10 Sep 11 The ABC of Cosmetics – Vitamins A, B and C
Ever since childhood, we constantly hear adults around us urging us to eat our fruits and vegetables in order to get our vitamins. Vitamins together with minerals are important for each and every individual who dreams of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In addition to vitamins keeping us healthy, they also have the capacity of improving the way our hair, nails and skin look. This is why so many persons are constantly preoccupied about getting at least their minimum daily dosages of vitamins such as Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E or vitamin K. The vitamins are grouped in two categories: fat soluble such as Vitamin A, which can be stored in the body for months and water soluble vitamins like Vitamin B and Vitamin C that last only a week or two in the body.
Vitamin A is also called Retinol in meats and provitamin A in vegetables and is a key element for good sight. It is estimated that third world countries citizens lack vitamin A to the point that each year more than 50,000 children go blind due to vitamin A deficiency. Aside from being crucial for sight, vitamin A strengthens immunity, protects from heart diseases and improves the skin look with its anti aging properties. We take our vitamin A from foods such as carrots, cheese, eggs, milk and yoghurt. Women should take at least 0,6 mg of Vitamin A per day, while men need 0,7 mg. Alpha Hydroxy Acids cosmoceuticals derived from Vitamin A which are found in cosmetic products penetrate the skin and stimulate it to produce collagen and elastin. As a consequence, the skin becomes firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are covered, which results in a youthful look for the persons treating themselves to vitamin A cosmetics.
Vitamin B also known as Thiamine is actually a group of water soluble vitamins. The most prominent vitamins of this group are B2, B6 and B12. Their importance derives from the fact that they help the body store energy from proteins and carbohydrates and they are crucial for the health of the nervous system. Meat, eggs, whole cereals, soya beans, cheese, yeast extract and milk are great sources of vitamin B. Additionally, the Beta Hydroxy Acids have extremely great benefits for the skin when used for cosmetic purposes. After penetrating the skin pores, the acids from Vitamin B enable them to be cleaned much easier due to the softening action on the sebum and debris. Furthermore, the pores will become smaller and better looking. For acne treatments as well as for anti-aging products, Vitamin B is used in the form of salicylic acid.
Vitamin C is quite probably the most famous vitamin and is often described as ascorbic acid. The great anti-oxidant benefits of Vitamin C can be obtained from a wide range of fruits and vegetables such as citruses, peppers, broccoli or sweet potatoes. It protects from scurvy, boosts the immune system, prevents colds, is a natural laxative and relieves allergies. When used in cosmetic products with at least 19% concentration, Vitamin C lightens the skin, protects from spots or freckles and elevates the collagen production for anti-aging benefits and protection against the free radicals.
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