Sep08

Feed Your Face: Anti-Aging Vitamins

posted by admin

You can’t stop aging, but you don’t have to look you age. Today’s anti-aging skin care products have some serious science behind them.

Here are 5 of the most important vitamins being used in anti-aging skin care products today, and what they can do for your skin.

Vitamin A: Helps cells function and is essential for vision and bones. It used to be prescribed to treat acne and skin disorders. Today retinoids, the newer synthetic Vitamin A, are used much more effectively. Retinoids also reduce wrinkles, fade brown spots, and smooth rough spots.

Green Cream by Dr Nia Terezakis, with 6% Retinol, $43.

Vitamin B3: Also known as Niacin. Entire skin care lines are being designed around this ingredient. It helps skin retain moisture by boosting the production of fatty acids and ceramides. It is also a milder alternative to exfoliates like glycolic and salicylic acids.

Nia24 Skin Strengthening Complex, $85

Vitamin C: This immune system hero wards off the common cold. It’s also necessary for tissue growth, collagen formation, and wound healing.

As a topical ingredient, it’s the best free-radical avenger. It helps fade brown spots and stimulate collagen formation in sun damaged skin.

The problem with Vitamin C is its potency decreases significantly when it is exposed to air. It can also be too harsh for a lot of skin types. Hexadecyl ascorbate, a chemical form of Vitamin C, is often used instead.

Envie De Neuf Vtiacrystal Liquefaction C, $116.

Vitamin E: It helps to protect cells from damage caused by pollution and environmental elements. When used topically, in creams, Vitamin E helps skin retain its natural moisture, protects against sun damage, and can help repair scars, burns, and stretch marks.

Malin & Goetz SPF 15 Moisturizer, $48.

Vitamin K: Just as it does internally, Vitamin K helps blood clotting when used externally. Also an important topical ingredient, used to diminish the appearance of spider veins, under-eye circles and broken capillaries. Also commonly used to help prevent post-surgery bruising.