Are you wondering how to get glowing skin? The secret is finding the best vitamin for your skin.
You already know that a well-balanced diet is important for good health. Considering that your skin is your body’s largest organ, it makes sense that certain nutrients are essential for preventing and reversing many signs of skin aging, as well as maintaining supple and glowing skin.
That said, experts note that the body delivers only a certain percentage of vitamins to your skin, no matter how much you ingest. This is why applying key vitamins topically can help deliver maximum benefits, including improving your skin’s texture and making your complexion more even-toned.
Best Vitamins for Skin
Here are the top vitamins for skin glow:
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1. Vitamin A (retinoid)
What it does: Fades brown spots and smooths roughness.
Where to find it: Lotion, treatment creams and night creams (vitamin A derivatives are known as retinoids), and prescription products.
How to use it: Apply retinoids only at night, since sunlight inactivates most forms of vitamin A. Prescription retinoids work fastest, within four to eight weeks.
Note: Some retinoids can cause redness, scaling, and flaking. If you’re new to retinoid use, start by applying every second or third night for the first two weeks, and build up to nightly use. Apply sparingly; a pea-size amount is enough to cover your entire face.
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2. How to Get Glowing Skin with Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
What it does: Helps increase skin hydration, makes the skin less irritable, and reduces dark spots.
Where to find it: Lotions, creams, and serums.
How to use it: For maximum results, apply B3 vitamins twice a day. To reduce irritation from your retinoid, use it in conjunction with niacinamide by mixing them together in the palm of your hand before applying.
3. How to Get Glowing Skin with Vitamin C
What it does: Helps smooth the skin and fades dark spots. It also destroys the free radicals that trigger sagging and other aging changes.
Where to find it: Serums and moisturizers. Look for C near the middle of the ingredients panel to help ensure the 5% or higher concentration.
How to use it: Apply vitamin C in the morning before applying sunscreen.
RELATED: 5 Beauty Benefits of Vitamin C
4. Vitamin E
What it does: Prevents dryness by helping skin retain its natural moisture, neutralizes damaging free radicals, and boosts the skins’ UV defenses.
Where to find it: Serums, moisturizers, sunscreens and after-sun products. The best anti-aging products contain at least 1% vitamin E.
How to use it: Follow the instructions for the particular product you’re using, and be sure to apply it before sun exposure.
5. How to Get Glowing Skin with Vitamin K
What it does: Reduces dark circles under the eyes.
Where to find it: Eye creams.
How to use it: Apply at night.
Other Beneficial Vitamins and Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Help maintain skin health by regulating oil production, maintaining hydration, reducing inflammation, and preserving collagen.
- Zinc: Important for wound healing, has microbial properties, and is a key ingredient in mineral-based sunscreens.
- Collagen: A structural protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. Supplementation may help improve skin appearance.
Resveratrol: A plant compound with antioxidant properties that may brighten skin and boost elasticity.
What to Know Before Incorporating These Vitamins Into Your Routine
- Consult a Dermatologist: Before starting any new vitamin or supplement regimen, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. They can assess your individual needs, recommend appropriate products and dosages, and advise on potential interactions or side effects.
- Diet First: Dermatologists generally emphasize obtaining essential vitamins through a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Whole foods are often better absorbed by the body than supplements.
- Topical vs. Oral: Some vitamins are effective both topically (in creams and serums) and orally (as supplements), while others are more beneficial in one form over the other. Your dermatologist can guide you on the best approach.
- Quality and Dosage: The quality and dosage of supplements can vary. It’s important to choose reputable brands and follow recommended guidelines or your dermatologist’s advice. High doses of certain vitamins can have adverse effects. (
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