Do Topical Vitamins Improve Aging Skin?
More companies are adding vitamins to their skin care products – on the premise that they have anti-aging benefits. Consumers are buying into this promise too, by purchasing these “vitamin enhanced” skin creams and lotions in record numbers. But are these products really worth the money? Can topical vitamins improve the appearance of aging skin?
Topical Vitamins for Skin: Do They Have Anti-Aging Benefits?
A recent report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reviewed the literature on the role of topical vitamins for treating aging skin. After a comprehensive review, investigators concluded that vitamins A,C,E, and niacin may have anti-aging benefits. They emphasized that even though these vitamins have the potential to offset some of the effects of skin aging and sun damage, it’s not clear whether they work when they’re added to skin care products such as creams and lotions.
The Problem of Topical Vitamins in Skin Creams
Just because a vitamin is added to a skin cream doesn’t mean it will necessarily have the desired effect – or any effect at all. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that some small studies show reduces sun damage, but vitamin C is as unstable molecule and rapidly degrades when it’s exposed to air or light. Once applied to the skin, it must be converted to L-ascorbic acid and it’s not clear whether this occurs with topical vitamin C. Studies show that combining vitamin C and E, another antioxidant vitamin, into an oral supplement has anti-aging benefits – although the effectiveness of using them topically is still unproven.
What about Vitamin A and Niacin?
The anti-aging benefits of topical vitamin A has more proof behind it. The retinoid form of vitamin A reduces wrinkling, lightens age spots, and improves skin texture - as the active ingredient in prescription strength Retin-A. Other forms of retinoids added to drugstore skin products are less proven since there are different types of retinoids and not all are equally effective when it comes to treating skin aging. Many over-the-counter creams contain retinol which doesn’t have the same benefits as prescription strength retinoids.
Niacin (vitamin B3), in the form of niacinamide serum, is another topical vitamin additive that shows anti-aging benefits. In one small study, it decreased the appearance of wrinkles, boosted collagen production, and improved the appearance of age spots. Research on this topical vitamin is still in its early stages, although it’s already being added to some skin care creams. Unlike vitamin C, it’s stable and doesn’t easily break down when exposed to air or light.
Topical Vitamin for Skin Aging: The Bottom Line?
These four topical vitamins potentially have anti-aging benefits, but larger studies are still needed to confirm their effectiveness. Vitamin A, in the form of prescription strength retinoid products, is a proven entity and may be the best choice for people who can tolerate the skin irritation they cause. All in all, wearing a sunscreen is still the best way to keep skin looking young and beautiful.
References:
Medical News Today website. “New Study Evaluates Effectiveness Of Vitamins For The Treatment Of Sun-Damaged Skin”.
Topical Vitamins for Skin: Do They Have Anti-Aging Benefits?
A recent report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reviewed the literature on the role of topical vitamins for treating aging skin. After a comprehensive review, investigators concluded that vitamins A,C,E, and niacin may have anti-aging benefits. They emphasized that even though these vitamins have the potential to offset some of the effects of skin aging and sun damage, it’s not clear whether they work when they’re added to skin care products such as creams and lotions.
The Problem of Topical Vitamins in Skin Creams
Just because a vitamin is added to a skin cream doesn’t mean it will necessarily have the desired effect – or any effect at all. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that some small studies show reduces sun damage, but vitamin C is as unstable molecule and rapidly degrades when it’s exposed to air or light. Once applied to the skin, it must be converted to L-ascorbic acid and it’s not clear whether this occurs with topical vitamin C. Studies show that combining vitamin C and E, another antioxidant vitamin, into an oral supplement has anti-aging benefits – although the effectiveness of using them topically is still unproven.
What about Vitamin A and Niacin?
The anti-aging benefits of topical vitamin A has more proof behind it. The retinoid form of vitamin A reduces wrinkling, lightens age spots, and improves skin texture - as the active ingredient in prescription strength Retin-A. Other forms of retinoids added to drugstore skin products are less proven since there are different types of retinoids and not all are equally effective when it comes to treating skin aging. Many over-the-counter creams contain retinol which doesn’t have the same benefits as prescription strength retinoids.
Niacin (vitamin B3), in the form of niacinamide serum, is another topical vitamin additive that shows anti-aging benefits. In one small study, it decreased the appearance of wrinkles, boosted collagen production, and improved the appearance of age spots. Research on this topical vitamin is still in its early stages, although it’s already being added to some skin care creams. Unlike vitamin C, it’s stable and doesn’t easily break down when exposed to air or light.
Topical Vitamin for Skin Aging: The Bottom Line?
These four topical vitamins potentially have anti-aging benefits, but larger studies are still needed to confirm their effectiveness. Vitamin A, in the form of prescription strength retinoid products, is a proven entity and may be the best choice for people who can tolerate the skin irritation they cause. All in all, wearing a sunscreen is still the best way to keep skin looking young and beautiful.
References:
Medical News Today website. “New Study Evaluates Effectiveness Of Vitamins For The Treatment Of Sun-Damaged Skin”.