We all know that vitamins are crucial for health, including healthy skin. But it’s difficult to obtain all we need from the foods we eat, even if our diet is optimal. Sometimes we need a little extra help, either with supplements or topical skin care products.
Therefore, your board-certified dermatologists at Skin Associates want to focus on three crucial vitamins that can refresh and improve skin texture and appearance, and show how you can achieve dramatic results with the proper vitamin-based preparations.
Let’s focus on the basics, the ABCs of vitamin skin care, if you will. Incorporated into the most effective products, these vitamin formulations will impart a healthy, youthful glow to your skin.
Vitamin A (retinol)
This might be thought of as the “miracle vitamin” for skin. There’s not much that this strong antioxidant can’t do: reducing fine wrinkles, healing skin damaged by sun exposure, and fading age spots. In addition, it can also prevent further sun damage when used regularly. The active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid, has been formulated into several effective products that we recommend for these purposes. Ask us about SkinBetter AlphaRet, Skin Associates Retinol 2X and 5X by Replenix, SkinCeuticals Retinol, Refissa and Renova (available by prescription only), and Skin Associates Smooth Body Lotion.
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
This super-vitamin can not only even out skin tone, but treats acne and reduces inflammation. One of eight B vitamins, niacinamide is the active component of vitamin B3 (niacin). It is well-known for its anti-aging properties, and is under study for possible treatment of rosacea, as well as the prevention of skin cancer.
The vitamin B3 products we recommend include Biopelle KNR serum (which also contains retinol), the sunscreen Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46, SkinMedical Redness Relief CalmPlex, and Metacell Renewal B3 by SkinCeuticals.
Vitamin C
Another powerhouse, vitamin C is key to production of collagen, the protein that supports skin, thereby reducing wrinkles. Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of the body’s tissues. It is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, protecting skin as well as the rest of the body against the harmful free radicals that attack and damage cells.
When it comes to protecting and repairing your skin, this nutrient does it all, from repairing sun damage, to maintaining even skin color, to improving skin texture. Vitamin C increases the formation of elastin, shown to thicken, protect, and heal skin cells. It also helps hair and skin resist the damage caused by sun exposure and other environmental toxins.
Your skin-care professionals at Skin Associates recommend these products which contain Vitamin C formulations: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF, SkinBetter Alto Serum, Sesderma C-Vit Moisturizing Serum, MDRejuvena Rejuvaphyl Rejuvenating Complex, and Restoresea Pro Rebalancing Lotion and Rejuvenating Day Cream with Vibransea™ Complex.
All these products are available through in our Skin Associates of South Florida office. Please come in and let us guide you through the ABCs of better-looking skin.
