Your skin requires a combination of vitamins to strengthen and provide antioxidant protection, boost collagen and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamins A, B and C are the best multi-tasking must-haves for all skin types.

Whilst there skin functions may overlap, they all perform in different ways and work synergistically for ultimate results. For a powerful hit of age-defying antioxidants that have the capacity to nurture and correct your skin, a daily serving of potent and stable vitamins can deliver your healthiest skin yet. In this post we explore our Vital Elixir Vitamin Boosters and explain the benefits to your skin.

VITAMIN A

In the world of dermatology, Vitamin A (retinoids) are considered to be the most revered hero ingredient. Retinoids are the preformed, or active, form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is used to treat a variety of skin conditions due to its ability to interact with our skins own DNA and reprogram cellular communication. Simply put, when our skin is out of balance, vitamin A acts as a regulator.

WHAT IS VITAMIN A?

It can be confusing as there are different types of A. As a group, they are known as retinoids consisting of retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde) and retinoic acid. Simply defined, they all have the same benefit but a different conversion process and potency.

Retinoic acid (prescription-strength) is the strongest and tend to be the most irritating, retinols are the weakest, and retinaldehyde and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) contained in our Vital A Elixir falls somewhere in the middle and is suitable for most skin types.

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN A 

Vitamin A for the skin has been more extensively studied than any other ingredient on the market with the first use of retinoids dating back as far as the 1940’s. It has a well-documented list of benefits and is effective and an anti-ageing ingredient as well as a preventative.

BOOSTS SKIN CELL TURNOVER: 

Acts as an exfoliant by promoting the shedding of old skin cells and stimulating the regeneration of newer, healthier and smoother cells improving both the tone and texture of the skin as well as combating hyperpigmentation.

STIMULATES COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: 

Vitamin A works on the top layer of the skin (epidermis) as well as the deeper dermal layer by stimulating collagen production. This assists in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin thickness preventing the degradation of collagen and elastin.

EFFECTIVE ACNE TREATMENT: 

Vitamin A can also assist with normalising oil production. Its exfoliating properties can cleanse the pores. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help minimise discolouration and redness as a result of acne. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN A

Side effects of traditional retinoids can include irritation, dryness and photosensitivity, and in some cases even blistering and peeling. The good news is that Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) found in our Vital A Elixir, is a gentle derivative without the sensitising properties.

HOW TO USE  

Start slowly. Try using it every third night for a week or two, then increasing to every other night and then to nightly use. You only need a tiny amount—pea-size—to cover your entire face with the same amount again for your neck and décolletage. Apply it onto clean skin, and make sure that you're using gentle and mild products in the rest of your routine so as to not overwhelm your skin. Allow up to 12 weeks to see a visible improvement. You can layer our Vital A Elixir with the Age Defiance Night Serum.

VITAL A ELIXIR

HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE HPR (VITAMIN A)

HPR is an ester of Retinoic Acid, the active form or Retinol. It works differently to an ester of Retinol that has to go through a conversion process to be utilised by the skin. As a result, a lower amount of HPR can elicit the same results. In a recent 2018 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology HPR was found to be a more stable form of vitamin and as it has a smaller molecule, it easily penetrates the skin. The verdict – it's a much milder form of retinoate but has the same complexion-perfecting properties as traditional retinoic acid minus the sensitisation and irritation, making it suitable for most skin types.

SUPPORTING BOTANICAL ACTIVES

Carotenoids - the ingredient that gives products rich yellow and orange hues - constitute a large group of plant pigments possessing strong antioxidant properties as well. Found in this formula as naturally occurring Vitamin A from beta-carotene is Lycopene from tomatoes, Rosehip and Buriti fruit oil.

TAKE OUTS

Although there is conflicting information and not a great deal of clinical tests, some studies have indicated that high concentrations of Vitamin A especially when taken orally, are best avoided when pregnant. We recommend to use with personal discretion and to consult your obstetrician. Avoid using in the presence of sunlight and always use daily sun protection.

