As I am sure you know, there is no shortage of skincare brands in the beauty industry. Although the brands may differ, have you noticed there are ingredients that keep popping up? More than likely you have already tried some form of vitamin or active products for your face, but do you know what they actually do for your skin?

Let’s start by explaining that not all vitamin or active skin care are created equally. For a formulation to be effective all the ingredients need to be well balanced, it must have a certain percentage of the active ingredient(s), and it must be able to penetrate through the upper layers of the skin. It is important to reiterate that just because a product says it has a specific ingredient doesn’t mean it has enough of that ingredient to change the skin. At Skin & Laser we have selected only the highest quality skin care products to work with, so you can trust we can take your skin to the next level.

So, what vitamins should you be looking for?

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to regulate the cell turnover of the skin. This means that in the case of premature ageing, our cell turnover naturally slows, Vitamin A helps to speed it up improving fine lines, pigmentation and the texture.

Vitamin A is also fantastic when used for Acne. A skin suffering from acne breakouts will usually be creating skin cells too quickly, so the dead skin cells aren’t able to shed quick enough creating blockages in the pores. By slowing down the cell turnover, there are fewer blackheads and as a result, fewer pimples.

Our favourite Vitamin A – DMK’s Revitosin

Vitamin B

Just like your oral supplements, Vitamin B comes in many types, each with individual benefits. Generally speaking, the Vitamin B’s used in skin care help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, soothes and calms, improves skin tone and texture. Pretty much every skin can benefit from topical B vitamins.

Our favourite Vitamin B – Aspect Dr’s Multi B Plus

Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a superstar skin ingredient that helps enhance specific immune defences in the skin. Part of the skins immune system is a call called the Langerhans cell. They ingest and process androgens (male sex hormones), and other foreign bacteria in the skin, control the division of epidermal cells and are responsible for complex cellular growth. They also help to stimulate the fibroblast cell supporting the production of collagen and elastin. By supporting the function of the Langerhans Cell, they are also capable of reversing the damage done to cellular DNA that results from excess sun exposure.

Our favourite Beta-Glucan product – DMK’s Beta Gel

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, usually in serum or powder form, helps support your collagen and elastin. This helps to manage the ageing process as well as reducing redness in the skin by strengthening your facial capillaries.

Our favourite Vitamin C – DMK’s Direct Delivery Vitamin C

Salicylic Acid

This acid superstar is classed as a Beta-hydroxy Acid (BHA), type of chemical/liquid exfoliant. This is a must-have for any acne or congestion sufferer! Salicylic acid seeks out oil so it is able to penetrate into the hair follicle and oil glands to dissolve blackheads. This will help to reduce irritation and inflammation, targeting all aspects of acne. Other types of acids such as lactic and glycolic, are able to exfoliate the surface of the skin but do not provide the oil seeking benefits of salicylic. This type of exfoliant is a great replacement for granular scrubs which also cause more trauma.

You can find salicylic acid in any of the Acu-Range from DMK, a range dedicated to treating acne and congestion prone skin.

Seabuckthorn

An outstanding rich source of vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. This amazing ingredient can benefit all skin conditions from ageing, to acne, to inflammation. Seabuckthorn oil provides more than 190 nutrients and bioactive substances. It is also capable of miraculous stimulation of tissue regeneration and skin cell healing combined with anti- inflammatory effects make it a must-have for skin health.

You can find Seabuckthorn in DMK’s EFA Ultra tablets.

Sunscreen

An obvious skincare choice, but often one forgotten about. A BROADSPECTRUM (protects against UVA and UVB) SPF is your best defence against premature ageing, pigmentation and broken capillaries. Any SPF must be re-applied throughout the day and should not be relied upon for complete sun protection. Always wear a hat and be in the shade where possible. It is important to note that if you are concerned with pigmentation or ageing, having an SPF in your make-up is not adequate protection, these sunscreens are not usually broad-spectrum so they do not protect against UVA rays, the cause of skin damage.

Our favourite SPF – DMK’s Soleil Defence 50+ or try the Colore science mineral make-up range!