ABC to good skin

In the interest of full disclosure, this last week has made us shit scared for our skin this winter. After just one tormentingly cold week the battle against dry skin has begun – and it’s not even winter. Before you get into the painstaking habit of wielding new lotions, be sure to try the ABC to good skin. Drawing parallels to mum nagging you to eat your vegetables because you ‘need your vitamins,’ in the lead up to winter your skin will benefit most from the right sources of vitamin A, B, and C who all play a role in creating nourished skin.

Before what you should do, let’s reiterate what to avoid. Long, hot showers; traditional soaps which have an alkaline pH; and the unavoidable in Canberra, dry indoor heating. Your skin’s natural barriers and acidic surface are about to freak the eff out so let’s feed it what it needs before we hit extreme lows.

Let’s start with A, not only because it’s sequentially first but also because vitamin A products have the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and produce collagen – which we know we need to stop signs of aging. The protective and nourishing properties of vitamin A can be sourced from both your diet and beauty regimes, but unless it’s in the form of pho or laksa its unlikely we’re going to rely solely on our diets this season. Apply with care, your skin needs adapting to vitamin A topical creams.

Benefits:

Vitamin A in the form of retinol soothes wrinkles.
Lightens those summer dark spots for a more even tone.
Stimulates cell over and in turn, minimises the risk of oil build up – aka pimples!

Amid all the products your skin truly needs, vitamin B is at the forefront. The beauty benefits of our friend B extend beyond skin, also benefiting hair and nails. Basically, helping a girl out in all areas of skin ailments such as enhancing dull complexions and regulating your skin’s pigment production as well as aiding in minimising acne by helping the body to break down oils – thanks B5.

Nicotinamide, a derivative of Vitamin B3:

Retains moisture –leading to softer, smoother skin.
Reduces fine lines.
Effective skin lightening agent.

Is there anything vitamin C can’t do? The powerhouse vitamin shields against pollution, keeps inflammation at bay and works its magic for tight and bright skin, promoting healthy collagen production. Unlike vitamins A and B where dietary intake of these vitamins is equally as important as topical, very little vitamin C actually makes it to your skin, so ensuring your beauty products are spiked with the potent antioxidant is a must.

Types of Vitamin C:

Ascorbic Acid – it absorbs the quickest and has the highest potency.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – a water-soluble derivative which is effective in lower concentrations.
Ester-C – a patented form of Vitamin C said to stay in your body for 24 hours