VITAMINS are essential nutrients that must be obtained from outside sources as they cannot be manufactured inside the body. Studies revealed that they, too, work wonders on the skin. These vitamins include vitamin E, C, and B3, all being essentially antioxidants.

Two doctors, I. Bogdan Allemann and L Baumann, at the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute of the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine in Miami Beach (Florida), reviewed these three vitamins for known activities to date against free radicals and their properties in retarding skin aging. Their report was published in the 2008 issue of Skin Therapy Letter.

The most active of the four known tocopherols is alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), an antioxidant that dissolves easily in lipids. In animal studies, its topical use reduces the number of sunburn cells and stops the formation of skin cancers caused by ultraviolet (UV) light.

As a side note, the sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the form of ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC) bands. Most ultraviolet B and C bands are absorbed by the atmosphere’s ozone layer and help generate it. It was ultraviolet A light, 98.7 percent of it, that reaches the earth’s surface and causes problems to human skin.

A dense application of five percent vitamin E on the skin for 24 hrs inhibits the activity of human macrophage metalloelastase, an enzyme that degrades elastin (the chief constituent of the skin elastic fibers). Topical vitamin E though has been linked to many skin side effects including contact dermatitis.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) come solely from citrus fruits. Sunlight and environmental pollution can decrease vitamin-C level in the top skin layer called “epidermis.” Vitamin C degrades into the inactive dehydro-L-ascorbic acid once exposed to direct sunlight and air. As skin care prep, it protects against the damaging effect of sunlight.

It reduces sunburn cells and erythema (skin redness) when exposed to UVA and UVB. When incorporated to a sunscreen, it improves sun protection.

Vitamin C scavenges free radicals created after exposures to the sun (“after-sun” skin care). It also increases the production of skin fibroblasts, the source of collagen. While it has improved the appearance of wrinkles, its full spectrum of benefits on the skin and aging remain to be explored.

Niacinamide, also nicotinamide, is vitamin B3 in active form. It has prevented skin inflammation, removed skin pigmentation, and maintained immune strength on the skin. It can improve skin texture and tone and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and high levels of skin pigmentation. It is well tolerated by the skin.

We got a tip from Claire Williamson: “Frozen peas contain more vitamin C than some fresh vegetables.”

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(January 14, 2009 issue)
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