NATURAL SKIN CARE WITH THE POWER OF VITAMINS
If you are looking for effective anti-aging care and are wondering which vitamins are best for your skin, you have come to the right place!
Vitamins play an important role in the world of cosmetics and are key in the fight against skin aging. However, using these powerful allies requires knowledge: you need to know what they are, how they work and, above all, how to combine them. By choosing the right vitamins and using them, you can slow down the aging of your skin, improve its texture and restore its youthful appearance.
This guide to incorporating vitamins into cosmetics is intended for you, dear ladies, who want to learn about the proper use of vitamins in (anti-age) cosmetics and include them in your skin care.
Why vitamins in cosmetics?
Vitamin A: Retinol and its derivatives
- What it is : The most studied form of retinoid ( vitamin A derivatives ), which must be enzymatically converted twice in the skin to the active form (retinol -> retinaldehyde -> retinoic acid).
- Effects : The gold standard in anti-aging cosmetics, as it stimulates collagen synthesis , reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By accelerating cell renewal, it helps exfoliate the skin, thus improving its texture and tone . It is also excellent in treating photodamage and in brightening the skin . In addition to its anti-aging properties, retinol is also effective against acne, as it can reduce the appearance of pores and regulate sebum production .
- Usage : The use of retinol minimally thins the outer layer of the skin, which is responsible for protection against UV radiation, so the use of a cream with a protective factor during the day is mandatory . It is recommended to gradually introduce it into the routine and apply it to cleansed and dry skin to reduce the risk of irritation. Most forms of retinoids break down upon contact with light, so use retinol in the evening. Use during pregnancy is not recommended .
BAKUCHIOL - “plant retinol”
- What it is : A phytochemical compound extracted from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. Bakuchiol has been a natural source used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries. It is a functional analogue of topical retinoids , as both compounds have shown similar effects on gene expression in the skin and lead to improvements in skin damage caused by aging.
Psoralea corylifolia. Source: Canva
- Effects : It has strong antioxidant potential with an impressive ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). So as mentioned above, it has similar functional properties to topical retinoids, which are often used to treat acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative (inhibition of uncontrolled cell division) properties of bakuchiol may also contribute to the improvement of psoriasis and skin cancer, but additional clinical evidence is needed to further clarify these effects. With promising anti-aging , anti-inflammatory , and antibacterial properties, it is becoming an increasingly popular cosmeceutical. It is an important alternative to retinoids precisely because it does not cause common side effects , such as burning and peeling, that occur with the use of topical retinoids.
- Usage : While retinol requires great caution, bakuchiol is much easier to use. Since it does not cause common side effects, it is also suitable for those with more sensitive skin. Bakuchiol is often recommended for use in the evening, as the skin regenerates best while sleeping, but it can also be used during the day.
- What it is : Nicotinic acid (commonly known as niacin) and niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) can be converted into each other in the body. The common term for both is vitamin B3 . This versatile active ingredient brings numerous benefits to the skin and is suitable for everyone.
- Effects : Strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating the production of ceramides (lipids that make up the majority of the outer layer of the skin) and proteins (e.g. keratin - a key protein of the skin, hair and nails), which is reflected in the reduction of transepidermal water loss and the improvement of the water content of the stratum corneum. It also has positive effects in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and in skin lightening . Its ability to improve skin elasticity also ranks it among anti-aging ingredients. In aging skin, topical application of niacinamide improves the skin surface and smoothes wrinkles . It regulates excessive sebum secretion , thereby improving the appearance of oily skin. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation , which is especially beneficial in conditions such as acne and rosacea.
- Usage : Although niacinamide is generally well tolerated by the skin, it is always advisable to gradually introduce a new product into your routine, especially if you have very sensitive skin. Higher concentrations do not always mean better performance, but may mean a higher risk of skin irritation. Niacinamide is effective even at low concentrations, with the most effective being between 4-20%. At 10% concentration, it is said to strengthen the skin barrier and have anti-inflammatory effects, while at higher concentrations it works to brighten the skin. It is suitable for use at any time of the day.
