Navigating good vitamins for skin can be a tricky subject. You know that you should apply them topically and get enough of them in your diet in order to live your most healthy, thriving life. On the other hand, you don't really know the who, what, when, where, why and how to garner benefits of the best vitamins for skin health.
So, what does each vitamin actually do for my skin and overall health?
Can I apply skin vitamins topically?
Let's take it from the top and answer those important questions.
What Vitamins Are Good for Your Skin?
There are tons of vitamins for skin health, with some being more important than others.
But what are the best vitamins for skin, you may ask? For starters, Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps keep our skin cells strong by promoting collagen production; it also prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging by protecting the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin C helps keep our skin firm by promoting collagen production, while vitamin E protects it from sun damage.
The latter two are core components of our Eight Saints ingredients - eight natural compounds that have been proven to help improve the look and feel of skin.
1. Vitamin A
What it does: Vitamin A is an antioxidant that’s used by the upper and lower layers of the skin. It prevents sun damage by interrupting the process that breaks down collagen. It can also:
- Provide some sun protection
- Protect your vision
- Support the healthy function of oil glands around hair follicles
- Aid in wound healing
Does it work topically? Yes, but topical vitamin A can cause skin irritation in some people - so it’s generally only available via prescription.
Where can you find it? Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and mangoes. Another type of vitamin A, called retinoid, can be found in beef, eggs, and dairy.
Want to know what vitamins help skin the most? Just check the back of this bottle! Bright Side Cream Cleanser comprises the absolute best vitamins for skin, with a spotlight on A. Vitamin A from mango seed butter can help speed up healing, prevent breakouts, and support your skin's immune system as it faces the harsh realities of everyday life. Added Vitamin E and other organic compounds help nourish your skin to a level that is difficult to achieve with traditional cleansers.
2. Vitamin B3
What it does: Among the vitamins for dark spots on skin, B3 is also known as niacin - or niacinamide in skincare products - vitamin B3 helps support the skin, brain, nervous system, and blood cells. There's significant evidence that niacinamide can reduce signs of aging and fade away dark spots.
Vitamin B3 is easily absorbed by the skin. It works by gradually lightening pigment over the course of a few months. It’s also one of the few ingredients that can reduce inflammation and sebum (oil) production, which can balance oily complexion and minimize acne.
Does it work topically? Yes, it’s a popular skin brightening ingredient. It exfoliates and reduces redness too.
Since vitamin B3 is well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day every day (and feel free to use it with vitamin C to get maximum benefits from both of these powerhouse ingredients).
Where can you find it? Meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and grains. It appears in skincare products as niacinamide.
Vitamin PP
Among the lesser-known vitamins for skin health, Vitamin PP is formally known as niacinamide. It's a form of Vitamin B3 with numerous moisturizing and hydrating benefits. It, along with the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin B5 are beneficial in reducing scarring, promoting wound healing and improving skin conditions such as cystic acne, eczema and rosacea.
B3 can be one of the best vitamins for dark spots on skin when mixed with peptides because it helps to boost collagen production, improving skin elasticity and further reducing signs of aging. Our Up The Anti cream uses B3 and peptides to help with hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Vitamin B5
What it does: Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid and panthenol. It’s particularly effective at hydrating the skin and improving the skin barrier function.
Does it work topically? Yes. Vitamin B5 is often used to help speed up the healing process of wounds and reduce acne blemishes as one study suggested.
Where can you find it? Whole grains, avocado, and chicken. You can also find it in our restorative hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
On the hunt for vitamins for healthy skin? What about vitamins for skin acne? In either case, you're covered with Vitamin B5. It's easily one of the best vitamins for dry skin, capable of reducing acne scars and making your face look healthier.
You'll find it in Eight Saints Skin Care's Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer. This restorative hyaluronic acid moisturizer is made with both Vitamin E and B5, deeply hydrating your skin and bringing out its natural radiance.
If you're looking for something to brighten up dull skin, the Soulmate Brightening Treatment is also a must-have. Our Cherry Almond Butter and Sugar High Hand Cream can extend that same nourishing glow to your hands.
4. Vitamin B6
What it does: Knowing what vitamins are good for skin can equip you to take care of yours more effectively. Vitamin B6 is great when it comes to moisturizing tissue. Insufficient amounts can result in dry, cracking skin, and chapped lips.
Does it work topically?
It can, and does! Coconuts are particularly high in B vitamins, like B6, B2 (riboflavin), and B1 (thiamine). Applying coconut oil topically can help nourish your skin with these vitamins to keep it soft and supple. Plus, it smells fantastic!
