash your best ever skin? It's as easy as A B C D E.
Vitamins are micronutrients that your body needs to perform essential functions such as repair, cell production, and support your immune system and when it comes to our skin, as well as getting vitamins from our diet, we can also apply them topically to reap even more rewards. Let’s get to know some of the great skin vitamins.
How it works
Vitamin A, also known as retinoids, is a real superstar skin vitamin. Your skin actually has receptors for it! It helps to encourage collagen and elastin production, improve the natural moisturising factor, is an antioxidant, and assists cell turnover.
Best for
Mature, congested, textured, and pigmented skin.
Not right for
Young and sensitive skins (unless it's a low concentration and advised by a therapist).
How it works
The B vitamin group is famous for its soothing and calming properties and B3 is no exception. This is a true all-rounder that assists in the production of ceramides - the mortar of our skin barrier, regulates sebum production, targets pigmentation, and improves hydration.
Best for
Everyone - we can all benefit from niacinamide!
How to make the most of it
Apply every day, make sure not to apply straight after BHAs or AHAs.
How it works
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for many things. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors, it’s a tyrosinase inhibitor which means it assists in reducing pigmentation, and we need vitamin C for healthy collagen production too!
Best for
Mature, pigmented skin, dull skin, rosacea and redness
Not right for
Acne-prone skin - it can cause further breakouts
How to make the most of it
Apply in the morning to help protect your skin throughout the day. Don’t mix with vitamin A (unless in a formulation together) or apply after AHAs / BHAs. Look for formulations with ferulic and vitamin E as they work together for great results.
How it works
Vitamin D supports your skin’s immune system, plays a role in cell turnover, healthy barrier function and healing. Your skin makes this nutrient when exposed to sunlight and you can also supplement it too.
Best for
Everyone! Vitamin D is an essential nutrient.
How to make the most of it
Your body can store vitamin D so make hay when the sun shines and make sure you’re exposed to sunlight for 10-15 minutes to help with absorption. Focus on larger areas of your skin like arms and thighs rather than your face and always apply SPF when out and about for longer periods of time.
How it works
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and preservative. It protects the membrane of the body's cells and fights against free radicals. Vitamin E and C work together in the production of collagen and elastin. It is also very moisturising.
Best for
Everyone - we all need vitamin E for healthy skin
Not right for
Vitamin E in its pure form is a very thick oil which might not agree with oily and breakout-prone skin types so try to look for formulations containing vitamin E rather than applying directly.
How to make the most of it
Look for vitamin C and E formulations as they are fantastic for collagen boosting.
