From this article you will learn:
- what vitamins are important for facial skin,
- how to use vitamin E capsules for the face,
- how to choose the right anti-aging cosmetics with vitamins.
How important are vitamins for facial skin? They play an important role in collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and hydration, and protecting it from adverse environmental factors such as free radicals and solar radiation.
Solar radiation is one of the main factors of skin aging. It has been proven that solar UV radiation destroys collagen and also inhibits the activity of fibroblasts that produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin. A special term was even coined for these processes – skin photoaging.
By about 40 years, the number of collagen fibers in the skin decreases by about 2 times, which directly affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Also, by this age, the amount of hyaluronic acid contained in the skin decreases by 40%, which leads to a decrease in skin hydration and thickness, and also reduces the degree of hydration of collagen fibers with water, which further reduces the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Vitamins help reduce the negative impact of the external environment on the skin, and also activate metabolic processes in the skin. Numerous studies have shown that the most essential vitamins for beautiful skin and hair are vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as the B complex of vitamins.
The main effects of vitamins used in cosmetology –
- Vitamins A and C - can increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, thereby increasing skin elasticity.
- The combination of vitamins C and E perfectly protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, preventing the process of photoaging of the skin.
- The combination of vitamins A and K effectively fights dark circles under the eyes.
- Vitamin C together with vitamin B5 - perfectly heal skin damage.
Below we will look at the 5 most important vitamins for facial skin, and also tell you what functions they perform and give examples of high-quality cosmetics based on them.
Vitamin E for face –
Research shows that vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant that helps reduce free radical damage to the skin. As is known, the latter play a big role in the aging process of the body. Vitamin E for facial skin actively fights free radicals and, as a result, prevents early aging.
Research has shown that vitamin E is also effective at absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. In addition, cosmetic products containing a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C have been shown to be more effective in protecting against the sun than products containing either vitamin alone (link to study).
Scientists have also found that vitamin E can accumulate in the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin). This leads to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis, i.e. the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin will decrease and, thus, its hydration will increase. That is why vitamin E for the face - reviews from cosmetologists confirm this - is a desirable component in any moisturizing cream.
Thus, vitamin E for the skin allows -
- protects against UV rays,
- has powerful antioxidant properties,
- has an anti-inflammatory effect,
- helps in the fight against wrinkles and fine lines,
- moisturizes and softens dry skin,
- reduces the risk of cell mutation and skin cancer development.
Forms of vitamin E - there are several forms of vitamin E, but the most biologically active and safe form is alpha-tocopherol (synonyms - “alpha-tocopherol acetate”, “alpha-tocopheryl acetate”). The use of this form is recommended by the FDA. This form is natural (natural).
There are also synthetic forms of vitamin E, which are synthesized from petroleum products. Such forms are less active and safe. They will be indicated in the instructions of cosmetic products with the prefix “DL”, for example, “dl-tocopherol” or “dl-tocopheryl acetate”.
On the Internet you can find many different ways to use vitamin E for your face at home, because... it can be bought cheaply at any pharmacy, and its benefits for the skin are enormous. That is why vitamin E for facial skin - reviews from cosmetologists and patients confirm this - must be in the cosmetic bag of any woman who takes care of her appearance. Below we will tell you how to use vitamin E capsules for the face and skin around the eyes...
How to use vitamin E for dry and sensitive skin –
Those with dry and sensitive skin know how important and difficult it is to find the right ingredients to keep your skin healthy. Vitamin E is one of the few that can be used effectively without buying expensive serums and creams. At the pharmacy you can freely buy bottles or capsules containing an oil solution of vitamin E inside (Fig. 3-5).
Vitamin E for the face: how to use
- Warm it in your hands and then squeeze out 1-2 capsules of vitamin E.
- Apply with light massaging movements onto the skin.
- It is best to do this in the evening (before bed).
How to use vitamin E for the skin around the eyes –
Vitamin E capsules can perfectly replace expensive eye cream. However, remember that pure vitamin E is a potential allergen, and therefore can cause severe allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyelids (24stoma.ru).
Gently squeeze 1 capsule into the palm of your hand and apply the contents around the eyes using the pad of your ring finger. Use patting, as if driving, movements, because... This is least likely to injure the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to apply vitamin E to the skin around the eyes at night and not wash it off until the morning.
Vitamin E face mask –
There are a huge number of recipes for vitamin E masks that you can prepare at home. Below are the most popular of them.
- Honey mask with vitamin E for dry skin – take a teaspoon of honey, add 2 capsules of vitamin E to it, mix well. Then apply this mixture to your face and décolleté. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This mask can be done 2-3 times a week.
