What can vitamins do for our skin?

Skin September

Casey Overturf, PA-C

We all know that foods rich in vitamins and minerals are good for you. They are essential for growth and development, energy production, bone growth and strength, and immune function just to name a few. But what do they do for our skin? And will topical creams and serums be beneficial for delivering vitamins into our skin or is it just a myth?

Vitamin A

Also known as retinol or retinoic acid, will reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase skin thickness. It does so by increasing collagen and procollagen production. We also use retinols paired with hydroquinone or other lightening agents to treat dark spots and reverse sun damage because it increases skin cell turnover. Lastly, it down regulates inflammation and decreases sebaceous gland production, therefore it can be used to treat acne. Studies have shown these benefits are attainable in as little as 12 weeks of use. There are OTC and prescription strength forms of vitamin A available.

Vitamin B3

The active form is called Niacinamide. It has been proven to decrease inflammation, reduce hyperpigmentation, and increase the production of ceramides and lipids in our skin. Studies have been published showing its efficacy in improving melasma and inflammatory conditions, such as acne. We are even seeing Niacinamide included in more anti-aging creams after medical studies showed its efficacy in increasing skin elasticity and reducing red blotchiness.

Vitamin C

Or L-ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the harmful effects of UV irradiation, boost collagen production and even reverse sun-damage. Uneven skin tone and texture can be improved by up to 10% after as little as 8 weeks of use! The reason vitamin C is typically more expensive is because it is difficult to stabilize the molecule and it needs to be at a high enough concentration to be beneficial. Dermatologists typically recommend morning application of vitamin C so that you can receive the maximum benefit from its properties since it provides photoprotection.

Vitamin D

There are many conditions in dermatology where the treatment includes topical vitamin D. It is used to decrease skin cell proliferation and is therefore often used to treat psoriasis and dry skin disorders. It can also increase the efficacy of topical chemotherapy used to treat precancers!

Vitamin E

This is another antioxidant that can prevent sun-damage. Oftentimes it is paired with vitamin C because they help stabilize each other and prevent breakdown of the molecule. Vitamin E can also help stabilize the skin barrier, so it is commonly used to treat recent scars.

Katie Keel, APRN-C

So, you wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and remember to reapply every two hours. You wear hats with a brim, sunglasses and sun shirts. You moisturize after getting out of the shower. You drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. But if you are still looking to do more for your skin and you are one of the over 75% of Americans that take vitamins or supplements regularly here are some you might not be familiar with and can benefit from!

Nicotinamide – 500mg twice daily

Zinc – 50mg zinc twice daily

A supplement that can make your Botox work faster and last longer? Where has this been all your life? Zinc has been found to be effective in extending the effects of botulinum toxin injections up to 30 percent. According to the Journal of Drugs In Dermatology, the results of the clinical trial of the drug showed that almost 92 percent of the patients who took zinc reported that the effects of their Botox treatments were noticed more quickly and lasted several weeks longer.

If you (or your child) has ever had a wart you know how troublesome they can be. Besides being cosmetically annoying, they can also be painful and can be quite difficult to get rid of. There have been several studies looking into recalcitrant warts and zinc supplementation. One in particular found that 87% of patients had completely clearance of their warts after two months of zinc therapy. In the study, the participants had over 15 warts and had been previously resistant to treatment. In that study the dose was 10mg/kg up to 600mg a day.

Vitamin D – dose dependent on individual blood levels

Of course the “sunshine vitamin” had to be on this list! Vitamin D is produced naturally by our skin in response to sunlight. However the UVB rays from the sun also contribute to the development of skin cancers and premature aging, so rather than foregoing your sunscreen consider starting a vitamin D3 supplement.

From a skin standpoint, vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Other health conditions linked to low vitamin D levels include: diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer including breast, colorectal, and prostate, dementia, depression, osteoporosis and more.
It is important to remember that vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and there is a risk of toxicity. A simple blood test can ensure you are within optimum levels.

Polypodium Leucotomos – 240mg daily – (Brand Name Heliocare)

Now to finish this list with a supplement you are (probably) not familiar with. Polypodium leucotomos – a compound from a species of fern that has been shown to protect its users from ultraviolet radiation and helps your body fight off free radicals for fewer sunburns, less long-term damage from environmental stressors, and younger-looking skin. It has also been found to be beneficial for the treatment of various skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and polymorphic light eruption.

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