Skin Care and Vitamin Serum

Skin Care and Vitamin Serum
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Your skin is your largest, most visible organ. Following a skin care routine can help you nourish and protect your skin, giving you a lasting, radiant glow. Certain vitamins may help improve your skin's elasticity and reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. There are a variety of vitamin serums on the market, and knowing which vitamins work to protect and improve your skin can help you find the best lotion or cream for you.

Topical creams and lotions with vitamins can help improve the condition of your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some vitamins are categorized as antioxidants, which help protect your skin from damaging free radicals in the environment such as pollution, the sun and smoke. Other vitamins help skin cells stay healthy and repair themselves. Applying vitamin serums to certain areas of your skin -- such as around your eyes, on your forehead or on other areas with fine lines or wrinkles -- may improve your skin's elasticity. Do not use vitamin serums in place of sunscreen or medical treatment, however.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps your skin cells maintain and repair themselves. Too much exposure to the sun can deplete your skin's supply of vitamin A. Retinoids and tretinoin are derived from vitamin A and are featured in many skin serums. Creams with vitamin A derivatives can reduce sun spots, wrinkles and rough skin, according to the MSNBC article "The ABCs of Vitamins for More Beautiful Skin." Some skin serums with retinoids include Neutrogena Dermatologics Retinol NX Serum and Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment. Serums with tretinoin include Renova and Differin, both available by prescription.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps protect your skin from the aging effects of pollution, the sun and smoke. Vitamin C boosts your skin's immunity to the sun and may promote collagen production, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Collagen makes your skin supple and helps prevent aging. Some skin serums with vitamin C include SkinMedica Vitamin C Complex and Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that can protect your skin from environmental damage as well as keep your skin moisturized. Exposure to UV rays drains vitamin E from your skin, and lotion with vitamin E can help replace what you lost. Alpha tocopherol cream is a common form of vitamin E in serums. Some serums with vitamin E include Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 55, MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes and Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe.

References

Article reviewed by Tad Cronn Last updated on: Jul 19, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments