Skin and Vitamins
Skin and Vitamins
Skin and Vitamins
Inhibits the production of melanin
Improves the skin's water barrier properties, helping to retain moisture
Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin A is used to psoriasis, treat acne, photo-damage and ageing, skin cancer, excema and actinic keratoses.
Vitamin A is found in egg yolks, butter, fish oils, carrots (beta-carotene), milk and liver.
Retinoids- the family name
There are various formulas available and some are more stable than others.
Retinoic acid and retinol irritate the skin more, whilst formula scan be kinder to the skin.
Before Retinoids can be distributed and utilised within the skin matrix, they must firstly be attached to "Retinol Binding Protein" present in the skin. The level of this protein can be raised gradually by raising the strength of the vitamin A creams slowly. It is therefore possible to ultimately introduce high levels of retinoids to gain maximum benefits.
How effective are these substances?
Efficacy depends on the following factors:
Stability- the formula needs to be very stable, since there is as little as 20% absorbtion to 80% settlement on the skin surface.
Ability to penetrate skin tissue - Irritating formulas cause skin problems without actually penetrating deep enough to have an effect.
Presence and levels of Retinol Binding Protein in the skin
Cellular uptake and absorbtion levels.
Intracellular metabolism - Skin can convert retinol through retinaldehyde to retinoic acid. Excess retinol is converted to retinyl esters and stored for later use.
Retinoids and Skin function
The term skin "normaliser" is used because most natural functions of the skin rely on the influence of retinoids, in one form or another.
As skin cells develop, they change structurally, ageing and hardening as they travel away from the deep (basal) layers and upwards closer to the epidermis. This process is called Keratinisation.
Retinoids slow down and suppress the rate of differentiation and movement of these skin cells.
Fibroblasts, which are the cells in the skin which produce collagen, have retinoid receptors, thereby allowing retinoids to aid in increasing collagen production by stimulating these cells.
It is known that retinoic acid can slow production of certain enzymes created as a result of exposure to UV. These enzymes are linked to degradation of collagen, so it can be said that retinoic acid helps against photo-ageing.
Retinoids decrease the production of sebaceous liquid so are therefore ideal for the treatment of oily skin conditions and acne.
Retinoids help with the shedding of dead skin cells from the epidermis, so must always be used in conjunction with the correct SPF.
Environ Vitamin A range
The Environ range of creams are formulated using mainly retinyl palmitate which is an easily absorbable, mild, non irritating, form of retinoic acid.
They start with low concentrations, as to allow a steady build up of Retinol Binding Proteins. This also helps to reduce skin reactions, whilst encouraging strength to build slowly over a period of time.
There are low oil formulations for oily and acne prone skin.
The creams are made using no preservatives and no fragrances. All anti-oxidants contained in the creams are there to have a direct influence on the skin.
The A creams also contain vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and provitamin B5, all excellent anti-oxidants with strong free radical scavenging properties.
All creams are formulated with a light, non-greasy texture and can be used in delicate areas such as around the eyes as well as the face and neck. This is a great bonus for a skin cream as most are not suitable for use in the delicate eye area.
In conjunction with a wide range of products for the face, the Environ range also produces a outstanding collection of products for the body.
Vitamin C -the skin brightener and firmer
Vitamin C is water soluble and therefore is excreted in urine within a couple of hours of ingestion. Like all vitamins taken orally, either in the diet or as a food supplement, very little reaches the skin.
Vitamin C is not stored in the body and is not synthesised by the body.
Vitamin C in it's natural form is Ascorbic acid which is highly irritating to the skin.
Functions of Vitamin C
Plays a vital part in the synthesis of collagen.
Reduces pigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin
Has a strong anti-enzyme activity- inhibits collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase. These are all collagen destroying enzymes.
Has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes skin.
Maintains capillary integrity so helps to reduce bruising.
It has photoprotective properties.
Helps to enhance levels of Vitamin E, required for skin healing.
Helps with iron metabolism.
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, hip berries, paprika, fresh tea leaves.
The importance of Collagen
In the body, collagen in the most abundant protein. It accounts for approximately a third of the body weight. There are 11 different types of collagen and they are present on bone, cartilage, tendons and skin.
If Vitamin C intake is stopped then the body's natural ability to produce collogen is limited and the result is Scurvy. In the past, Sailors at sea for long periods of time unable to gain access to fruits developed this condition. In which joints are affected as well as the skin. Limes were kept aboard ship as the were found to prevent Scurvy, hence the nickname given to sailors, 'Limeys'
Is topical application the best method?
Vitamin C must be applied directly to the skin in order to be effective but there are potential problems with this.
Since it is an extreme skin irritant in it's natural state, and you only need take a bite of an orange to see how Vitimin C causes skin tingling on the lips, it is vital that the ascorbic acid is formulated in a non-irritating way. Because of this Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is usually used, as the skin will change this to ascorbic acid once it has passed through the skin barrier.
Vitamin C is the most unstable vitamin of all and oxidises, thereby losing it's efficacy very quickly. If you squeeze fresh oranges and leave the juice to stand, the Vitamin C will have oxidised out within half an hour. Creams must be formulated to remain stable for a long enough amount of time, preferably without resorting to the addition of huge quantities of anti-oxidants, present only to preserve the product prior to application.
The Environ Vitamin C range
The Environ range of Vitamin C gels and creams, masques and in-clinic treatments is impressive.
They are all formulated using the minimum of preservatives and no fragrances.
They are based on the mildest, non irritating formulations of Vitamin C
The products also contain beta-carotene and Vitamin E, both strong anti-oxidants, as well as panthenol to soothe the skin and jojoba oil to moisturise it.
The Environ Ionzyme machine is a perfect way to introduce large quantities of Vitamin C into the skin, without irritation or side affects.
These products are perfect for treating areas of excess pigmentation.
Vitamin C is perfect for skin brightening and lightening.
Environ home care products and treatments help to firm the skin and increase collagen production.
How Vitamins Can Save your Eyesight You Can Prevent And Fight Asthma Just With B Vitamins And Other Vitamin Complexes Vitamins for your Pet Isotonic Solution - The Easy Way To Take Vitamins Why B Vitamins Are Essential Liquid Vitamins - The Clear Choice GBG Vitamins - Liquid Multiple Vitamins Multivitamins - Pros and Cons Rabbit Vitamins Four Kinds of Most Important Vitamins for Men Are Liquid Vitamins Right for You? Pros And Cons Of Multivitamins Understanding Vitamins