Where can you find it?
Take advantage of the vitamins for dry skin we just discussed with Eight Saints' organic Lip Mask. This lip mask is made from coconut oil, along with vitamin E and organic beeswax. These ingredients are high in vitamins A, B6, B2 and B1 to help keep your lips soft and hydrated.
5. Vitamin B12
What it does: Vitamin B12 is critical when it comes to maintaining the skin's natural balance of moisture. Its essential nutrients also play a big role in collagen production.
Does it work topically?
Yes. Vitamin B12 can be absorbed through the skin and can help with collagen production, reducing inflammation and acne breakouts. Many people choose to get their dose through creams, lotions, and serums. You just need to know how to pick the right bar soap for your skin type.
Where can you find it?
Filled with linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic fatty acids, and vitamins good for skin health, Shea butter is an excellent source of Vitamin B12. Our Pass The Bar Gift Set uses its antioxidant vitamins to help nourish and maintain your skin's natural balance.
6. Vitamin C
What it does: This MVP antioxidant does a few things that are great for your skin:
- Fights free radicals caused by environmental pollutants
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Brightens skin tone
- Minimizes and prevents acne
- Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Does it work topically? Yes! But some forms of vitamin C can cause irritation. If your skin is sensitive, start with SAP, the form found in all Eight Saints products. This is the most stable form of vitamin C - it will never oxidize or decrease in effectiveness with time. It also easily penetrates the skin - unlike ascorbic acid, the form that most brands use - which is not easily absorbed.
Where can you find it? Citrus fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, and other greens. In skin care, look for a high-quality brightening vitamin C cream or a de-puffing, correctional eye cream.
There are good vitamins for skin, and then there are great vitamins for skin. These are the latter. No one can deny the visible brightening effects of using the Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E found in our Cloud Whip Face Cream. This high-quality product contains a blend of brightening vitamin C, plus the addition of Vitamin B5 for hydration, anti-aging and protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The powerful combination of antioxidants helps to reduce dark spots and discoloration while revitalizing your skin.
To take it a step further, try our Down To Earth Gel Cleanser. This de-puffing correctional eye cream contains the best vitamins for skin - E, C, and B5. It helps reduce puffiness and brighten the delicate skin around your eyes.
7. Vitamin D
What it does: Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is synthesized by the body using sunlight and is commonly available in supplement form.
Research shows that insufficient vitamin D levels are strongly linked to acne because the vitamin plays a big role in fighting infections.
Does it work topically? No.
Where can you find it? Sunlight, mushrooms, fish, and eggs.
Vitamin D is among the best vitamins for clear skin out there. It's in close competition with vitamins C, E, and K. Vitamin D has a number of benefits for the skin, including helping to reduce inflammation and redness, preventing signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots, as well as protecting against UV damage. It's also arguably one of, if not the best, vitamins for skin regeneration and repair.
8. Vitamin E
What it does: Also known as “tocopherol,” vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant that repairs and treats the skin. It helps with issues like sun damage and scarring. It also has moisturizing benefits and can:
- Strengthen the skin’s barrier function
- Even skin tone
- Keep vitamin A levels up
- Fight free radical damage
- Reduce inflammation
- Absorb damaging energy from UV light
Does it work topically? Yes, and particularly well in tandem with vitamin C to fight signs of aging and strengthen cell walls.
Where can you find it? Oil-rich foods like nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, fruits, and vegetables. Look for it in skin oil and women's face serum that combine vitamin E with ultra-nourishing oils like marula, jojoba, grapeseed and other vitamins for healthy skin.
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are some of the most effective vitamins for dry skin when used alone. However, when these vitamins are used in combination with other natural ingredients they provide a much more powerful solution than alone. High Society Face Oil is an excellent example of this.
Containing Vitamin E, this oil helps to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin while also providing a rich source of antioxidants. Our Pep Rally Face Serum is another way to use vitamins E and C together in order to provide a boost of moisturizing power. Who cares which vitamin is good for skin on its own? With these products, you can get the best benefits of every single one!
9. Vitamin K
What it does: Vitamin K is great at healing wounds and bruises, particularly because the body needs vitamin K to produce prothrombin, a protein necessary for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
This makes vitamin K particularly effective among the vitamins for skin repair:
- Resolving dark areas caused by circulatory problems
- Addressing spider veins, stretch marks, and scars
- Treating eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis
- Inhibiting skin inflammation
- Strengthening the skin’s natural barrier function
Does it work topically? Definitely. Vitamin K is often applied to the skin to treat spider veins, bruises, scars, stretch marks, broken capillaries, and burns. It’s also used topically to treat rosacea and to speed up healing after surgery. Whether or not it can work deeply enough to help with conditions like dark circles is up for debate.
