Vitamins in Your Cosmetics
What do carrots, rose hips and corn oil have in common? Aside from being edible, they are also rich sources of vitamins that can be included in natural hair and skin care products. Scientists have known for a long time that vitamins are an essential part of a healthy diet. In addition, many scientific studies have demonstrated that the topical application of vitamins can positively affect the skin and hair. Even if you get enough vitamins in your diet, it is a good idea to add vitamins to your skin care routine. This can be done simply and naturally, with the aid of herbs and plants.
Important Vitamins For Hair And Skin Care :
Certain vitamins are included in cosmetics because of their benefits to the skin and hair. These vitamins are:
Vitamin A: This vitamin is an added anti-aging products because it helps to soften and hydrate the skin. It has also been demonstrated to reverse the symptoms of sun damaged skin. Vitamin A exists in many different forms, including beta-carotene, which occurs naturally in plants.
Vitamin B Complex: The B-complex vitamin is actually composed of several vitamins, all which are necessary for healthy skin and hair. These include the following: Vitamin B1 (thiamin), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), Biotin, Choline, Folic acid, Inositol and PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid). Vitamin B5 is often found in cosmetic products in the form of panthenol. Panthenol is a common ingredient in many hair care products because it moisturizes and strengthens the hair shaft. It has also been shown to help wounds and burns heal. The B vitamins work together as a team to help the body maintain healthy hair and skin.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and it helps to keep the skin looking younger by offering some protection against sun damage and also by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin.
Vitamin E: This vitamin helps to keep skin moisturized. It is also a natural antioxidant.
Vitamin F: This is the code name for unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and linolenic acid). These fatty acids are found in blackcurrant seed oil, sunflower seed oil and several other vegetable oils. Unsaturated fatty acids cannot be produced by human skin. They must be obtained through diet or topical application. They help to soften skin, hydrate skin and soothe minor irritations.
