If there is one skincare-related message I can announce to the entire world, it would be – know the ingredients. Knowledge of skincare ingredients could help you choose the right skincare product to address and solve your skin concerns, based on the benefits of those ingredients. Regardless of how hyped up a brand or product is, you wouldn’t be easily fooled because you know better.
Thanks to advanced technology, the benefits of certain vitamins can now be enjoyed through skincare products. There are plenty of serums and creams in the market packed with a variety of vitamins, to cater to different skin concerns and skin types.
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is a major game changer thanks to its multiple benefits. In skincare, Vitamin A comes in the form of retinol, such as retinoid, retinal and retinoic acid.
Retinol encourages healthy skin cell production by increasing the cell turnover rate. This results in better skin texture and even skin tone; you can say good bye to dullness and hello to healthy, glowing skin!
Vitamin A possesses amazing anti-aging properties and helps with wrinkles, as well as stimulates collagen and elastin production, which is what gives your skin that youthful appearance. However, bear in mind that retinol is not for beginners.
Using it without a proper skincare routine may lead to irritation and photosensitivity. Thus, retinol is advised to be applied at night and followed by sun protection of at least SPF 30 during the day.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30 ml
VITAMIN B
There are two types of Vitamin B most commonly used in skincare – vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and vitamin B5 (panthenol). Although they fall under the same category or “family,” niacinamide and panthenol offer different benefits.
Niacinamide is a well-known ingredient to help improve skin tone and texture. It also gets brownie points as an anti-aging ingredient as it helps stimulate elastin.
Panthenol, on the other hand, works as a humectant to retain moisture and hydration of the skin. It also aids the skin healing process as well as the healing of wounds. The best thing about vitamin B is it delivers tremendous benefits to the skin without any irritation, unlike vitamin A. It also doesn’t have stability issues like vitamin C. In fact, vitamin B is hailed as a soothing ingredient, perfect to repair and calm the skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1 % 30 ml
VITAMIN C
Probably the most multitasking skincare ingredient, vitamin C is primarily an anti-oxidant. This means that it helps combat free radical damage caused by external factors such as air pollution and sun exposure, as well as lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking (but this doesn’t mean you can keep puffing and chugging! Practice moderation in all aspects.).
Vitamin C helps a lot with pigmentation issues, whether it is PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or dark acne scars), PIE (post-inflammatory erythema, or red acne scars), sun spots or age spots. Many opt for vitamin C to remedy the appearance of an uneven skin tone and for overall brightening.
As vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which ties up with skin firmness and elasticity, it plays a pretty significant role in anti-aging, given its abilities to boost skin cell renewal and improve the overall appearance of the skin. In addition, vitamin C is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient, excellent for reducing redness and protecting against sun damage.
With the benefits listed above, I think it’s easy to agree that vitamin C is the queen of ingredients. It delivers multiple skin benefits and comes in a variety of concentrations. Plus, it’s generally quite affordable!
SomeByMi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum & Toner
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is another great anti-oxidant which helps fight off radical damage from environmental stressors. Compared to vitamin C, vitamin E is more stable and doesn’t cause sensitivity to the skin. It even has moisturizing and healing benefits and is a natural anti-inflammatory, perfect for soothing and calming irritated skin. Some facial oils are rich in vitamin E such as jojoba oil and almond oil.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E 90 ml
VITAMIN K
This is probably the least famous of the skincare alphabets, but it’s actually a pretty powerful ingredient which helps with the healing of the skin. Vitamin K supports the function of our natural barrier as it helps in the healing process. Those with eczema might find vitamin K helpful as it is able to reduce inflammation, redness and swelling. Other than that, Vitamin K is an unsung hero with hydrating and moisturizing superpowers, especially beneficial for those with dry and sensitive skin.
Skin & Lab K Plus Red-X Cream
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