Where can you find it? Cabbage, liver, kale, and milk. It’s also available in topical creams.
One of the most essential vitamins for skin repair, Vitamin K has a proven ability to promote healing, reduce collagen breakdown and encourage the growth of new blood vessels. This leads to a smoother, tighter appearance as well as a brighter complexion overall. Vitamin K is also known to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, helping to give a more youthful and healthy look.
10. Choline
What it does: Choline is a B vitamin that’s important for brain and body function. It helps synthesize neurotransmitters and regulates mood, memory, and muscle control.
The body needs choline to make phospholipids that are vital for cell membranes. Plus, it can assist in the production of collagen and elastin. So it's needed for healthy, wrinkle-free cells and helps your body make the compounds that will maintain your youthful glow.
Does it work topically? Nope - you have to get it through food and supplements.
Where can you find it? Meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Also look for it in cruciferous vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Choline is an organic compound that is not technically classified as a vitamin, but it's still got a spot on our list of vitamins for good skin. Choline plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, as it helps regulate cell production and can even improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Certain people may need to take choline supplements, but it's important to consult with your doctor before adding specialized skin health vitamins into your routine.
11. Folic Acid
What it does: Folic acid, otherwise known as vitamin B9 or folate, is important for the proper function of DNA. It’s a great vitamin for skin health, especially when compared to the best vitamins for dry aging skin, both when taken orally and when applied topically.
One study found that folate improved cell turnover, increased skin firmness, and reduced wrinkle volume when applied directly to UV-induced DNA lesions on the skin. This makes it great at reversing photodamage and providing anti-aging protection to the skin.
Does it work topically? Yes! Look for concentrations between 0.05%-0.2%, though you can go as high as 0.5% for intensive treatment.
Where can you find it?
Leafy green vegetables, oranges, and beans. When it comes to skincare, you can find folic acid in everything from anti-pollution creams to night eye serums - so you have lots of options to choose from!
With all of the best vitamins for dry aging skin in one jar, it's hard to beat the power of our Complete Anti Aging Routine. It comes with three essential products - High Society Face Oil, Night Shift Hydration Gel, and All In Eye Cream. Not only do these formulas include the best vitamins for glowing skin, but also a wealth of peptides and botanicals that increase collagen production.
12. Fatty Acids
Finally, lots can be gained from incorporating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (like omega-3 fatty acids) into your routine and diet. These can be found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish - basically any natural source of fat.
Luckily, you get one important essential fatty acid - omega 6 - in large quantities, so you don’t need to worry about it. But you should be concerned about getting enough omega-3s.
Why? These fatty acids actually make up a huge portion of cell membranes. So getting enough of them is critical for proper cell function.
When it comes to skincare, this translates to skin that’s moist, first, and healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflammation and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier too, thereby helping prevent wrinkles, acne, and infection. Look for them in barrier-protecting anti aging oil.
Here’s to feeding healthy skin from the inside out!
Fatty acids work well with the skin vitamins that we've been through so far. In our High Society Face Oil, they deliver a unique barrier-protecting value that helps protect against the signs of aging. Its Marula oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which helps to soften and smooth the appearance of aging lines and wrinkles. Combined with even more invigorating ingredients, the benefits of this formula go beyond simply nourishing the skin. We highly recommend it to anyone who wants to revitalize their skin and keep it looking youthful.
Pair The Right Skincare with a Healthy Diet for Optimal Results
Do skin and hair vitamins really work? Yes. Should they be your first option? No. While many people turn to skin supplements as a cheat-code to attaining glowing skin, the truth is that diet and lifestyle changes are the best way to go about it. Eating a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and Omega-3s can improve your health from within. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day, and limit processed foods, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
Parting Words on Incorporating Vitamins into Your Skincare
With the best vitamins for skin health listed out in black and white, you're ready to take on the world with your newfound knowledge. But before heading down to the drug store, remember that even the best supplements for skin health won't work miracles if used alone. It's equally important to have a healthy and balanced diet and to get plenty of exercise.
Vitamins for glowing skin are easier to come by than you might think - not just through diet, but also skin care products. Eight Saints' range of formulas are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that work together to improve skin clarity, texture, and brightness. Join the Eight Saints VIP program today for exclusive discounts and early access to our newest products.