Vitamin Cheat Sheet: Vitamins for Healthy Glowing Skin

Taking care of our skin should be an essential part of our day-to-day life just like how we take care of our overall health. While having vitamin-rich food is good to maintain your health from the inside, it won’t necessarily give you the benefit when you apply them to your skin topically. Let’s look into the most common type of vitamins and their benefits for your skin! 

Vitamin A “The fountain of youth”

Vitamin A is also known as a retinoid. It is one of the most well-researched ingredients that can be found in a lot of skincare products and even medication. This one vitamin is very well-known for its anti-aging benefit. It works on a cellular level to increase the production of collagen and elastin which are the two main components for plump and firm skin. On top of that, it also works on increasing cellular turnover. That’s why it is very beneficial for anyone with acne-prone skin. It prevents the formation of clogged pores and reduces pigmentation by inhibiting the work of enzymes that create melanin. Anyone with a concern of acne and aging can benefit from this one vitamin in their skincare routine. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Vitamin A also comes with its side effect called the “retinoid reaction” that we should be aware of before using. It shows redness, flaky skin, and dryness that usually happen during the first few weeks of usage. That’s why I always start slowly with it. Make sure that you get yourself backed up with your reliable moisturizer and sunscreen to minimize the side effect.  

Vitamin B3 “The jack of all trades”

Also called niacinamide. It can do a little bit of everything. From helping with strengthening the skin barrier, reducing hyperpigmentation, reducing inflammation/redness as well as controlling sebum production. With all these benefits, we do think that niacinamide deserves its label as the “jack-of-all-trades” in skincare. This one versatile ingredient is a great addition for everyone with any skin concern.  Great for those with acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, and compromised skin barrier. This ingredient is safe to use every day, day, and night.  

Vitamin B5 “The unsung hydrator”

Also commonly known as pantothenic acid or panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). This ingredient has awesome hydrating qualities and acts as a humectant that helps attract and hold water in the skin. Panthenol is another versatile ingredient you have probably already been using in a lot of your skincare, makeup, or even hair care products. It is often used for its moisturizing qualities and on top of that, it helps to reduce irritation (anti-inflammatory) and improve barrier function.

Vitamin B5 is known for its great tolerability and safety profile so anyone, regardless of their skin type or concern can benefit from this one ingredient.

Vitamin C “The rise and shine”

The queen of antioxidants in skincare. Vitamin C or commonly also known as L-ascorbic acid promotes collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation, and prevents damage from environmental stressors. It works by neutralizing the free radicals that accelerate the process of skin aging. 

Due to their antioxidant properties, this ingredient is perfect to use in the morning so that one can boost their protective armor from the UV rays damage or pollution. The only downside from this one ingredient is that it has to be formulated at low pH (which may not be suitable for everyone) and they are unstable. It oxidizes pretty quickly, therefore it should be used and handled with care. 

If you want to give that extra protection to your skin in the morning, find yourself a reliable vitamin C to pair it together with your sunscreen. Your future skin will thank you! 

Vitamin E “The reliable supporter”

When we talk about vitamin C, we can’t miss talking about vitamin E. This one reliable supporter of antioxidants has been known to work synergistically with vitamin C that fights off the free radicals. It helps stabilize vitamin C to do its job to its optimal potential. It protects our skin from the breakage of collagen or elastin, the main building block of our skin. 

You can often see this ingredient paired together with vitamin C and even ferulic acid. This trio has been known to be the OG for its antioxidant protection.

Vitamin K “The healer”

The less talked about vitamins in skincare. Although the research behind topical vitamin K is still limited, the study has shown that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. Let’s hope that there is going to be more and more study backing up this one vitamin benefit for the skin.

Now that we get to know about each vitamin’s benefit for our skin, which one (or more) will you choose for your skin?