Submit your skincare questions to Dr. Agnes, CEO of Herborium and natural medicine expert
Did you know that Americans spent close to $40 billion on vitamins in 2024? This is approximately 31% of all our spending on supplements and close to 35% of what the entire world spends on them. WOW!.
As we all know the power of numbers is only as good as the quality that they represent, so it seems we should think hard about what may be most beneficial for us when we elect to purchase supplements.
And -since we here at AcnEase and Herborium try to think about how to make your skin condition the best it can be – I will focus today on a few vitamins your skin needs and justify you spend your hard earned $$ on those vitamins that will actually help to feel and look the best.
has been praised for its impact on the skin for years. It evens skin tone, helps post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces inflammation, therefore helping to reduce blemishes and acne, boosts skin cell turnover (ANTIAGING!) and improves skin texture and tone. A special form of Vit A is known as RETINOL and smoothens wrinkles and speeds up skin cell turnover. Retinol comes in non-prescriptive and prescriptive strengths, it therefore requires a bit more targeted information to derive a benefit from it, as well as avoiding some side effects. More friendly Vit A doesn't require the same warning.
is the new kid on the skincare block. We are used to taking vitamin C to prevent or shorten colds and boost our immune system. Today we also use it as an omni-potent antioxidant that also helps our largest organ, your skin. Vitamin C is an essential part of skin health, both as a small molecular weight antioxidant and as a critical factor for collagen synthesis. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It acts like the glue that holds everything together. It is found in our skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and even in our blood vessels. It is the support structure, providing strength and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and weaker bones. This is where vitamin C known as ascorbic acid, comes into play; it a vital nutrient for collagen synthesis. In addition to helping you look younger and strengthening your bones, Vitamin C contributes to photoprotection, decreases photodamage (sun spots), and is needed for adequate wound healing; therefore Vitamin C may help with acne scars and marks.
B vitamins can be confusing. There are eight of them, and some numbers are skipped. B vitamins consist of: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
B12 (cobalamin) is usually the vitamin that gets all the attention because it is vital for red blood cell formation, DNA, energy and brain function as well as other nervous tissue. But what about B3 (niacin) ? B3 is a key molecule that helps with all kinds of bodily functions and of course helps your skin health too. Vit. B3 minimizes pores, regulates oil, calms redness (Rosacea symptoms), diminishes dark spots, improves skin barrier function, is anti-inflammatory. B3 also protects against sun damage (plays an important role in mitigating skin cancer risk), Important to note B3 DOES NOT block or protect against sun rays. Vit B3 also slows skin aging and promotes skin elasticity. It works in both systemic (oral) and dermal (topical) forms.
also known as Panthenol or Pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is an essential nutrient vital for maintaining good health. It is naturally found in both plant and animal food sources. Vitamin B5 plays a vital role in making coenzyme A as well as in metabolizing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Due to these actions, it is important for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and eyes. Within the skin, Vitamin B5 functions as a moisturizer, healer, protector and rejuvenator. It also aids in the formation of healthy fats in skin cells and hair, contributing to their resilience and strength. In short, Vitamin B5 serves as a building block for healthy skin. It does so by offering a blend of nourishing, protective, and restorative qualities. Vit B5 promotes skin barrier repair, soothes the skin and calms irritation, and helps to reduce acne. Vitamin B5 increases hydration, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing, has anti-aging properties and it helps smooth the skin and reduce wrinkles.
You can write a book about fish oil. Heart, brain, skin are all beneficiaries of Omega 3. Researchers believe the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish oil lessen inflammation and help skin cells hold water. Hydrated skin appears younger and healthier because wrinkles are less noticeable. Thanks to its hydration properties, fish oil increases skin elasticity, helps delay skin aging, and speeds up skin repair. It may also help manage acne, reduce inflammation, and improve the natural barrier function of the skin. Finally, fish oil is known to lessen hyperpigmentation (patches of skin darker than other areas), may help prevent the development of skin cancer, and promote skin healing. This makes fish oil one of the biggest skin benefactors.
There is additional good news about the skin-friendly vitamins above. They are all added to Acnease 2.0 www.acnease.com to make your acne treatment more effective and your skin healthier, more resilient and more beautiful.