This week lifestyle blogger Sophia Smith has shared her informative article on which vitamins work best for the skin.

Our skin is an integral part of ourselves, and therefore it needs great caring and nurturing. Many products promise to give us healthy, glowing skin, but they also have a lot of harsh chemicals that can cause irritation and allergies.

Therefore, it’s important to choose products with healthy, natural ingredients, so our skin will get proper care. Vitamins are the key ingredients you should incorporate into your skincare routine, especially considering that in recent years, the skincare industry has seen a surge in natural and organic products.

Also, it’s important to know which are the best, so next time you go shopping, you’ll know what to look for:

1.  Vitamin D

Not many people know this, but vitamin D is actually a hormone. Still, it offers protection from UV rays so it’s often found in sunscreens and day creams. For people who want thick and voluminous hair, increasing vitamin D intake can prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It’s also effective in treating psoriasis, renewing skin cells and building up immunity. When it comes to food, you can get it from fish, cheese, eggs and yogurt. But the best way to naturally receive it is from the direct sunlight, just don’t forget to use a good quality natural sunscreen before you decide to catch some rays!

2. Vitamin C

The queen of all vitamins. While growing up, we’ve all been taught that eating citrus fruit is beneficial since it contains vitamin C. Well, that’s actually true. Vitamin C is also good for skin protection, cold prevention and strengthening the immune system. Taking it daily can help you stay healthy, and it’s found in oranges, lemons, kale, parsley and broccoli. Just be careful not to overheat the fruit, because vitamin C gets destroyed in high temperatures. Adding vitamin C to your beauty routine can be multi-beneficial as this vitamin is used for protecting the skin from pollution, and therefore keeping it younger and healthier. Products containing vitamin C are great for reducing acne for adults. If you incorporate this vitamin into your routine, your skin will definitely look radiant and spotless!

3. Vitamin K

This one is a driving force behind preventing blood thinning and also a great protein source. When used in skincare products it can help reduce stretch marks, dark circles under eyes and minimize bruises since it encourages blood circulation. You can add it to your existing routine since it’s known to fight outer irritants and free radicals, helping to soothe irritated skin. If you prefer to consume it, soybean, blueberries, pickles and spinach are rich in it. Also, next time you find yourself ordering miso soup, remember that it’s rich in vitamin K!

4.  Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oxidant widely known for its skincare benefits. This one is also oil-soluble and works wonders in treating acne. It’s also easily absorbed which is the reason why it’s so commonly used in the beauty industry, especially in anti-aging products and makeup. Also, a lot of natural oils contain vitamin E. Using an all-natural jojoba moisturiser will help reduce wrinkles and even out the skin tone. It’s also important to mention that vitamin E should always be used in cosmetic products rather than in its pure form. Undiluted vitamin E can potentially lead to dermatitis around the eye area and clog your pores. 

5. Vitamin B

There are 8 B vitamins and all of them are crucial for all the processes occurring in our body. It helps lower the cholesterol, prevents anemia, promotes cell, hair and nail growth, reduces the risk of cancer and improves memory, to name only a few. As for skin care, it has anti-aging properties, so it’s vital to include it in your everyday beauty routine, especially if you have dry skin. Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is frequently used during pregnancy as it prevents congenital defects. There’s also B7, or biotin, which is used against acne and rashes, but also for hair growth. Adding vitamin B and its sub types can significantly increase your well-being and make your skin glowy and beautiful.

6. Vitamin A

All the vitamins have their unique benefits, but nothing compares to vitamin A and its effectiveness in preserving vision, cell growth and prenatal development. It’s found in both animal and plant foods. It’s also prevalent in some skincare. There are two types of vitamin A: retinoid and carotenoids. Both of them are converted to retinol by the liver. And, as some might know, retinol is responsible for stimulating new skin cells and lack of vitamin A can lead to dry skin. Some animal’s foods that contain retinoid are shrimps, eggs, milk and cheddar cheese. The other type, carotenoid is found in tomatoes, carrots and fruits like mangoes and plums.

As you can see, vitamins are multi-beneficial both for our skin and overall health. Using them carefully can provide you with everything you need and more. Aside from using them in skincare products and foods, you can also find many supplements at pharmacy stores. Just remember to be careful with dosing, and soon you’ll be able reap all the benefits!

Sophia