Understanding the role of vitamins in skincare: From preventing wrinkles to moisturising

Always patch-test new products to ensure they don't cause any adverse reactions.

Vitamins have anti-aging properties, can moisturise your skin, can help prevent acne and blackheads, among other things. (Pic source: Freepik)

Vitamins are crucial for maintaining health and body functions, but they play an equally vital role when it comes to skin health. These organic compounds have anti-aging properties, can moisturise your skin, and help prevent acne and blackheads, among other things. So, won’t it make your life easier if you had a quick cheat sheet to help you understand which vitamin is best suited to your requirement? For example, vitamin A (present in retinol) has anti-aging properties, similarly vitamin C makes your sunscreen work better and protects you against skin damage.

So, to solve this dilemma for you, we spoke with Dr Kalpana Sarangi, Senior Consultant, Cosmetic Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, who broke down the use of various vitamins in skincare.

“Vitamins are integral to skin health as they play a pivotal role in cell growth and regeneration, protection against oxidative stress, and maintenance of skin elasticity and hydration,” Dr Sarangi told indianexpress.com.

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Roles of different vitamins for skin health

Below are the roles of different vitamins in skin health, shared by Dr Sarangi.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is significant for skin health as it promotes cell turnover, aids in the production of collagen, and has potent anti-aging properties. One can incorporate it naturally through foods like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Topically, retinol is available in many over-the-counter creams and serums.

Dos: Use it regularly for best results.
Don’ts: Avoid excess application as it can lead to skin irritation. Protect your skin from sun exposure after application, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

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Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Vitamin B3 helps improve skin elasticity, enhances its barrier function, helps erase discolourations, and revives skin’s healthy tone and texture. It’s found in foods like chicken, tuna, and mushrooms. Topical creams and serums with niacinamide are readily available.

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Dos: Regular use can help manage acne and rosacea.
Don’ts: Avoid using it with vitamin C in the same routine as they can counteract each other.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B5 aids in skin healing and mitigating acne by absorbing oil from the skin’s surface. It’s present in foods like chicken, beef, and whole grains. Creams and serums containing vitamin B5 can help hydrate and heal the skin.

Dos: Incorporate it in your daily skincare routine.
Don’ts: As it’s generally well-tolerated, there are no specific don’ts, but always patch-test new skincare products.

Store vitamin C in a dry, dark and cool place as it can degrade in sunlight. (Pic source: Freepik)

Vitamin C

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Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, helps protect the skin from UV damage, and brightens the skin tone. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C.
Topical vitamin C serums can help protect and rejuvenate the skin.

Dos: Use it daily for best results.
Don’ts: Store it properly as it can degrade in sunlight. Avoid using it with niacinamide.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage. It’s naturally found in nuts and seeds, spinach, and broccoli. Creams and serums with vitamin E can help nourish and protect the skin.

Dos: Use it regularly for best results.
Don’ts: People with oily skin should use it sparingly as it can clog pores.

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Things to keep in mind

– While using any vitamin-infused skincare products, remember to use sunscreen as many of them can increase sun sensitivity.
– Always patch-test new products to ensure they don’t cause any adverse reactions.
– While topical vitamins can help enhance skin health, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“Please consult your dermatologist before you indulge in any skin care regime. Though vitamins may sound safe they have their potential side effects. Secondly, everything may not suit all skin types. Topical vitamins need to be applied judiciously for best result,” concludes Dr Sarangi.

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