Vitamins for Healthy Glowing Skin

We’re all aware of the fact that vitamins play a major role in dictating our health, but did you know that there are vitamins you need for healthy glowing skin?

-A guest post by Jennifer Birch

There are many types of vitamins ⁠— all having their own benefits that affect different parts of our body.

While some vitamins help keep our bones strong or enhance our immune system, others boost the appearance and overall health of our skin.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the vitamins that you need if you want to achieve healthy, glowing, and radiant skin.

Vitamin A

One of the best compounds that help fight and reduce the signs of aging and is one of the important Vitamins for Healthy Glowing Skin is Vitamin A.

It’s found in a lot of serums, moisturizers, and toners ⁠— and is more commonly known by its derivative: retinol.

International educator for Glo Skin Beauty, Amanda von dem Hagen, explains that when synthetic retinoids like retinol are derived from Vitamin A, it becomes a potent ingredient that alters the behavior of aged skin cells, smoothens the skin’s texture, and enhances skin radiance.

Besides using it topically with products like EWG-verified Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, you can also get your daily dose of Vitamin A in yellow vegetables and fruit like carrots and mangoes.

Vitamin B3

More popularly known as niacinamide, Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant that does a stellar job at protecting your skin’s barrier.

As you strengthen the barrier function of your skin, your skin retains moisture better and blocks pollutants from clogging your pores. This, in turn, makes your skin look soft, hydrated, and blemish-free.

Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is best applied through skincare products such as EWG-verified The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%.

But, you can also incorporate this vitamin into your diet by eating foods like liver, chia seeds, avocado (like in this OMGreen Goodness Dip recipe), and mushrooms.

If you feel squeamish about eating organ meats, this DIY liver capsule recipe is a wonderful way to add it to your regimen, or you can simply purchase desiccated liver capsules for a no-fuss approach.

Vitamin C

More than just a vitamin that you take to keep viruses at bay, Vitamin C has gained popularity in the world of skincare due to its long list of benefits.

Any problems you might have with your skin tone, skin texture, and acne scars can be fixed by using a Vitamin C serum like the EWG-verified Brightening Vitamin C Serum from Rooted Beauty.

Allure notes that Vitamin C enhances your skin’s natural regeneration process, which in turn, stimulates your body to repair damaged skin cells.

Aside from oral supplements, you can get your Vitamin C fix by eating fruits and vegetables, as well as by applying it directly to your skin. Also give this Flower Ade recipe a try, as the hibiscus is rich in skin-glowing vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Also known as Tocopherol, Vitamin E has been a favorite by many for its many health benefits.

Ingesting Vitamin E has been known to reduce the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays ⁠— keeping your skin protected and slowing down the signs of aging.

In her feature on Vitamin E on Pretty Me, beauty writer Sheena Dizon also highlights how this powerful ingredient can be found in creams in combination with other all-natural substances like beeswax and non-GMO sunflower seed oil. These can help keep your skin moisturized and soothe any irritation.

When choosing vitamin E in supplement form (after speaking with your doctor) be sure to avoid the common, hormone-disrupting soy-based E and aim for E supplements made from non-GMO sunflower oil.

Vitamin D

Most people recognize Vitamin D as the bone-strengthening vitamin, but besides that, Vitamin D has also been proven to improve skin health.

Calcitriol, a derivative of Vitamin D, has been found to reduce skin inflammation and irritation. The best way to get Vitamin D is by spending at least 10 minutes under the sun.

But if you live in a place where you don’t get a lot of sun throughout the year, you can look to skincare products like EWG-verified Earthley’s Vitamin D Cream or Vitamin D-rich diets like Paleo.