Vitamin-enriched serums are highly potent solutions designed to penetrate skin faster than creams. Apply one after cleansing and using a toner; for best results, follow up by layering with moisturizer to seal in its benefits while protecting from dryness or redness.
Consider choosing vitamin C products with concentrations between 10% and 20%, along with those containing antioxidants or other ingredients that make the formula less irritating to skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble antioxidant and essential nutrient, known to stimulate collagen production, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in wound healing. Vitamin C can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables and supplements alike.
Peptides are one of the most potent anti-inflammatories available and have been proven effective at shortening colds, and reducing signs of aging like fine lines, dullness, redness, enlarged pores, dryness and discoloration. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful anti-histamine that can assist in alleviating allergies and asthma attacks.
Vitamin C is generally safe, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic; however, high doses may cause gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhoea. Excessive Vitamin C consumption may also inhibit iron absorption in some people and it is recommended to seek medical advice in the event of adverse side effects being experienced.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage, found naturally in some food sources or as an oral supplement. Supplementation can boost red blood cell production which transport oxygen from your lungs throughout your body.
Lack of this vitamin is uncommon among healthy individuals but may occur more commonly among patients suffering from malabsorption conditions like cystic fibrosis.
But, randomized clinical trials have failed to demonstrate that taking high dose vitamin E supplements prevents cardiovascular disease (CVD) events or mortality [24]. For instance, both the HOPE and HOPE-TOO follow-up studies found no reduction in heart attack, stroke hospitalization rates for heart failure or all cause mortality rates among participants taking 400 IU per day of natural (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) or synthetic alpha-tocopherol for more than four years [25]. Furthermore, supplementation may increase prostate cancer risks in some populations [26].
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (or HA) is an indispensable skin-health ingredient, boasting many advantages for its users. HA helps bind moisture to the skin and thus decrease fine lines and wrinkles caused by dehydration, while it promotes cell growth to give healthier-looking results.
Hyaluronic acid can help soothe inflammation and redness on the skin while acting as an excellent moisturizer. Plus, its noncomedogenic formula won’t clog up pores or lead to acne breakouts! In addition, this ingredient works well when combined with other common skin-care ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids for maximum effectiveness.
Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that hyaluronic acid supplements could slow bone loss among individuals with osteopenia, the early stage of bone loss that precedes osteoporosis (43). Hyaluronic acid can also be injected directly into dry eyes for relief and used as injectable gels to treat pain from interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome (44). While there may be potential health benefits from taking these supplements, more high-quality research in humans is still necessary to prove them effective.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid has taken the beauty industry by storm due to its radiant-boosting benefits. Sourced naturally from sugar cane, this alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) features the smallest molecular structure among all AHAs allowing it to penetrate deeply into skin cells, exfoliating and effectively exfoliating for an improved complexion, reduced pores, smooth fine lines and rough texture as well as fade sun damaged spots, smooth fine lines and rough texture; plus brighten complexion for an overall healthier appearance.
Glycolic acid has also been demonstrated to effectively reverse photo-aged skin by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin, thus creating a youthful complexion and rejuvenation. Since high concentrations may cause skin sensitivities, it’s best to seek advice from a dermatologist before beginning with this ingredient; start with low percentage products like toner or serum and gradually increase usage; always use sunscreen when using glycolic acid products!
