4 Vitamins Everyone Needs to Incorporate into Their Skincare Routine

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Not only is it the first thing people typically see, but it serves as a protective barrier. Your skin regulates body temperature and guards against environmental factors. Your skin does so much for you, the least you can do is make sure you’re giving it what it needs. 

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to integrate vitamins, whether they’re taken orally or applied topically. Vitamins can help adverse certain effects on the skin, like inflammation. Some vitamins even work as a barrier for your skin, shielding it from harmful toxins and free radicals. 

In this article, we highlight the type of vitamins you should consider incorporating into your skincare routine. From vitamin A to vitamin D, here are a few that can go a long way in helping you achieve flawless skin: 

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A can do wonders for your skin. It helps combat breakouts, speeds up the healing process, supports the skin’s immune system, and reverses the signs of aging. If you aren’t incorporating vitamin A supplements into your diet, you’re going to want to re-think that.

Vitamin A comes in two main forms. Retinoids are probably the form you’re most familiar with. Retinoids are known for their anti-aging benefits. This ingredient increases the production of collagen, a protein that plays an essential role in skin elasticity. This is important because as you age, your body starts producing less collagen, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids, like tretinoin, treat fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other premature signs of aging. 

Vitamin A can also come from carotenoids. Carotenoids have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage to your skin. They also enhance your immune system, improve elasticity, and prevent skin damage and wrinkles. 

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is considered a go-to anti-inflammatory vitamin. It works as an antioxidant, helping to protect your body from damage. Because of this, vitamin E can help nourish your skin, reduce swelling, and help fade dark spots and other signs of hyperpigmentation. 

Vitamin E is found in sebum, which is an oil. Sebum, as well as vitamin E, create a barrier for your skin. Think of it like a shield. Applying vitamin E to your skin keeps harmful bacteria and dirt from coming into contact with your skin. It’s for this reason vitamin E can help combat acne.

One of the most well-known uses of vitamin E is that it reduces UV damage to your skin. Vitamin E can absorb some UVB rays, reducing signs of sun damage on your skin. And since sun damage is a leading cause of aging skin, incorporating this vitamin into your skincare routine can keep your appearance youthful. 

There are several different ways you can use vitamin E. For instance, you could opt for a product that contains vitamin E like a moisturizer. If you go this route, make sure you pay close attention to the ingredient label. Often, vitamin E is listed as “tocopherol or tocotrienol.” You could also buy vitamin E capsules, open them up, and lather the oil onto your skin. Both options can be incredibly beneficial. 

3. Vitamin C

Are you a skincare fanatic? Then you’ve probably heard of vitamin C. It’s considered one of the best vitamins for overall skin health, but you may not know exactly why. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps protect healthy skin from free radicals that can damage the skin. Whether that damage causes inflammation, redness, dry skin, or hyperpigmentation — vitamin C can help you achieve flawless skin. 

Vitamin C is also incredibly hydrating. Because vitamin C protects the skin’s barrier, it makes it easier for the skin to retain hydration. This vitamin also promotes collagen production. As mentioned above, collagen keeps the skin tight, helping you avoid wrinkles and saggy skin. As you age, your body stops producing the same amount of collagen. That’s why integrating this vitamin is so crucial. 

The good news is that it’s easy to ensure you get enough vitamin C. You can consume it by eating fruit, like oranges. You can also look for skincare products that contain vitamin C. Serums, masks, and toners are all options to incorporate this powerful vitamin.

4. Vitamin D 

According to skin experts, vitamin D can be incredibly beneficial for your skin. For one, it decreases inflammation. Because of this, it’s ideal for those with cystic acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Vitamin D can also help with cell turnover. Similar to vitamin A, which speeds up the skin’s healing process, vitamin D normalizes cell turnover. This keeps dead skin from building up, keeps your pores from getting clogged, and helps to maintain clear skin. 

You may be thinking, “It’s easy to get vitamin D. Just lay outside in the sun!” While regular sun exposure can be a natural way to get vitamin D, sitting outside all day isn’t necessarily good for your skin. As mentioned above, too much sun exposure can cause sun damage and early signs of aging. Instead, consider increasing the amount of food you consume with vitamin D. 

Dairy products are a good source of this vitamin. However, dairy products can sometimes lead to acne or make the conditions worse. If that’s something you’ve experienced, opt for a vitamin D supplement. You could also use a vitamin D3 topical. 

It’s important to note, that these essential skincare vitamins aren’t only available as supplements. Depending on your diet, it may be easy for you to get enough of these vitamins every day. Some are also available as topicals, if that’s more accessible. It doesn’t matter how you incorporate vitamins, as long as you’re doing so.