- Anti-wrinkle mask with avocado and vitamin E –
First mash half a fresh ripe avocado and then add 2 vitamin E capsules and mix well. After this, apply this paste on your face and neck, leaving this mask on for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time, rinse it off with warm water.
Vitamin E for chapped lips –
During winter, lips often become chapped and cracked, causing very painful sensations. With the help of vitamin E, you can not only quickly heal cracks on your lips, but also moisturize your lips well, thereby preventing further damage to the skin of your lips.
How to use –
- Apply the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule to your lips,
- It's best to do this at night,
- Avoid licking your lips, because... this will prevent the vitamin from being absorbed into the skin.
How to use
If you have your whole life ahead of you and you are in no hurry, of course, it is easier to use ampoule or capsule vitamins, adding them to homemade cosmetic mixtures or buying them as part of ready-made care products. The cumulative effect will provide excellent results. But today, in the age of speed and passion, we increasingly want quick changes. This also applies to skin condition.
Therefore, water- and fat-soluble vitamins are used in mesotherapy - an injection procedure, where with the help of individually selected compositions they work real miracles on the face. Vitamin mixtures are introduced into problem areas of the skin through microinjections with the finest needles into the middle layer of the epidermis. Meso cocktails are unique, they include:
- ampoule vitamins;
- micro- and macroelements;
- acids of different chemical groups: fatty, polyunsaturated, organic;
- biological substances such as hyaluronic acid;
- medicinal plant extracts.
Mesotherapy is so effective that many consider it a worthy alternative to surgical plastic surgery. The purpose of the procedure is to rejuvenate the skin, eliminate sagging and the first signs of aging, block gravitational ptosis, and combat dermal imperfections.
What can vitamins do? Oh, a lot! In the skin they are:
- regenerate damaged cells of the upper layer of the dermis;
- activate microcirculation at the injection site;
- stimulate tissue metabolism.
Liquid vitamins injected into the skin restore the self-rejuvenation potential of the dermis. They become triggers for additional synthesis of the skin's own hyaluronic acid - a powerful anti-aging moisturizing factor - and collagen, elastic endofibers - the basis of skin elasticity, its supporting frame.
Ampoules for face
Since the self-healing potential works like clockwork up to 25 years and does not require additional intervention, mesotherapy is recommended after reaching this age. The course requires up to 6 procedures, repeated once a year or depending on the condition of the skin.
Vitamin A -
Vitamin A can most often be found in anti-aging cosmetics, because with long-term course use (about 24-36 weeks) it has the following effect on the skin...
- gives the skin an even color and texture,
- stimulates collagen production,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles and fine lines,
- reduces pigment spots,
- and also fights acne (blackheads and pimples).
There are several forms of vitamin A that have varying effectiveness. These include: retinol, retinol esters (for example, retinol acetate), retinaldehyde, trans-retinoic acid, 13 cis-retinoic acid, etc.
Products based on pure retinol, and especially retinol acetate, will be much weaker than products containing retinaldehyde or retinoic acid. However, it is retinol that is most often used in anti-aging cosmetics, because it causes significantly less skin irritation. Unfortunately, choosing a high-quality cosmetic product with retinol is very difficult, because... Many manufacturers use cheap vitamin A substances (retinol esters) rather than pure retinol or retinaldehyde.
Products based on retinoic acid will most strongly stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the depth of wrinkles, however, as we have already said, they cause severe skin irritation (dryness, redness, itching), especially at the beginning of use. Anti-wrinkle products based on retinoic acid include:
- Tretinoin,
- Isotretinoin
- Retin-A.
Examples of high-quality creams and serums with retinol -
For more information about the effect of retinol on facial skin, how to choose the right cosmetics with retinol, what concentration these products should have, as well as the rating of the best products with retinol, read the following articles:
- “Rating of the best anti-aging cosmetics with retinol”
- “How to properly use cosmetics with retinol on the skin of the face”
Essential oils
They are produced very concentrated, so no more than a drop is added to a single portion of a cosmetic product, otherwise it can cause a burn.
For dry skin, it is better to use mint, basil, rose, chamomile, and patchouli oil.
For normal skin, sage, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and juniper oils are more suitable.
For oily and problematic skin, use citrus oils, bergamot, lemon balm, and fir cones.
All cosmetics to which you have added essential oil require an allergy test on the wrist or elbow.
Use of vitamin C –
Everyone knows that this vitamin is a strong antioxidant, but its properties do not end there. For example, numerous clinical studies have confirmed the effect of vitamin C on the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. We can say that after vitamin A, vitamin C is the most important vitamin for maintaining the good condition of our skin.
