Certain vitamins are particularly vital for skin health. That being said, drinking your regular multi-vitamin every morning does not always reach its full potential to the skin.
First of all a balanced diet is crucial, but since vitamins and nutrients from our diet enter our bloodstreams it does not feed our skin enough. Both internal and external use of vitamins are critical for skin health. Therefore medical grade skincare with the correct vitamin formulation and is the most effective for skin health.
Here’s a breakdown that covers how different vitamins play a role in skin health.
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known in skincare terms as a retinoid, is the only molecule that can reprogram cells. It can influence cells to behave in a certain way, by turning over faster and therefore improving renewal and overall skin elasticity and balance. By stimulating fibroblasts, Vitamin A boosts collagen and elastin production too. Vitamin A promotes skin health, reduces visible signs of ageing like open pores, fine lines and pigmentation spots. Due to its self-renewal function, it is used for treating acne and seborrheic or oily skin. It also helps to normalise the appearance of pigmentation.
Retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin and similar chemicals are manufactured forms of Vitamin A.
Did you know that retinoids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. For this reason, it is vital to wear sunscreen while using retinoids and for several weeks after. Retinoids can also be drying – remember that a quality moisturiser is vital.
TIP: Try applying retinoids once or twice per week before going to bed, then gradually increasing the frequency of use to once daily.
iS Clinical products that contain this vitamin:
Cleansing Complex, Poly-Vitamin Serum, Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, Moisturizing Complex, Eye Complex, Body Complex
- Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (or niacin) is a water-soluble found in creams and serums vitamin and is used in a number of ways in our body. This Vitamin has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties and can helps soothe the skin. It renews the skin by supplying the energy to the cells and works well to treat post-acne marks.
Niacinamide works with natural substances in your skin to help minimise enlarged pores, tighten pores, uneven skin tone and dullness. The reason for this is due to its ability to prevent debris from clogging pores.
TIP: Combine Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 and glutathione to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.
iS Clinical products that contain this vitamin:
Poly-Vitamin Serum
- Vitamin B5
Let it rain! Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) prevents water loss and helps to retain moisture, which prevents dryness, flakiness and itchiness. Plus, it protects your skin from redness caused by UV exposure.
It also boosts the production of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage.
iS Clinical products that contain this vitamin:
Super Serum Advance +, Hydra-Cool Serum, Moisturizing Complex, Sheald Recovery Balm, Youth Eye Complex, Youth Complex, Youth Body Serum, Body Complex, Neckperfect Complex, Firming Complex
- Vitamin C
When it comes to skincare, Vitamin C is an all-rounder.
It is photo-protective and can be used to improve your skin’s barrier against sun damage.
A powerful antioxidant like Vitamin C is important when it comes to premature aging like pigmentation and fine lines. It also helps in wound healing and aids in fighting the infections too.
TIP: The stable form of Vitamin C is L-Ascorbic acid and the minimum percentage available should be 15% to 20% in your creams and serums.
iS Clinical products that contain this vitamin:
Cleansing Complex, Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, Super Serum Advance +, GeneXC Serum, Brightening Complex, C- Eye Serum Advance+, Eye Complex, Youth Serum, Youth Intensive Crème, Lip Polish, Youth Lip Elixir
- Vitamin E
Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. It is fat-soluble and serves as a good moisturiser and soothing cream.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of Vitamin E and provides photo-protection to the skin by absorbing UV light. It helps in the biosynthesis of collagen and elastin, thus helping in skin building and rejuvenation. Alpha-tocopherol works as an antioxidant when combined with Vitamin C and can target free radicals.
TIP: Vitamin E is topically used to soothe burns, inflammation and scars.
iS Clinical products that contain this vitamin:
Cleansing Complex, Poly-Vitamin Serum, Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, Moisturizing Complex, Sheald Recovery Balm, Eye Complex, Body Complex, Lip Polish, Youth Lip Elixir, Eclipse SPF 50+, Extreme Protect SPF 30, Extreme Protect SPF 40, Lip Protect SPF 35.
So I know what you are asking: ‘What makes iS Clinical’s products so special when it comes to vitamin formulations?’
Our products are botanically derived which means the highest quality and purest form of ingredients are used to formulate each product. Over-the-counter products may contain the vitamins your skin requires, but if it is not medical grade it won’t necessarily work in the subcutaneous tissue layer of the skin (as it should to make a difference).
-Ulrike Spies, Product Specialist-