There are plenty of skincare products on the market containing vitamins. But can a vitamin applied to the skin work in the same way as those ingested as part of a healthy diet?
The answer is YES – vitamins in skincare can be an effective addition with a range of potential benefits.
However, cheaper skincare products may contain vitamins, but in such low quantities that they are ineffective. The vitamins do need to be present in large enough quantities to achieve the more dramatic results.
Vitamins in Skincare
The vitamins that might be found in skincare products are A, B, C, E and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes in 2 main forms – preformed vitamin A (aka Retinol and retinyl ester) and pro-vitamin A.
Retinol is potentially a very effective product as it promotes cell growth and renewal, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin. Retinol serums and creams can deliver anti-ageing results such as improving wrinkles and fine lines as well as improving sun damaged skin. Retinol products are prescription-only due to the strength.
These have been shown to help stimulate skin cell repair and collagen production. Vitamin A can also boost cell renewal for firmer, smoother skin and even help to fade acne scars and pigmentation.
Vitamin B
Vitamin A comes in 2 main forms – Biotin B7 and Niacin B3.
Biotin, is essential for cells throughout the body, helping with metabolism and promoting healthy skin.
Niacin B3 is an antioxidant with anti-wrinkle and brightening effects. Antioxidants can help to combat the free radicals that cause skin ageing and damage. It can also improve the skin’s appearance.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which can brighten skin tone, protect the skin from damage and also promote collagen production. It is a commonly taken nutritional supplement but has also been shown to have benefits when applied topically, especially in high concentrations found in cosmeceutical products. Studies have shown that vitamin C decreases the appearance of fine wrinkles and improves overall skin texture and tone, as well as improving hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been shown to have good antioxidant which can benefit skin exposed to the sun by helping to combat the free radicals (although it is no substitute for sunscreen). Vitamin E also has moisturising and hydration benefits to improve the skin’s barrier function.
Vitamin K
Research has shown that vitamin K could help to improve hyperpigmentation and under eye circles. It has also been shown to be superior to arnica cream in improving bruising after cosmetic surgery.
Cosmeceutical Skincare for Intense Formulations
Cosmeceutical skincare products are formulations which contain active ingredients and high concentrations. These can achieve powerful transformations even with difficult skin conditions.
These products are not available on the high street and may require a prescription. However, clients have seen remarkable results, even with difficult skin conditions such as acne, rosacea or pigmentation.
Cosmeceutical products are not just luxury skincare, they also offer more medicinal value making the more effective than basic skincare.
ZO Skin Health
ZO Skin Health has been the preferred cosmeceutical range at Mulberry House Clinic in Northamptonshire for a number of years.
Dr John Tanqueray chose the range due to its superior results even on normally difficult skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, aging and sun damage and even stop progression of those conditions.
He believes that any client should see noticeable improvements in just 6 weeks.
ZO Skin Health is an at-home cosmeceutical range which works well on its own or even better alongside professional treatments, such as the Ossential Stimulator Peel or laser treatment.
More information about Prescription Skincare, Northampton with ZO Skin Health at Mulberry House Clinic.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 15 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
