The Vitamins to Look for When Shopping for Skincare Products.

Vitamins play a vital role in skin health. But more often than not, we only consume them through the food we eat or the supplements we take on the regular. Rarely do we consider how we can also reap the benefits of essential vitamins through skincare products.

But while there’s a long list of vitamins that are good for the skin, there’s actually only a few that you should prioritize. Writer Eliza Hedley previously listed down all the ingredients you have to avoid, but this time around, we’re filling you in on the vitamins you should look for in skincare products.

Vitamin C

If you could only incorporate a single vitamin into your skincare routine, it should be vitamin C. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology points out that serums rich in vitamin C content can result in anti-aging and brightening effects on the skin. It was found to make a big difference in most signs of aging skin, specifically skin darkening, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles. What’s more, it also facilitates collagen production, the main structural protein that helps keep the skin taut and firm.

A lack of vitamin C may only contribute to skin sagging and bruising. It is then worth making this vitamin a star of your skincare regimen, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to just serums. Dermatologist Sara Hogan highlights how you can also get your dose in cleansers like the Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser and powders like the Clinique Fresh Pressed Pure Vitamin C Powder.

Vitamin E

We often rely on SPF when we need extra protection from the harsh rays of the sun, but you ought to be also looking for vitamin E, which, like vitamin C, is also an antioxidant. But if you want to get technical, cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson clarifies that vitamin E is a family of oil-soluble antioxidants. There are about eight different forms, and of those, tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol are the ones found in topical products.

Vitamin E is known to absorb the harmful UV light you get from the sun when applied to the skin, as well as reduce dark spots and wrinkles. The same effect can be enjoyed with different skincare products that feature this beloved vitamin. And if you want to increase your intake, you may also consume a separate vitamin E supplement and eat more nuts and seeds like almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin D

Many of us already get our vitamin D fix by lounging under the sun for short bursts, but studies show that it’s also worth including the vitamin in our beauty arsenal. Healthline notes that vitamin D does wonders in reducing skin inflammation and irritation, and is even found to be effective in treating people with psoriasis. Dermatologists also underscore how it has antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, helping improve cell turnover and neutralize free radical damage.

On top of getting sun exposure, one way of increasing your vitamin D intake is through skincare products. Shape’s lowdown on vitamin D-centric items recommends One Love Organics Vitamin D Moisture Mist, which helps boost the skin’s moisture barrier and Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil which targets dryness, dullness, and redness. But it should be noted that while these oils and mists contain vitamin D, they’re not an efficient way to improve low vitamin D blood levels. You should still take supplements or increase your vitamin D consumption through your diet.