VITAMIN B

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is another well-known and touted multi-tasking ingredient assist hydration and turbo charges brightening. It's stable and penetrates the skin easily and readily.

WHAT IS VITAMIN B3?

The skin benefits of B3 come from a specific form (amide) called nicotinamide/niacinamide. It is an essential water-soluble vitamin which we don’t synthesise (make) so, to reap the benefits, it needs to be ingested via supplementation or used topically. Nicotinamide is not niacin, the acid form of this vitamin. Niacin can create an unpleasant side effect – flushing.

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN B3

Nicotinamide helps restore cellular communication, repair damaged DNA and reduce the effects of sun-induced damage from UV rays. It helps to fight external and internal stressors that lead to skin deterioration and damage such as wrinkles, premature ageing, discolouration and sun damage.

Nicotinamide has been shown to prevent the transfer of pigment within the skin, which can help reduce brown spots. It also works to preserve hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve fat synthesis. Other benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties, is a reduction in skin redness. It may also be useful if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. B3 when taken orally can also assist with acne. As an all-round skin vitamin, it works synergistically with other vitamins.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN B3

Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient for skin brightening and moisturisation but when used in too higher concentrations, it may cause irritation. Low concentrations of (1-2%) found in our Vital B Elixir are adequate in a formulation. If you overuse Niacinamide or use formulations that are too strong, you might experience redness and in extreme cases, dermatitis.

HOW TO USE IT

You should use it in the morning. It can be layered with Vital C Elixir, Hyaluronic Marine Serum and or the Age Defiance Day Serum.

VITAL B ELIXIR

ACTIVE VITAMINS, HYALURONIC ACID (HA)

Panthenol (Pantothenic acid)/ Vitamin B5 possesses excellent skin permeability. As a constituent of Coenzyme A, it plays a role in several naturally occurring enzymatic reactions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is involved in activating the proliferation of cells that are important for wound healing. B5 is vital in the maintenance of skin quality benefiting moisturisation and hydration, soothing and rejuvenating properties to the skin's barrier. Panthenol has the added advantage of acting as both a humectant and an emollient. Humectants attract and bind water to the skin, while emollients seal in the cracks, keeping water locked in.

Hyaluronic Acid – As a humectant, HA attracts water to the skin and holds moisture allowing the skin to hydrate from within, reducing the risk of dehydration and dryness that occurs due to evaporation and transepidermal water loss.

BIOACTIVE NATIVE EXTRACTS

Kakadu Plum, Native Pomegranate, Mountain Pepper Berry

TAKE OUTS

Generally speaking, Niacinamide is fairly inert and well-tolerated, so most people shouldn't be concerned about any type of side effects. On rare occasions some people may react to nicotinic acid found in Niacinamide. With that being said, it's always better to err on the side of caution and patch test on a small area of skin if you are prone to any sensitivities. This can rule out fear of allergy. If your skin is sensitised, it is best to introduce gradually. 

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is best known for its powerful antioxidant and brightening properties as well as assisting the production of collagen. According to almost all skin experts, Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins you can incorporate into your routine due to its potent antioxidant content and its ability to protect and strengthen the skin. It's one of mother nature's most effective skin lightening agents. It can significantly reduce the appearance of aged skin and wrinkles and increase firmness to prevent premature skin ageing. Using Vitamin C topically is essential as it boosts collagen and elastin production at a cellular level working to reduce and stave off wrinkle formation.

WHAT IS VITAMIN C?

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in our body and skin. As we don’t produce it, it must be obtained from external sources both orally and topically. It is most commonly found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C helps to protect us from the damaging effects of free radicals. There are three types of free radicals, but in relation to the skin we are mostly concerned with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) found in our environment. Free radicals are inherently unstable molecules that damage cells, promoting skin dullness, wrinkles, and even skin cancers.

We are exposed to ROS from oxygen, UV sunlight, pollution, cigarette smoke and stress. The effects of which are detrimental and also the largest contributor to skin ageing including: Altering DNA, damaging the dermis of the skin depleting the moisture barrier and damaging skin texture, colour, and cell functioning.

