Vitamins and their use in cosmetics

The body needs vitamins to function properly. They are responsible for many biochemical processes and the condition of the organs, tissues, hair and nails.

We provide the body with vitamins through a well-balanced, varied diet, but is this enough? Studies have shown that when it comes to the appearance and health of the skin, many vitamins work better when applied topically than absorbed from food.

Vitamins used in cosmetics

All cosmetics contain some vitamins. The effect they'll have on the skin is determined by their concentration and the other vitamins and ingredients alongside them. The most popular combination in the cosmetics market is cream with vitamins A, C and E.

Vitamins A and E are the most widely used vitamins in cosmetology. In addition to these vitamins, creams, lotions and other cosmetics often contain vitamin C, and recently, there's increasingly more talk about the beneficial effects of vitamin D on the skin.

Vitamin A in cosmetics

Vitamin A used in creams is usually found in the form of retinol. It's a popular ingredient in anti-wrinkle cosmetics, because it affects the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thus improving skin firmness, optimising its tension, and reducing wrinkles.

An important role of vitamin A in cosmetics is to neutralise free radicals and delay the ageing process. Vitamin A is found not only in cosmetics designed for mature skin. Due to its drying effect and the ability to regulate sebum secretion, retinol is also used in products for acne-prone skin.

Vitamin C in cosmetics

Vitamin C is a vitamin that works better on the skin when applied directly. Research shows that topical application provides the skin with up to 40 times more ascorbic acid than the consumption of vitamin C in food.

Vitamin C neutralises free radicals and improves the synthesis of collagen and elastin; it also refreshes and firms the skin, which is why, like vitamin A, it's also a common ingredient in rejuvenating creams. Additionally, vitamin C lightens freckles and discolouration.

Vitamin E in cosmetics

Vitamin Ehas an effect similar to vitamins A and C; it also neutralises free radicals, delays skin ageing, smoothes and firms. Its action is so spectacular that it's also called the vitamin of youth. An additional advantage of vitamin E in cosmetics is its moisturising effect.

Combining vitamins – a way to get the best results

Vitamins used in cosmetics must be combined skilfully. This significantly increases their potential. The C+Dpro Vitamin Energy series by Lirene takes advantage of the interaction of individual vitamins, resulting in cosmetics that comprehensively, multi-dimensionally and effectively combat the signs of skin ageing.

The two forms of vitamin C used in the series – active lipophilic form and stable vitamin C – ensure excellent absorption, intensive revitalisation, and brightening of the skin. Vitamin E stabilises vitamin C, neutralises free radicals and moisturises, while Vit. Dpro eliminates the effects of vitamin D deficiency in the skin, strengthens the epidermal barrier, and regulates skin hydration.

Combining vitamins has another benefit: sometimes vitamins with opposing properties are combined to neutralise them. For example, vitamin A has a drying effect, and that’s why vitamin E, which is highly moisturising, is added to creams that contain vitamin A.