Effects of Vitamin C on Skin –
- protects skin from ultraviolet radiation,
- protects skin from free radicals,
- participates in the synthesis of collagen fibers,
- reduces the depth of wrinkles,
- reduces pigmentation on the skin,
- stimulates skin cell regeneration.
The term “vitamin C” (as well as vitamin A) does not mean one specific molecule, but a whole group of substances, which include: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate and others.
The most effective form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. The remaining substances are only its predecessors, i.e. they turn into it after application and absorption into the skin. Below we have given examples of high-quality products with vitamin C (Fig. 11-13) -
To learn how to choose and apply anti-aging cosmetics with this vitamin correctly, read the article: “Rating of 2022 products with vitamin C”
Research into the effect of vitamin C on collagen synthesis has led to an explosion in the number of cosmetic products containing this vitamin. Many patients leave rave reviews about such cosmetics, while others do not see its effectiveness at all. What is this connected with?
It turned out that not only the form of vitamin C in the product is very important, but also its concentration, and even the pH of cosmetics. No less important is the manufacturing technology (stabilizing vitamin C) so that it does not disintegrate from air and light even before applying the cream or serum to the skin.
Vegetable oils
No cosmetic product can be spoiled by the addition of unrefined oil. It perfectly smoothes and nourishes the skin.
Even more benefits for the skin come from cosmetic oils: almond, jojoba, grape seed, wheat germ, avocado. From the addition of these oils, the skin becomes soft, tender, stops flaking, lethargy and pallor, inflammation go away, and wrinkles are reduced.
Since many of these oils are easily available and can be mixed into a large portion of cream at once, many women prefer oil supplements.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair –
Research published in 2003 by the Academy of Dermatology showed that the use of B vitamins in creams and serums for facial skin significantly reduces the effects of aging and fading of facial skin (research - Chung JH, Hanft VN, et al. “Aging and photoaging. " J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Oct;49(4):690-7").
The most important B vitamins for the skin...
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for maintaining the condition of skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, early skin aging, as well as dry and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – improves the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture.
It helps dry skin look softer, smoother, and reduce fine lines on the face. Also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation. Using B3 together with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. But a lack of B3 leads to dry skin, a lack of nutrition to the hair follicles, and as a result leads to increased fragility and split ends of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Vitamin B5 also promotes faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is especially pronounced when vitamins B5 and C are combined.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) – is involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of skin, nails, and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss, and seborrhea of the scalp.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – helps regulate skin pigment production and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below we have provided examples of quality and trustworthy creams and serums with B vitamins...
Serum InstaNatural® “Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum”
Vitamin B3 serum (Fig. 14) from InstaNatural contains: 5% vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe Vera, avocado oil, rosemary oil and other active ingredients. The soft gel-like texture of the serum is easy to apply and quickly absorbed.
According to reviews, this serum -
- reduces the appearance of acne,
- tightens the pores on the face,
- reduces the depth of fine lines and wrinkles,
- whitens age spots and age spots,
- perfectly moisturizes the skin,
- makes the skin firm, elastic and soft.
Reviews from patients noted that after using this serum, the skin actually became more hydrated, elastic and smooth, many noted a decrease in the appearance of fine wrinkles due to the evenness of skin texture and tone. The cost of InstaNatural Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum is about 1,600 rubles (per 60 ml package).
SkinCeuticals® Hydrating B5 gel –
Super moisturizing and regenerating gel “Hydrating B5 gel” from SkinCeuticals (Fig. 15) - contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid enriched with vitamin B5. The manufacturer claims that this serum perfectly moisturizes the skin, activates cell regeneration, eliminates the feeling of tightness, and also makes the skin elastic and dense. The price of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel will be from 4,700 rubles per 30 ml bottle. You can buy it in the company's Russian online store.
Before applying the serum, it is recommended to warm it up on your fingertips so that it is better and faster absorbed into the skin. Reviews noted that after using this serum, the skin became softer, wrinkles decreased with prolonged use, the overall appearance of the skin improved, the skin became radiant and moisturized.
By the way, this product has an exact copy from, which is called “Hydra B5 Gel – advanced formula” (Fig. 16). Despite the fact that this is a “generic”, the company that produces it is quite well-known and of high quality. The cost of this product will be approximately 2,200 rubles ($32), but you can only buy it in online stores such as Amazon or Ebay.
Olay Total Effects 7-In-1 Cream –
Olay “Total Effects 7 in 1” cream (Fig. 17) - contains a large number of emollient ingredients, such as coconut oil, soybean oil, vitamin B5, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ascorbyl palmitate, green tea, vitamin B3. This cream is an excellent facial moisturizer that can be safely used every day. There is a day and night version of the cream.
