Essential Vitamins for Skin Health & Vitality

At CleanSkins we want to educate not just sell.  Skin health and vitality requires a holistic approach, it is not just about what creams, potions or lotions we use.  When addressing skin complaints, concerns or conditions, 70% of all results achieved are from what we do at home, most of which wont drain your wallet!  A good homecare routine includes topical products applied, diet, supplements, stress, exercise, lifestyle factors (being sun smart, not smoking etc, etc).   Most these factors were briefly discussed in our July newsletter.  The other 30% of results come from ‘correct’ in-clinic treatments, genetics and good luck!
In this blog I want to talk about the importance of vitamins for skin health.  The genetically blessed may have skin that appears fine without vitamins, however it will most probably show later in life.  The largest organ in our body, our skin, needs vitamins to flourish.  A healthy diet and/or supplements is a great start, but did you know that as well as needing vitamins internally our skin flourishes with topical application of vitamins!  No matter what your age your skin will benefit from the topical application of Vitamin A, C & E, in fact applying them at an early age can make a significant difference in preventing anti aging! Below are just a few of the vitamins that are great for our skin:
 
Vitamin A:
Topically applied – supports collagen formation and promotes the regeneration of the skin resulting in smoother skin, softening pigmentation and less apparent wrinkles.  Vitamin A is a photosensitive substance i.e. may cause your skin to burn when tanning, so should be applied at night and not used before tanning or light treatments i.e. laser hair removal.  Vitamin a should not be used by pregnant or breast feeding woman due to heightened risks of hormonal pigmentation.
Internally taken – helps the skin to grow and replenish.  Foods high in vitamin a are egg yolks, oysters and non-fat milk.
 

Vitamin C:

Topically applied – is the most potent antioxidant in terms of collagen building for anti aging.  Vitamin C assists with sun defence, clarifies complexion, addresses pigmentation and brightens skin. Again best results occur when applied at night.  Vitamin C is specifically used for vitamin creams in combination with vitamins A and E. It increases the effects of the other vitamins and protects the skin against free radicals. The free Vitamin C is released by enzymes and supports the formation of collagen.

Internally taken – helps maintain collagen, the support structure of the skin.  Foods high in vitamin c are citrus fruits, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin E:
Topically applied – is healing, soothing, moisturising and protective.  It protects the skin against radicals and reduces the harmful influence of ultraviolet rays.  It supports cell formation of the skin and improves skin hydration.  It is great for sensitive or sun damaged skin, especially when used in conjunction with vitamin C.
Internally taken – has great antioxidant properties and is vital in protecting the skin from pollution and the suns rays.  Foods high in vitamin e are salmon, beans and nuts.
First time users of these vitamin serums should slowly work up to daily application. There is a general consensus in the skincare world that the best results come from a combination of two or three of these vitamins together.  My personal anti ageing favourite, in fact my own daily routine, consist of a custom blended A, C & E serum.
Remember its up to you with at least 70% of results will come from what you do and don’t do at home!!!!!
You are never to young to look after your skin. The MOST important time to start looking after your skin is way, way, way before damage appears!   Whether you are 20 or 50 if you want advice on anti-aging preventative measures make an appointment for a skin assessment with one of our aestheticians.
  
Our promise to you is that we will give you honest advice with realistic expectations. We will not waste your time or hard earned money on treatments, potions or lotions that do not make a difference.