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Vitamin A
Vitamin A (retinol) is another valuable ingredient in skin care products. Retinol is required for growth and reproduction of the skin, and the differentiation of epithelial tissue. Skin ages over time and the results are wrinkles, rough texture, discolorations and thinning. Retinol is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is used to combat these negative effects and promote healthy skin. Retinol visibly improves the appearance of mature, sun-damaged and dry skin while it hydrates and softens the skin to help re-create a smooth, supple texture and tone. It’s also an excellent protector against negative environmental elements such as smoke, pesticides, radiation and smog. There is evidence that retinol prevents sun damage to skin when used in topical lotions and creams. Topical retinol application is known to stimulate the growth of the base layer of skin cells, and can help the cells differentiate normally and provide the skin with its structural integrity
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in stimulating the production of collagen, the connective tissue that holds the body together. Collagen is a protein that helps form the skin’s supporting structure known as the dermis. As we age, collagen degenerates and, as a result, our skin wrinkles and droops. Vitamin C is a very effective anti-oxidant and will protect skin against environmental oxidative pollutants and UV radiation, all of which create damaging free radicals. (Free radicals are unstable molecules produced from sources like air pollution, radiation and peroxides.) Vitamin C is also a skin brightener that helps prevent hyper-pigmentation and evens out skin tone.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been shown to play an important role in protecting skin from environmental and oxidative damage and can be beneficial in the repair and reduction of scars and stretch marks. Antioxidants protect vital cell structures by neutralising free radicals. Vitamin E is present in varying quantities in a number of plants like almonds, kiwi fruits and mangos. It consists of several natural compounds, such as alpha, beta, delta, and gamma tocopherol. The combination of these vitamin E compounds is also known as mixed tocopherols. Anti-oxidants like vitamin E work to neutralise free radicals and stabilise cell membranes by providing the extra electrons needed to complete the unstable electron deficient cell. Skin cells need to be protected by anti-oxidants to prevent premature damage and ageing. The use of anti-oxidants like vitamin E in skin care products is important for the wellbeing of skin.
Pro-Vitamin B5
Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) is a water-soluble vitamin used in body care products to deeply penetrate and moisturise the skin or hair. It also stimulates epithelisation (fibroblast proliferation and normal keratinisation), aiding wound healing, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In hair care products, pro-vitamin B5 provides lasting moisturisation, prevents hair damage, thickens hair, and improves lustre and sheen. In nails, pro-vitamin B5 improves hydration and increases flexibility.
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