Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist - Written by Nancy Agrahari (Journalist) on 24th Oct 2020
Vitamins that will change your skin in 2020 and beyond
We love vitamins, and they love our skin.
If beauty and skincare are your forte, then you may have heard about vitamins and their supplements. But if in the name of skincare, all you have ever done is eat loads of greens and taped facemask occasionally, then we may have some issues.
Skincare and proper nutrition go hand in hand. But for youthful, glowing skin, a quick dose of vitamins is a must.
We believe everyone is beautiful, exactly how they are. But, we also understand that our skin does need extra love from time to time.
Therefore, we bring to you vitamins that will change your skin in 2020 and beyond. Every vitamin is well researched to know which vitamins provide what benefits and make the right choice yourself.
Trust us, all the products mentioned below will be a gift to your skin. Your skin is going to love the extra vitamins and reward you with the goddess glow.
Whatever your question be, if it includes vitamins and skincare, we have an answer. Just get down to business and read along if you wonder why you need vitamins in creams or the best vitamins for youthful, glowing skin.
Vitamins are Good for the Skin
Basking in the sun for a few minutes is the right way of taking Vitamin D directly. Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for our skin, along with Vitamins like A, C, E, K, B3, and B5.
Having a balanced diet and soaking in the sun won’t give us all the good vitamins our skin desperately wants. It is scientifically proven that with age, our ability to absorb these vitamins and deliver it to the epidermis layer decreases.
Regular use of topical vitamin-rich products fills in the gap and provide:
- Youthful, smooth skin
- Collagen Boost
- Reduced Wrinkles and fine lines
- No purging or breakouts
- Excessive Dryness
- Zero redness or pimples
Vitamins are invaluable when it comes to the skincare regimen. Believe it or not, our skin fancies vitamins as much as hygiene. There is a whole bunch of vitamins and active acids that are used for beautiful, healthy skin.
What are Vitamins
Vitamins are essential substances that our body develops to function normally. They are naturally occurring substances available in fruits and vegetables.
A balanced diet will give you vitamins. However, some people don’t get vitamins from food alone. Also, people with medical conditions find it difficult to keep up with nutrient-packed food.
Vitamins in dietary supplements are not solely focussed on the skin. For a striking, photogenic face using vitamins directly on the skin is the right choice.
Of course, Vit. do not have superpowers that will overnight change the skin’s texture and appearance. (Anyone who is saying that is majorly lying) But, they are like little bullets that gradually work every day to help you stay at the top of the game.
Vitamin Benefits for the skin for the Busy You
For more details read the next section about these top 5 Vitamins for skin.
| Vitamins | Sources | Benefits to Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Eggs, Cereal, Orange, and yellow vegetables | Anti-aging
Anti-acne Anti-pigmentation |
| Vitamin D | Mushrooms, fatty fish, orange, yogurt, etc | Prevents Skin cancer
Remove tanning Anti-Aging |
| Vitamin C | Fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, cabbage family, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, etc | Protect against environmental stress or sun damage
Skin-lightening Improves skin texture. |
| Vitamin E | Vegetable oil (sunflower, soybean oil, wheat germ), nuts (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts), green leaves, broccoli | Protects from harmful UV rays,
Moisturize Brightens, and lightens the skin complexion. |
| Vitamin B3 | Beans, leafy greens, meat, salmon | Treats acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads.
Improves pigmentation Smoothens complexion |
Top 5 Essential Vitamins For Beautiful Skin
1. Vitamin A
Retinols are the derivatives of Vitamin A, for example, Tretinoin, retinol, which is a dappling or a teaser. It is fat-soluble and a potent antioxidant needed for immunity, vision, and reproduction.
The topical application of Vitamin A is proven by many clinical studies to be beneficial. They are very powerful in:
- Anti-aging
- Anti pigmentation
- Anti-acne (inflammation)
Michelle, a Chemistry Ph. D. who runs a youtube channel named Lab Muffin Beauty Science. Says
Though Vitamin A/retinol is known for its benefits, the main drawback to this Holy Grail skincare ingredient is irritation. This means dry flaking, peeling of the skin, stinging, and redness. Some people experience redness for a week, but for few, it takes up to six weeks to get over the peeling and redness. The aftereffects of it will be so rewarding
he believes that it usually happens for the first few weeks until your skin gets used to it.
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When starting with retinoids, look for gentle Retinol formulas for your skin that contain an excellent form of Retinol.
Compared to other retinoid or retinol derivatives, Granactive Retinoid used in Minimalist serums can directly bind with retinoid receptors without need to break down into more biologically active forms such as retinoic acid, which causes skin irritation. It is clinically tested to offer less irritation making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an extraordinary antioxidant that regularly fights any environmental stress or sun damage to your cells.
