Necessary Vitamins in Skin Care Products

Reading the ingredients on skin care products can be quite confusing.  The labels use terms such as pentapeptides 3, Rentinyl, Palmitate  and Ascorbyl Pamitate and to the average person these terms are bewildering.  However, terms such as the ones listed above are clinical names of very common vitamins.

Just as our body needs the necessary nourishment and proper about of vitamins to stay healthy, the same is true with our skin care program.  In order to have a healthy complexion our face, neck and cleavage area needs nourishment too.

Below are is a short list of typical clinical terms used in skin care products and the common term associated with it. 

Vitamin A - also known as Retinal Palmitate. A vitamin A derivative which is commonly found in skin care products are retinoid.  Products such as Retinol contain Vitamin A, however there is such a small amount of the vitamin A derivative that it may take some time to actually reap the benefits.  Vitamins play an important part in our overall health.  Vitamin A gives the most benefits to the eyes.  If you suffer from blurred vision, dry eyes, or night vision blindness you may have a Vitamin A deficiency.  Additionally, Vitamin A is recommended by dermatologists to maintain youthful and smooth skin and also responds well to Acne breakouts. Vitamin A increases blood flow, stimulates the skin and protects against sunburn.  Beta carotene is found in dark green leafy vegetables, carrots and apricots, has been found to good for skin, as they convert to Vitamin A.

Vitamin A - Facial Mask
1 cup milk
1 tsp. honey
1/2 cup fuller's earth
1 tsp. of apricot essential oil for normal skin.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and apply to face.  Wait 15 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.

Vitamin B's - B3 is known as niacin and B-5 is known as pantothenic acid.  Vitamin B plays in important part in your overall health and in your skin care regimen. B-Complex Vitamins support health of the skin and hair.  The American Academy of Dermatology cites vitamins B-3 and B-5 as popular additions to skin products, mostly because they help hold moisture in. In a study (funded by Procter and Gamble), B vitamins were shown to be effective exfoliates; that is, they removed dead surface skin cells that clump up and make skin texture appear dull.  Another study was done testing B5, B3 and Vitamin E on skin with rosaceous, skin treated with this product experienced a 36% increase in hydration, although it's not clear if this improvement was from vitamin E or the B vitamins.

Avocado Mask Recipe
1 egg yolk
Half avocado
1tbls honey
Peel and mash the avocado with a fork.. In separate bowl, mix the egg yolk and honey together, then and add to the pulp. Use the mixture immediately, applying to your face, neck and shoulders. Leave for at least 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Finish with a toner and moisturizer. Avocado contains:  Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, and Vitamin B6.

Vitamin C - also known as L-ascorbic acid and its greatest benefit in skin care is it antioxidants to repair sun damage and defend against free radicals.  Additionally, Vitamin C enhances repairing sun damage and enhances the production of collagen. 

Vitamin C facial serum recipe:
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid. Do not use vitamin C tablets or calcium Ascorbate.
1 teaspoon glycerin
1 teaspoon water (preferably distilled)

Dissolve the l-ascorbic acid in 1 teaspoon of water in small glass sterilized container. Make sure the acid has dissolved before proceeding. Add 1 teaspoon glycerin and mix well. Apply once a day, preferably at night and increase to twice daily if your skin tolerates the serum. Store in dark container and refrigerate. Light will degrade vitamin C, therefore, it is important to watch for yellowing of your serum, this indicates that the vitamin C is oxidized. Once oxidized the vitamin C has lost it usefulness as a facial serum that delivers nutrients to the skin. As it undergoes oxidation the ascorbic acid takes on a yellowish tinge, so it is important to check your creams or serums before you put them on your face, and if there is any yellow discoloration, discard. Vitamin C in skin care offers many benefits such as reducing blotchiness, stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and also protect against sun damage.

For informative skin care articles, how to videos, and skin care recipes, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy