Submitted by: Melanie Vasseur

Growing up, you probably heard your mother say, “Eat your vegetables. They’re an important source of vitamins.” She knew that a daily dose of vitamins and nutrients was important for good health and the look of well-being. Today, it’s rare for wholesome products not to be enriched with one or more health- and beauty-enhancing ingredients. But, do you know that when applied topically, vitamins can also do wonders for the skin?

APPLING THE VITAMIN ADVANTAGE

Nearly two decades of scientific research indicates creams, lotions, and ointments containing vitamins and nutrients may help reduce wrinkles and protect skin against sun damage and maladies such as rosacea and exema. These ingredients, acting as antioxidants, fight oxygen-free radicals such as pollution, smoke, UV rays, and other harsh elements that damage DNA and cause skin to sag and lose elasticity.

Unlike supplements, which deploy only a portion of the vitamin’s potency to the skin, vitamin-enriched products applied topically have a more direct, long-lasting effect. And, it is an effect today’s clients are clamoring for-younger looking skin for longer: younger looking skin longer. To deliver what your clients seek, carefully evaluate the ingredients in the products you retail and your esthetician use in treatments. Here is what to look for.

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READING THE LABELSAlpha Lipoic Acid ( ALA )

Products with ALA are ideal for treating people with clogged pores or acne. The antioxidant ALA , which is soluble in fat and water, and is easily absorbed. It helps reduce inflammations, minimize scars, and lessen the appearance of enlarged pores. ALA also increases cell metabolism and helps to repair skin damage, making it tremendously therapeutic for aging skin.

Deanol Bitartrate (DMAE)

DMAE, a strong anti-inflammatory nutrient that the body produces naturally, is hailed for diminishing the appearance of scars and improving the firmness and tone of muscles. When mixed with other nutrients and applied topically, DMAE can quickly and dramatically increase firmness and skin radiance. It also has the ability to store in the skin to provide lasting benefits.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A takes many forms. For example, retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, is the active ingredient in prescription Retin-A, and Renova, another derivative of vitamin A, is used to prevent [treat] acne and wrinkles. Today, many cosmetic companies are looking at incorporating another yet another derivative, Retinol, into nonprescription lotions. Regardless of the form, vitamin A causes the skin to exfoliate at a faster rate, a process that otherwise slows with age. Exfoliation brings fresher-looking skin to the surface and prevents pores from clogging, which could lead to acne. Using vitamin A increases sensitivity to the sun, however, so it is even more important to warn clients to be diligent about using sunscreen.

Vitamin C

Known for its ability to neutralize harmful free radical molecules, vitamin C protects skin against UVA and UVB rays. A six-month study conducted in France in 2001 found that C’s fat-soluble form, vitamin C ester, might actually reverse skin damage. Researchers saw the participants’ wrinkles diminish during the time they applied cream with vitamin C ester, also called ascorbyl palmitate. Additionally, vitamin C enhances skin’s smoothness, creating a youthful glow.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, known for its anti-inflammatory and nurturing effects, is cropping up in more and more in balms, lotions, and salves. The fat-soluble vitamin, found in nuts, oils, and vegetables, moisturizes, smoothes, and softens skin. Recent research suggests that vitamin E applied topically, particularly in the form of alpha tocopherol, can smooth rough skin, diminish the length of facial lines, and lessen the depth of wrinkles. Using vitamin E may also reduce the risk of UV light-induced skin cancer, prompting it to be added to many sunscreens.

Scientists are learning more and more about how vitamins and nutrients can improve our well-being-inside and out. Recently, another antioxidant, Idebenone, has emerged on the beauty scene. The extremely powerful nutrient appears to fight cell damage related to aging and wrinkles. By putting these naturally occurring substances to work, estheticians have a more effective skin care tools to treat and improve clients’ skin. And happy clients with great-looking skin are a great advertisement for you and your business.

About the Author: Esthetician, chemist and spa owner, Melanie Vasseur has been producing her own line of skin care products for over 25 years. For more information on her holistic line of skin care products please visit

vsskin.com

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Source:

isnare.com

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