Even so, we have a balanced diet to fight unwanted harm; they are not enough to keep our skin protected. Thus, the best way to protect and soak the benefits of Vitamin C is to apply it to your skin directly.
Vitamin C is found in citrus foods like oranges and plant-based sources such as spinach, broccoli, or strawberries.
Dermatologists and the skincare world love it for its million-dollar-benefits such as:
- Potent Antioxidant
- Skin Brightener
- Collagen Booster
- Anti-pigmentation
According to Dermatologist, Dr. Davin Lim, Lasers and Lifts, Australia
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid reduces Uv damage from the sun. It is also helpful in reducing unwanted facial pigmentation.
Vitamin C protects the skin from damaging “free radicals” created by exposure to the environment. This exposure leads to skin aging and sagging.
Applying Vitamin C directly on the skin, usually through serums or creams, will protect it from the environmental exposure while boosting collagen for a wrinkle-free look. It protects the skin against photoaging and delivers a smoother, even complexion.
Note:
There are many Vitamin C forms available, and all are not equal. Also, many formulations are unstable and get oxidized in the presence of air and sunlight. Read more about topical Vitamin C serum.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, or the sunshine Vitamin, is unbelievably good for the skin. Exposure to UV rays is the direct source of Vitamin D, but it can also cause skin cancer, tanning, and aging.
Basking in the sunlight for a few minutes ensures that the skin soaks vitamin D.
“Small periods of sun exposure in the middle of the day will give you enough Vitamin D while minimizing your chances of skin cancer and aging,” explains Michelle.
Sun Alert: Of course, sunburn and UV rays are still bad, and applying sunscreens will help you be protected from it.
Using products that have Vit D will visibly
- Brighten your skin
- Reduce the signs of aging
According to a 2009 study, the intake of Vitamin D can significantly improve the symptoms of Psoriasis. You can derive Vitamin D from your diet as well. Including mushrooms, fatty fish liver, orange juice, yogurt can help improve Vitamin D in your body. It is also vital for bone health, immunity, and cell growth.
The other, better alternative is to take Vitamin D supplements. You can directly take topical Vitamin D supplements and add them to your skincare routine.
4.Vitamin E
Vitamin E is Vitamin C’s oil soluble counterpart, and like Vit C, it is also naturally found in our body.
Vitamin E's job is to make sure that the harsh UV rays do not damage our skin. To protect our skin, it absorbs the harmful UV rays and photo protect our skin.
As a result, our skin is free from dark spots, annoying tans, and wrinkles.
The powers of Vitamin E can be derived from powerful plant antioxidants that have evolved through the years to protect them from the sun.
Some proven and some claimed benefits of Vitamin E include:
- Reduce photodamage
- Reduce dryness of face or lips
- Treats Chronic Disease
- Prevents wrinkles
If you are targeting your skin and looking for skincare antioxidants, then using products that have a combination of ferulic acid with Vitamin C and E is the right choice. Resveratrol, found in grape skins and red wine, is another conventional skincare and nutrition antioxidant.
5.Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 is an essential ingredient used for soothing and healing properties. Vitamin B3 is popularly known as Niacin (one of the eight B vitamins). For healthy skin and body, Vitamin B3 is essential. It is found in both animals and plants, so it can easily be incorporated into the diet.
Recently, many over-the-counter products have come forward with their version of Vitamin B3.
Though it has been used by a dermatologist for decades now, Niacinamide's entry has taken the skincare industry by storm.
Talking about Vitamin B3, Dr. Davin Lim, who runs a youtube channel, says, “Vitamin B or niacinamide is anti-inflammatory, so is useful to treat acne as well as acne Rosacea. It also helps improve pigmentation.”
Pregnant women and breastfeeding can also use vitamin B and C.
When it comes down to research, according to American Health and Drug Benefits, Nicotinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) can prevent common skin cancers and precancers.
Any skin type can use vitamin B. It is ideal for the ones who are looking for products to fight acne and have smoother baby-soft skin. Vitamin B, when combined with zinc, reduces dark spots and clear pores.
The Takeaways
Vitamins are an essential part of our lives. Deficiency in Vitamins like C and E may increase the risk of skin damage. For healthy, beautiful skin use of topical Vitamins is the smartest choice.
When it comes to topical use of Vitamins, ensure you choose the right formulations that are light and penetrate deep to deliver maximum benefits.
Go for products that declare concentration as the efficacy of topical Vitamin serum depends upon how much active is added along with the quality and stability of formulations
Look for your skin needs and select the right product for yourself that will work for you in the future.
