7 ULTIMATE VITAMINS TO NOURISH YOUR SKIN AND HAIR

A multi-step skincare and haircare routine might be highly effective and quite therapeutic too. However, good skin and hair health comes from within. You can buy the best vitamin C serum or an expensive moisturiser, but you will need more than just surface nourishment to achieve beautiful and glowing jello skin. Therefore, we list the seven must-have vitamins to assist in your skincare and haircare routines to help you achieve the skin and hair of your dreams.

Vitamin A

Found in carrots, spinach, milk, sweet potatoes, cod liver oil, and eggs, this antioxidant is popularly known as “Retinol” in the skincare market. And it is popular for all the right reasons. Vitamin A is known to slow ageing as it improves the cell turnover rate, giving you fresher, brighter-looking skin. It also improves skin texture and is great at reducing acne. But this holy grail for skin is also a beneficial product for haircare. Vitamin A supports the growth of hair cells and tissue. It helps the scalp produce sebum, which ensures healthier and shinier hair that is well-moisturised.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods like beans, grains, avocados, berries, nuts, eggs, and seafood. It is usually found in animal sources — therefore, people with vegetarian and vegan diets often suffer from biotin deficiencies and need external supplements. Low biotin in the body leads to poor hair health and brittle nails. Biotin is responsible for the structure of keratin, which plays an important role in maintaining hair health.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 

Vitamin B12 is an animal-origin vitamin found in animal livers, sardines, clams, beef, eggs, and chicken. So if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, there is a high chance that you suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency unless you are consuming B12 fortified foods. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in cell production and thereby affecting skincare and haircare. Its deficiency is one of the major causes of skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and hair fall.

Vitamin C

Popularly sold as some of the best vitamin C serums, this vitamin is a dermatologist’s favourite. Due to their ability to be surface-absorbed easily, the best vitamin C serums promote collagen synthesis, which is a supportive protein for healthy skin and hair. No skincare or haircare routine is incomplete without vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. The simplest and most potent way to use it is by using the best vitamin C serums available on the market. Vitamin C also helps hair absorb iron, required for healthy hair. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits.

Vitamin D

Apart from foods like fish, meat, eggs, and liver, a large chunk of the vitamin D we receive reaches us via direct exposure to sunlight. However, this also comes with the added hazard of being exposed to UV rays. This is why it is best to go for external supplements of vitamin D. This vitamin is extremely important for improving skin texture and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which is the number one importance in skincare. A vitamin D deficiency is also associated with hair loss, medically known as alopecia.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an extremely potent antioxidant, helping the skin prevent premature ageing. Found in sunflower oil, spinach, corn, and nuts, this vitamin is an excellent moisturiser, keeping your skin hydrated and protected at all times. Vitamin E assists in haircare as it seals the strands' moisture, making them shinier. 

Vitamin K

While vitamin K is popular mostly as a clotting factor in the blood, many are unaware of its role in skincare and haircare. Evidence suggests that since vitamin K helps heal wounds easily, it’s great for treating skin conditions like stretch marks and rosacea. It is also effective at fading under-eye circles. Vitamin K protects collagen, which keeps our skin youthful, plump, and radiant. It also helps in the regeneration of hair strands, which can help you have thicker hair. Green leafy vegetables and fermented soybeans are good sources of Vitamin K.

Zinc 

While zinc is not exactly a vitamin, it is an essential mineral that plays an important role in skincare and haircare. Found in foods like nuts and seeds, zinc is one of the most vital minerals for optimal skin, nails, and hair health as it helps the body generate adequate sebum, or natural oils, which keeps your skin hydrated, hair moisturised, and nails thick. It also prevents dandruff.

Despite being required in micro-quantities, with our current lifestyles and the food we consume, it is obvious that our body is not getting all the nourishment and vitamins it needs. Therefore, in many cases, external supplements may be required. However, do consult a dermatologist before starting any. For your daily skincare and haircare needs, visit Wellness Forever, your hyperlocal pharmacy with premium product assortments.