With the plethora of skincare products on the market today, it’s becoming more difficult to scrutinize every ingredient that we apply to our skin.

Many skincare products contain an intimidating list of ingredients which some of us don’t bother reading about. It’s so easy to grab a product with a label that boasts a wide array of vitamins and minerals - but do we really know the effects they can have on our skin?

If you’re not sure about what vitamins to include for your skincare regimen (and why), this is your guide to our recommended must-haves.

Caveat: If you have an existing skin condition, consult your doctor. 

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A can be found in several types of cosmetic products, from moisturizers, sunscreen, anti-aging creams, and vitamin infused-oils or serums. They are also available in the form of capsules that are meant to be broken and then applied directly onto the skin.

 

 Vitamin A has the ability to prevent breakouts, speed up healing, and support the skin’s immune system. It also promotes natural moisturizing and helps hydrate the skin. Regular use of vitamin A in topical forms can slow signs of aging by increasing collagen production, giving your skin a healthy glow.

 

 

Skin Benefits:

• Protects the skin from sun damage 
• Calms inflammation
• Increases collagen production
• Slows signs of aging
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Assists in new blood vessel production and cell turnover

Vitamin A-rich Ingredients:

• Beeswax
• Olive oil
• Lavender oil
• Pollen

Vitamin D

Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D  is a fundamental contributor to the proper function of the skin. It is a fat-soluble nutrient that serves as an epidermal barrier for the skin.

Most people get a healthy amount of vitamin D from the sun, but it isn’t ideal to stay outside for long periods of time. According to dermatologist Erum Ilyas, "The key to remember with sun exposure, however, is that you do not need a sunburn to get a healthy amount of vitamin D."

While many skin conditions stream from vitamin D deficiency, sun damage is also caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. So if you want to get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, 

Skin Benefits:

• Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces redness and inflammation
• Fights infection
• Acts as a protective barrier
• Treats skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Slows down skin aging

Vitamin D Fun Fact:
Olive Oil is singled out as the best food product to deliver Vitamin D

Vitamin K

 

Vitamin K is essential for healing wounds, bruises and a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. In fact, surgeons frequently use creams that contain vitamin K on their patients to reduce swelling post surgery.

As if that isn’t enough, vitamin K also tackles dark circles, stretchmarks, and skin discoloration in general.

 

Skin Benefits:

• Lightens scars, dark spots, stretch marks, spider veins, dark circles under the eyes
• Reduces wrinkles
• Speeds up healing for wounds and bruises

Vitamin K-rich Ingredient:

• Olive oil

 

Vitamin C

You might know vitamin C as your immune system's best friend. It is one of the most-purchased supplements in the world. But did you know that vitamin C isn't only good for immune health, but for your skin as well?

Dermatologist Patricia Wexler defines vitamin C as "a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals." It supports cell regeneration and speeds up the skin's natural healing process. When applied topically, it can slow down aging and brighten the skin.

Skin Benefits:

• Repairs damaged skin cells
• Fights against free radicals
• Accelerates collagen production
• Brightens skin
• Lightens dark spots and skin discoloration
• Prevents premature aging

Vitamin C-rich Ingredients:

• Honey
• Pollen

Vitamin E

No matter how much we love to bask in the sun, there’s no denying that too much exposure is the number one cause of wrinkles, dark spots, sun spots, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.  Luckily, vitamin E protects the skin from sun damage by absorbing harmful UV light. 

Just like the other vitamins on this list, vitamin E is well-known for its healing capabilities, especially for people with dry skin. It speeds up a wound’s healing process and soothes external skin inflammation.

Vitamin E can be found in sebum – which our bodies naturally produce. However, people who have particularly dry skin have less sebum, which makes it hard for their skin to retain moisture. Needless to say, vitamin E also helps keep the skin conditioned and prevents dryness.

Skin Benefits:

• Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
• Lightens under eye circles
• Aids in wound healing
• Reduces the appearance of scars
• Fights acne

Vitamin E-rich Ingredient:

• Olive oil
• Lavender oil
• Pollen

 

If you’re still in search of products that could give your skin these benefits, look no further:

All BodyBees balms are packed with all the vitamins listed above – which are essential for healing, moisture, and relief. They are also perfect for all ages and skin types.