As the weather changes with the seasons, many of us notice changes in our hair, skin, and nails. If you're struggling with dry skin during winter, taking vitamins can help. Certain essential vitamins can nourish and support your skin during the colder months.
It’s important to look at skincare products that contain vitamin C and vitamin E. Products containing these vitamins will help to cleanse and moisturize your skin. Let’s discuss three vitamin-packed products that may work best to boost your skin.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is an indication that the integrity of your skin barrier may be impaired. A major factor is the stratum corneum, in which intracellular lipids and natural moisturizing factors support the appropriate movement and absorption of water.[1]
When the protective barrier of your skin is disrupted, it can lead to significant water loss. This can result in dry skin with a rough, scaly texture and visible cracks. Often, this condition is accompanied by an itchy sensation, which may lead to chronic irritation and scratching, further aggravating the skin.
Importance of Vitamins for Dry Skin
We’ll take a close look at the best vitamins for dry itchy skin, as these will give you a great idea of what to look for on the labels of these skincare products. Vitamins have an important role in skincare because they have qualities that support the health and maintenance of your skin.
In addition to vitamins E and C, nutrients like vitamins A, D, and vitamin B complex support the integrity and function of the skin barrier. These vitamins are superheroes that maintain immunity and a healthy microbiome. This is important because your skin is the initial contact point that outside substances use to enter your system and can serve as a defense against invading pathogens and stressors.[2]
Vitamins to Treat Dry Skin
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most effective vitamins for dry skin. Retinol, which can be converted to retinoic acid, is a derivative of vitamin A and has a leading role in skin structure. These compounds boost the protective capabilities of the epidermis and protect collagen from degradation. This vitamin makes skin repair more efficient and bolsters natural moisturizing that keeps your skin hydrated.[3]
Vitamin E
When discussing what vitamins are good for skin, we must highlight vitamin E. Its antioxidative properties protect the skin from damage. This disrupts the reactive oxygen species that promote dry skin and rough texture. Tocotrienols can improve dull age spots, wrinkles, and visible pores. Vitamin E is also vital for wound healing and helps seal in the water absorbed by your skin.[4]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another one of the great vitamins for dry skin. This antioxidant has protective abilities as it is water-soluble and can eradicate free radicals. Ascorbic acid has a role in nearly every phase of collagen production, and this responsibility, coupled with its influence on elastin synthesis, keeps your skin smooth and elastic, with moisture and movements happening freely.[5]
Vitamin D
In conversations about what vitamin is good for dry skin, vitamin D is often overlooked. However, vitamin D3 has an integral role in forming the epidermal barrier and maintaining homeostasis of the skin.
Vitamin D, which is similar to a hormone, modulates cutaneous immunity as well as the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, which is characteristic of inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis.[6]
Vitamin B complex
As we discuss vitamins for dry skin, consider the B vitamin complex. These water-soluble vitamins, like B1, B3, and B12, play a part in cellular energy and repair, which impacts skin cells and protects against irritation. Particularly, vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) provides stability to the skin barrier and decreases any transepidermal loss of water.
Additional Guide - What Skincare Should I Use For Dry Skin?
Cleansers
One great product for dry skin is Dermpura Skin Balancing Cleanser. This foaming cleanser provides nourishment and hydration to your skin while cleansing and calming it. This cleanser will remove any oil and dirt, and it does so without being abrasive. The soothing effects of the botanical ingredients work to reduce redness and irritation as well.
Botanicals like Chondrus crispus extract and rosa maschata seed oil contain the best vitamins for skin, like vitamins A, E, and C. The anti-inflammatory properties of these vitamins protect your skin from threats of acne or other lesions while combatting dryness and restoring moisture.
Serums
Excelagene Intensive Hydration Serum is a great hydration-boosting serum. Not only will you get optimal hydration, but excellent protection is also provided. This product can nourish deeply without damaging the surface of your skin. The antioxidants defend against free radicals and can also fortify the structure of your skin.
Vitamin D is a star here, as it has a role in rejuvenation by stimulating skin cells to generate more hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. Vitamin D also safeguards against UV damage and regulates the cell replication cycle, which reduces the likelihood of hyperpigmentation and age spots.[7]
Moisturizers
If you’re looking for an effective moisturizer, the Infusoderm Deep Hydration Moisturizer is an excellent option. Its texture is ultra-light, which makes it easy to apply, and it provides hydration and moisture without leaving any stickiness or greasiness. With this moisturizer, you can expect a bright and balanced complexion.
This product contains the Cloudberry plant, full of antioxidants to nourish the skin, like vitamins A, C, and E. While nourishing your skin and making it appear plump, it defends your skin against invading environmental irritants. Circulation will be enhanced and skin renewed.[8]
FAQs
Is vitamin C or E better for dry skin?
Both vitamins provide benefits, but vitamin E may be better for dry skin due to its intensely hydrating qualities. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin E also make it soothing and reduce irritation.
What vitamin deficiency causes dry skin?
Vitamin A must come from the diet because the body doesn’t produce it alone. A deficiency causes dry skin because this vitamin helps generate and repair skin cells and fights inflammation in skin disorders.
Is vitamin C good for dry skin?
You can use vitamin C for dry skin and improved complexion. This vitamin is generally suitable for all skin types and increases hydration by reducing water loss in your skin.[9]
Can I use both vitamins C and E together?
Using vitamins C and E can make the antioxidative properties even more profound. A combination of the vitamins maximizes the ability to reduce oxidative damage.
Conclusion
When selecting the best products to nourish your skin, be mindful of these vitamins for dry skin, as each offers unique benefits.
Vitamin A can soothe inflamed skin, while vitamin E calms skin and optimizes moisture. You’ll benefit from the antioxidant vitamin C, which protects your skin from sun damage and radicals that cause discoloration.
Additionally, vitamin D supports new skin cells and revitalized skin, and B complex vitamins support the skin structure and balance oil production. Diligent use of these products promotes deeply hydrated, irritation-free skin with maintained moisture levels, resulting in bright and supple skin.
References
1] ↑Moniaga C, Tominaga M, Takamori K. Mechanisms and Management of Itch in Dry Skin. Acta Dermato Venereologica. 2020;100(2):10-21. doi:
2] ↑Dattola A, Silvestri M, Bennardo L, et al. Role of Vitamins in Skin Health: a Systematic Review. Current Nutrition Reports. 2020;9(3):226-235. doi:
3] ↑Szymański Ł, Skopek R, Palusińska M, et al. Retinoic Acid and Its Derivatives in Skin. Cells. 2020;9(12):2660. doi:
4] ↑Pincemail J, Meziane S. On the Potential Role of the Antioxidant Couple Vitamin E/Selenium Taken by the Oral Route in Skin and Hair Health. Antioxidants. 2022;11(11):2270. doi:
5] ↑Boo YC. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) as a Cosmeceutical to Increase Dermal Collagen for Skin Antiaging Purposes: Emerging Combination Therapies. Antioxidants. 2022;11(9):1663. doi:
6] ↑Bocheva G, Slominski RM, Slominski AT. The Impact of Vitamin D on Skin Aging. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(16):9097. doi:
7] ↑Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021;8(2). doi:
8] ↑Faleva AV, Ul’yanovskii NV, Onuchina AA, Falev DI, Kosyakov DS. Comprehensive Characterization of Secondary Metabolites in Fruits and Leaves of Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.). Metabolites. 2023;13(5):598-598. doi:
9] ↑Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
Christine
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits through both training and writing. Christine spends most of her time in the gym and learning how she can influence others through positivity!