A good experiment to see the oxidation process in action is when you cut an apple in half and leave it. You can quickly see the apple browning and discolouration taking place when exposed to oxygen. Topical Vitamin C can help prevent oxidation and slow down the visible signs of ageing. Vitamin C is very reactive and can lose its antioxidant properties when exposed to heat, light, air, and other chemicals. Always store C in a cool, dark environment.

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is one of the most important and impressive skincare ingredients to incorporate into your routine and has been shown to be effective in the following areas:

PROTECTS AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS: 

As an antioxidant, one of vitamin C’s main functions is protecting the skin. By scavenging these free radicals, vitamin C protects the skin, improving visible signs of aging and keeping the skin healthy.

PROMOTES COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: 

Vitamin C aplays an important role in collagen synthesis. Collagen gives our skin support and structure. As we age, collagen degraded and that’s when you start to notice fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for building collagen.

LIGHTENS BROWN SPOTS: 

Vitamin C is also helpful in lightening and decreasing brown spots, age spots from sun damage and pigmentation by blocking the pathway of pigment synthesis.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is generally safe for daily use. In high concentrations, it can be irritating, especially if mixed with other acids. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may not be able to tolerate it.

HOW TO USE IT

Vitamin C can be used in the morning and evening and layered with almost any serum or elixir. Traditionally, it shouldn't be used with Retinoids.

VITAL C ELIXIR

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) found in our Vital C Elixir is a stable form of C that works synergistically with Kakadu Plum, the most potent form of plant-based Vitamin C currently available. When these derivatives come in contact with the skin, they release the pure vitamin C onto the skin.

Our encapsulated delivery system penetrates the deeper dermal layers reaching their target. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is the most stable and preferred ascorbyl ester. This lipophilic molecule is easily absorbed into the skin. MAP has a hydrating effect on the skin and decreases transepidermal water loss. It is also acts as a free radical scavenger that is photo-protective and increases collagen production under laboratory test conditions.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) when combined with Kakadu Plum as a bioactive naturally-occurring extract, acts as a dynamic collagen stimulator making it a powerful alley in the fight against photo-ageing, pollutants and sun damage. Vitamin C will benefit every skin type and is your go to if you suffer from hyperpigmentation. A specific extract, Knotgrass, has been added into our Vital C Elixir that works specifically on counteracting the effect of infrared radiation. It has a profound effect on melanin producing cells helping to return your skin's radiance, tone and luminosity.

ACTIVE VITAMINS

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Vitamin E & Coenzyme Q10Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) – Vitamin E combined with Ubiquinone is a hero ingredient especially for those suffering from ultra-dry and sensitive skin. It's intensely moisturising and assists to keep skin looking smooth and plump as well as protecting against pollution and environmental stressors by neutralising free radical damage.

BIOACTIVE NATIVE EXTRACTS

Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime Caviar, Desert Lime

Knotgrass Extract – A flavonoid-rich botanical extract also known by its scientific name, Polygonum aviculare, has been shown to increase firmness and elasticity as well as shown to limit infrared sun damage.

WHEN TO USE

Use in the morning and evening after cleansing and prior to applying the Age Defiance Day Serum or Age Defiance Night Serum respectively. 

TAKE OUTS

In the skin, vitamin C is the predominant antioxidant, where the majority of vitamin C is concentrated in the epidermis rather than in the dermis. Since the epidermis composes the outermost 10% of the skin and acts as the initial barrier to oxidant assault, it contains the highest levels of antioxidants of the skin such as vitamin C and E. 

Plenty of research has proven the effectiveness of topically applied vitamins and antioxidants in combating a plethora of skin conditions. These range from aged and sun-damaged skin to oily and blemish-prone skin. If you're looking to restore luminosity, brightness and even out your skin tone, our Vital ABC Elixirs are the perfect addition to promoting a firmer, plumper appearance and restore calmness and clarity.