Navigating the alphabet of skincare options out there can be a monumental task, not too dissimilar from learning the actual alphabet many years past. (If you\u2019re using Vitamin A diligently though, not a soul can tell just how many.) <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve traipsed down the path for fresh skin before, ever-ager and overdone it on the vitamin front. The retinol purge is a familiar foe in this journey, all irritated skin and wispy bits (read: peeling). We\u2019ve all done it, slathered on the highest percentage we could get our little mitts upon and hoped for the best. Instead of our dream post-facial glow, one delivery of compromised barrier arrives at our basin. Akin to the vitamins we sip, stir and diligently pop, the dose is not the full story rather it\u2019s the supporting nutrients and behaviors that ensure optimal absorption. For more on the lettering and layering to know for plump and supplemented skin, I took my pores and bevy of beauty products to the experts. An alphabetic immersion if you will. <\/p>\n
A primer first, what exactly is a vitamin jammed into our bottle of choice? \u201cAn active is an ingredient that has a specific effect on the skin. Vitamins are active ingredients but not all actives are vitamins,\u201d Dr. Harshal Ranglani, MD, clinical and aesthetic dermatologist defines. Active vitamins include A, B, C and E while the new kids on the epidermal-block aren\u2019t considered so. The best delivery device to get said vitamins (active and otherwise)? \u201cVitamins have specific actions and target specific skin concerns, it is beneficial to use them in the form of serums in order to achieve maximum results\u2026Serums are formulations with a high concentration of a specific ingredient or active, designed to deliver a large number of active ingredients locally to the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is with that locality and high concentration in mind, selection of serums and strength for your skin concerns is paramount. James Vivian, dermal delight (ok, therapist) and namesake of his Melbourne salon, notes something is better than nada, \u201cYou can’t just go for the strongest percentage of Vitamin C or prescription strength Vitamin A and expect your skin to be able to reap all the rewards\u2026 In saying that, people still want results. And anything is better than nothing. I think a lot of people go from doing nothing to something. And that needs to be celebrated and congratulated, but you don’t need to go to the full strength straightaway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether this is your first foray into the supercharged cabinet or you\u2019re a veteran of vitamins, meet your lauded and loaded skincare options to dose accordingly. <\/p>\n
Vitamin A:<\/strong><\/p>\n
The high-achieving, premiere star of any skincare routine. Whether you\u2019ve ventured into Botox or not, the rejuvenating power of this ingredient is undoubtedly, suitably hyped. It comes in the form of retinoic acid, tretinoin, retinaldehyde and retinol itself on the clinical side but it\u2019s also found in its nature-bound sister bakuchiol. The combination of its collagen production boost and skin cell turnover speed up make Vitamin A a fine-line fighting, wrinkle reducing wonder. Not hyperbole, it’s truly that brilliant. But with that resurfacing prowess comes a drawback or two. Irritation is common, the aforementioned purge period and a heightened sensitivity to the sun.<\/p>\n
As Emma Lewisham<\/a>, founder of her similarly named and proudly circular brand adds, the irritation common when introducing Vitamin A can be a hurdle for use altogether – one they sought to remove given it\u2019s essential nature for skin function. \u201cVitamin A has long been a dermatologist favorite, however it can come with harsh side effects such as skin irritation, burning or scaling. We use plant-based Vitamin A, Bakuchiol \u2026 (it has) been scientifically proven to deliver the same amazing Vitamin A skin benefits sans the irritating side effects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vitamin B doesn\u2019t stop there, in fact it can reduce what\u2019s known as \u2018casual sebum levels\u2019, a not so casual term for the persistently oily skinned. James Vivian<\/a> shares, \u201cIt doesn’t reduce the amount of sebum that our skin produces, but what it does is that it decreases the amount of oil that is sitting on your skin at any one time. So that’s great for an oily complexion, a skin that you know, is prone to some sort of\u2026 afternoon shine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The zesty morning antioxidant that conjures images of plump fruit and effervescent vitamin drinks – all good skincare adjectives also. Vitamin C is preventive in nature thanks to its antioxidant effect, Dr Harshal<\/a> notes, \u201cIt prevents damage that may occur from UV rays and other oxidant stressors. It also acts to minimize pigmentation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The lesser known F is popping up in many a formula and fancy complex – but what exactly is it? Formulator Janel Luu<\/a> elucidates, \u201cVitamin F contains essential fatty acids and acts as a skin protector and revitalizer. It reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and balances the moisture content in skin, helping keep it supple. These essential fatty acids can also help facilitate the penetration of other active ingredients.\u201d <\/p>\n