The truth is: not all skin care ingredients are created equal. In fact, understanding which vitamins are beneficial for your skin type can make the world of difference when tackling common skin concerns like dark spots, elasticity, signs of aging, dullness, and uneven tone.* As board-certified holistic dermatologist Gary Goldfaden, M.D., previously told mbg, starting in your 20s, ““the amount of new collagen that your skin produces declines while the rate of its destruction increases.” Luckily, there are number of vitamins that can be taken both orally and topically, that is, in foods or supplements and applied as skincare products, to help support skin elasticity and healthy aging. We tapped experts to get the scoop on vitamin-infused skin care and what role supplements play in a skincare routine. Keep scrolling for the vitamins that can transform your skin, whether in a serum or supplement.* “Vitamin C defends the skin from free radicals, which contributes to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., says. Not to mention, vitamin C helps our bodies produce more collagen, which is key to skin elasticity, coming in handy as we mature in age. Engelman recommends applying this brightening vitamin topically so it can be absorbed quickly. Try applying it in the morning under your sunscreen for added protection from free radicals. Check out our favorite vitamin C serums here. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, higher vitamin C intake is associated with less wrinkled skin2.* It’s also been shown to combat oxidative stress in cells thanks to its intrinsic antioxidant properties—this not only supports skin cell health but can help support skin from UV exposure3.* “Retinoids are active forms of vitamin A, and they work to stimulate cell turnover, which promotes the production of newer and smoother skin, stimulate the production of collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, target and reduce dark spots, and unclog pores and blemishes,” Libby says. You read that right—this ingredient is really that good. Engelman says that regular use of retinol over time will result in better skin elasticity, tone, and texture since vitamin A strengthens and thickens the skin barrier. If you’re new to vitamin A, start slowly. It can have irritating effects like redness, peeling, and flaking. It’s best to apply in small amounts every two to three days until your skin builds a tolerance to the active ingredient. Check out our favorite retinol serums here.