- What it is : Panthenol is an analogue of pantothenic acid ( vitamin B5 ) and is a popular active ingredient in cosmetic products for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
- Effects : It is important for the normal functioning of the skin barrier , as it accelerates its renewal process . Because it activates fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen synthesis) in the skin, it helps to care for damaged and inflamed skin, and also helps to maintain its elasticity and suppleness . It also contributes to reducing transepidermal water loss , thereby increasing skin hydration .
- Use : Panthenol is known in cosmetic products for its low risk of skin irritation, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. It is suitable for use at any time of the day, especially when we want to soothe the skin.
- What it is : Ascorbic acid is a biologically active form of vitamin C , known for its antioxidant properties.
- Effects : Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from free radicals caused by sun exposure. It is important in stimulating collagen synthesis , contributing to skin elasticity and firmness . Vitamin C is crucial in reducing hyperpigmentation and evens out the complexion , making it a key ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics.
- Usage : Ascorbic acid is hydrophilic, so its penetration into the skin is limited, and at the same time it is more stable in products with a low pH, which can lead to skin irritation. For fewer side effects, other vitamin C derivatives are more recommended , and you can read more about the correct choice of them here . Products with vitamin C are suitable for use in the morning or evening routine, and the choice depends on other products or active ingredients that you (already) use.
- What it is : Fat-soluble vitamin E , like vitamin C , is a key antioxidant . It is known in two main forms, tocopherol and tocotrienol. They differ in their role and the percentage allowed for use in a cosmetic product. Each can be found in four different forms (α, β, γ and δ), so there are 8 different forms of vitamin E in total, of which alpha-tocopherol is the most active form.
- Effects : The main role of vitamin E in cosmetic products is to delay or prevent the oxidation of sensitive compounds, thereby ensuring optimal purity and stability of formulations . If we do not provide adequate defense against reactive oxygen species in a cosmetic product, it can break down. So, as already mentioned, vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties , as it protects the skin from free radicals and thus helps to slow down skin aging. It is also crucial in skin renewal (accelerating wound and scar healing), moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier .
- Uses : Vitamin E esters are most commonly used in cosmetic products, as they are more stable and better soluble in formulations. It is often used in combination with vitamin C, as the synergy between the two vitamins provides even better defense against premature aging. Vitamin E is generally well tolerated by all skin types, but additional attention is needed at higher concentrations.
These vitamins are key in fighting signs of aging, maintaining elasticity, and protecting against environmental aggressors. With the knowledge you have gained and following these guidelines, you will now be able to confidently choose products that meet your skin's needs!
So, now you're ready to take the next step and pamper yourself with the care your skin deserves!
THE POWER OF VITAMINS IN NATURAL COSMETICSAt MOIKA, we strive to base our cosmetics on premium, locally sourced ingredients, carefully selected with your skin and the planet in mind. Our products are designed to offer your skin the best of nature, with an emphasis on powerful vitamins that play a key role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
Rose Rejuvenating Fluid and Ričko Oil Serum are enriched with vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl tetroisopalmitate , which in this form penetrates deeper into the skin and stimulates collagen formation and helps reduce the appearance of age spots. Rose Rejuvenating Fluid also contains bakuchiol , which acts as a natural alternative to retinoids. Its anti-aging and antioxidant properties help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. If you tolerate oil formulations well and want anti-aging care, these products are an excellent choice for you.
Rosehip Serum and Mountain Rose - Light Balancing Cream contain vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate , which, in addition to all the well-known benefits of this vitamin, also offers antimicrobial properties. These properties make them an ideal choice for acne-prone skin care. Both products are also enriched with vitamin B3 or niacinamide , which regulates sebum production and reduces the appearance of pores, making them a perfect choice for skin prone to blemishes.
All of the aforementioned products are also enriched with vitamin E , which acts as a powerful antioxidant and offers protection against harmful reactive oxygen species, thereby helping to maintain the stability of the products themselves.
Thank you for your attention, see you again soon!
Lina
Sources:
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- Keen, MA and Hassan, I. Vitamin E in dermatology. (2016). Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):311-5.
- Nizam, NN, Mahmud, S., Ark, SMA, Kamruzzaman, M., Hasan, MK (2023).Bakuchiol, a natural constituent and its pharmacological benefits. F1000Real. 2023 Nov 7;12:29.
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- Zasada, M., Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy Dermatol Allergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397.