Reviews noted the good absorption of the cream and excellent skin hydration after use. The skin became soft, elastic, silky. The cost of Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 is about 700 rubles.
Contraindications
Not everyone can administer drugs under the skin. The procedure cannot be performed if:
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
- feverish condition;
- individual sensitivity to drug components;
- the presence of keloid scars;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- oncology;
- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
- poor blood clotting.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, cosmetologists also do not advise women to resort to these procedures.
Vitamin K for skin –
It is believed that the cause of dark circles under the eyes is fragile capillaries that burst and show through thin skin. Vitamin K applied to the skin, as studies and patient reviews have shown, reduces dark circles under the eyes, and also reduces the appearance of bruises and bruises. But the combination of vitamins K and A in face creams fights dark circles under the eyes even more effectively than vitamin K alone.
One study confirmed that after 4 months of constant use of a cream with vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A), the dark circles under the eyes of subjects significantly lightened. Researchers were unable to definitively answer which of the two vitamins contributed to this: retinol thickens the under-eye area, making it less transparent, and vitamin K has a brightening effect, making dark circles less noticeable. Moreover, retinol increases the ability of vitamin K to penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
We hope that our article: Vitamins for facial skin reviews was useful to you!
Some tips for making your own cream
- Try not to overload the cream with additives. It’s better to try each one separately to determine which one your skin likes best.
- If you're hesitant about using an advanced face cream, add something to your hand or foot product and see the results.
- Fans of Ayurveda believe that the best base for a natural cream is baked cow's milk. If you have dry or aging skin, try it, you should like it.
- Cream with added oil should be applied to moisturized skin if it is dry, and to dry skin if it is oily.
Concentrates
This is practically the same as solutions in ampoules. They differ in the amount of active substances in the composition. They also cannot be kept in air for a long time; they oxidize quickly, but they also act relatively quickly.
Concentrates should be applied carefully, because a large number of active components can lead to severe allergic reactions.
The application of concentrates should be combined with self-massage so that the active components are better absorbed into the skin. We recommend using techniques from special intensive courses.
Moreover, it is recommended to apply concentrates in combination with creams, as they penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and can even harm it.
Fillers
Fillers allow you to lift your face, correct its oval, eliminate deep wrinkles and creases in the skin, and add volume to the cheekbones and nose.
The preparations are gel texture products. In terms of effect, they are an alternative to plastic surgery. Their main advantage is the lack of influence on facial expressions.
Fillers are often used to eliminate deep nasolabial folds.
The main components of fillers are:
- purified silicone (harmful, causing many side effects, prohibited in Europe and the USA);
- collagen of animal origin or purified human;
- hyaluronic acid.
A new and rather difficult technology is the introduction of the patient’s own fat as fillers. It is taken in the required quantity during liposuction. After this, the material goes through several stages of processing and is distributed under the skin of the face. Its expensive price is justified. The drug causes virtually no adverse reactions and its results last six months longer.
Fillers have different consistencies. Top-class specialists work with dense textures. It is difficult to distribute them evenly under the skin to avoid the formation of lumps and lumps. But the result after their introduction is visible immediately, the effect lasts longer.
Fillers in the form of a liquid gel are distributed easily and lie flat. The effect is visible almost immediately.
In general, the effect of fillers lasts for a period of 6 – 12 months. They are recommended for women aged 35–50 years.
Characteristics of Thiamine
From the point of view of biochemical properties, thiamine is an odorless and colorless crystalline substance. This chemical compound is unstable when exposed to alkalis and high temperatures. In addition to the well-known name thiamine, vitamin B1 is conventionally divided into the following subtypes:
- aneurin.
- Thiamine pyrophosphate.
- thio-vitamin.
Thiamine is most relevant for the human body, since it is in this biochemical structure that this substance takes an active part in many biochemical reactions, acting as a catalyst. When it enters the human body, thiamine is converted in a short period of time into a substance called thiamine pyrophosphate. This form is the most accessible from the point of view of assimilation.
Thiamine is a water-soluble organic compound, so it has no potential for accumulation in body tissues. Excess of this substance is quickly eliminated naturally through the kidneys. If a person's diet does not contain enough vitamin B1, then the person faces negative symptoms of hypovitaminosis.
A small amount of this organic compound is synthesized in the lumen of the large intestine, but this amount is not enough to meet the daily requirement for thiamine. You can find out the price of vitamin C in our pharmacy, as well as the cost of vitamin B1.