- Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found in skin care in several different forms including: Ascorbyl Palmitate (also known as Ester C) which is a more stable form, L-Ascorbic Acid which has the best absorption rate into the skin, but will degrade over time, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is the stabilized form of L-Ascorbic Acid.
Whichever of these forms of Vitamin C you use, they have the same excellent benefits. These benefits include:
Anti-aging
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles by building collagen, leaving you with skin that is firmer looking and more toned.
Brightens skin and fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C is a natural skin lightening ingredient which reduces the visibility of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s also a natural exfoliant, further reducing the visibility of dark spots.
Helps with clogged pores and oily skin
Due to its exfoliating properties, Vitamin C gently cleanses the skin, clearing pores and removing the buildup of excess oils.
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is very popular and highly trusted in skin care products. It’s also more effective than some of its derivatives (Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, etc.) It’s popular because it boasts the following benefits:
Boosts collagen production
Retinol boosts skin’s production of collagen, meaning it causes skin to look fuller, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Smooths skin
Retinol breaks down into retinoic acid once it’s absorbed, which has known effects of making skin look smoother and fuller by boosting collagen production, slowing collagen breakdown, and increasing skin’s elasticity and thickness.
Evens out pigmentation
Retinol helps dead skin slough off and helps curb melanin production, helping even out pigmentation and fading the appearance of dark spots.
Note: Retinol does break down in the sun, but this does not harm your skin in any way. It’s just more effective when used at night.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) that the body naturally creates when it has a surplus of Niacin. It has excellent anti-acne and anti-aging properties, including:
Visibly lightens dark spots and rosacea
Niacinamide is a strong antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin from free radicals. This helps to prevent further sun damage on the skin, as well as lightening hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties also reduce acne flare ups and rosacea.
Reduces visibility of fine lines and wrinkles
Niacinamide signals your skin to produce more collagen. This visibly smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Increases moisture and reduces sagging
Niacinamide increases ceramide levels in the skin, preventing dryness and retaining moisture. This helps reduce the saggy appearance of dry loose skin.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
Panthenol is derived from Vitamin B5 which means that it is a natural humectant. It is great for helping heal and nourish skin. Its properties are as follows:
Locks in moisture
Panthenol is a natural humectant, meaning it moisturizes skin and locks that moisture in. This leaves you with skin that won’t dry out, and will look younger to boot!
Reduces visibility of burns and scratches
Panthenol is often used in combination with Vitamin E and Allantoin to help soothe and reduce the visibility of burns and scratches.
Reduces skin sagginess
Because of its moisturizing properties, panthenol keeps skin hydrated, causing it to appear fuller and less saggy.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E has long been used to soothe and moisturize the skin, and also to treat burns. It’s also an effective antioxidant. It has many benefits to the skin including:
Protects skin from UV damage and free radicals
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it offers protection against UV damage and free radicals that cause skin damage. This helps provide a protective layer on the skin.
Moisturizes and softens skin
Vitamin E helps moisturize the skin and give it a softer, smoother texture.
Reduces redness and inflammation
Vitamin E oil and creams have been used for years to treat burns and scars. This is not only because it helps protect from further damage, but it also helps to fade redness and inflammation, reducing scar and burn visibility.
