In Part 1 of this blog post we discussed the importance of consuming vitamins and minerals for great skin. Part 2 explores the benefits that may be attributed to their topical application.
When you consume nutrients internally, they will benefit your body’s health, including that of your skin. However, it’s hard to know for certain how much will get to skin. Topical application ensures a concentrated delivery straight to the area where it’s required. Here are vitamins and minerals that will benefit skin when applied topically:
• Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These antioxidants help to protect your body against damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules which can damage skin. Topically applied, Vitamin C encourages collagen production, increases skin hydration and in concentrations greater than 5% can brighten skin tone.
• Vitamin A – Topically applied Vitamin A can make a real difference to skin. Often referred to as retinoids (prescription retinoic acid or over the counter retinol as in Green Cream), Vitamin A can help to reverse lines and wrinkles, control acne and provide some relief from psoriasis. In fact, researchers from France presented information at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003, which showed that topically applied retinol plus vitamin C demonstrated a “reversal of skin alterations induced by chronologic aging and photoaging.”
• Vitamin B complex – Topically applied B vitamins such as niacin has been shown to help skin retain moisture. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry and irritated skin. Higher concentrations of Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) have been shown to lighten skin, helping to even out blotchiness.
• Vitamin K – While Vitamin K won’t do much for your skin from the inside (it is important in the clotting of blood), studies have shown that its topical application can help to reduce bruises and reduce circles under the eyes. Find Vitamin K in Neostrata Dark Circle Serum, where it is combined with retinol – a proven combination.
• Copper – Along with Vitamin C and zinc, copper helps to develop elastin, the fiber that gives skin its elasticity. While it’s not recommended that you supplement with copper internally (too much can be dangerous), copper applied topically (as in peptides) has been shown to help firm skin and restore some elasticity. As well, copper peptides have been shown to improve skin roughness, clarity, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Zinc – Zinc works to tame oil production and may be effective in controlling acne lesions. Zinc’s effects are visible both when taken internally or applied topically. Look for zinc in the La Roche Posay Effaclar range where it is useful for acneic skin.
