Not everyone is born with smooth, silky skin and a clear complexion. Fortunately, there are some vitamins that help skin complexion become clearer, more supple and less wrinkled. Vitamins will not cure skin problems overnight, and must be applied to skin on a regular basis for several weeks before you will see results. Consult your doctor before applying these vitamins to your skin if you have sensitive skin, allergies or a health condition.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the active ingredient in creams containing retinol. Retinol creams, according to the Mayo Clinic, neutralize free radicals which cause wrinkles and other skin problems. Other vitamin A derivative skin treatments include Renova and Retin-A, although both products make skin very sensitive to sunlight. Over-the-counter creams containing retinol are often not as harsh on skin but will not achieve such dramatic results in such a short period of time. The Mayo Clinic cautions pregnant women from using products containing retinol or any other vitamin A derivatives, as they can cause birth defects.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often featured in skin creams under the name "L-ascorbic acid." Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it is another free-radical buster, preventing the molecules that cause skin damage and wrinkles. According to Dr. Hema Sundaram in Prevention Magazine, a concentration of 5 percent or more vitamin C in a skin cream is ideal to combat wrinkles, skin damage and other signs of aging. Vitamin C can become unstable when stored in improper containers, so look for a vitamin C cream in an airtight container that allows no light to get in. Using a cream containing at least 5 percent vitamin C once a day will protect against sun damage throughout the day and over time, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a moisturizer vitamin and an antioxidant. As quoted in Prevention Magazine, dermatologist Jens Thiele recommends using vitamin E after sun exposure to prevent damage and replenish the moisture in your skin. Over-the-counter vitamin E creams and lotions should contain at least 1 percent vitamin E in order to be effective. Vitamin E oil can also be applied directly to problem areas of the skin, if desired, although it is a thick substance and may clog pores if it is used on the entire face. Prevention Magazine also recommends applying Vitamin E before any planned exposure to the sun and using it under sunscreen, especially in conjunction with vitamin A and C for the best protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.
Vitamin B3 and B5
B vitamins, especially vitamins B3 and B5, increase the skin's hydration by increasing fatty acid production in the skin. Although B-3 and B-5 vitamins will also moisturize skin, they do not provide the same sun damage protection as vitamins A, C and E. Additional fatty acids in the skin also provide a more supple complexion and add moisture to the skin. Patients with redness from rosacea or other skin conditions may experience benefits from vitamin B3, as it is known to reduce redness in the skin. Vitamin B3 and B5 are available over the counter, and may be a gentler option for individuals with a skin sensitivity to vitamin E.
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