What vitamins are beneficial for skin health?

From the Guidelines

Topical therapy with vitamin D agents is the most effective approach for skin health, particularly for conditions like psoriasis, rather than oral vitamin D supplementation. Several vitamins are beneficial for skin health, including vitamin A (retinol) which promotes cell turnover and collagen production, reducing wrinkles and acne 1. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen synthesis. Vitamin E protects against sun damage and inflammation while moisturizing the skin. Vitamin D, as noted in the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis, helps with cell growth and repair, potentially reducing acne and promoting wound healing 1. B vitamins, particularly B3 (niacin) and B5 (pantothenic acid), help with hydration, reducing redness, and improving skin barrier function.

For optimal skin benefits, consider using topical products containing these vitamins, such as retinol serums or vitamin C products at 10-20% concentration, and consuming vitamin-rich foods or supplements. Topical applications work directly on the skin, while dietary intake supports skin health from within. Most people benefit from a combination of both approaches, though those with sensitive skin should introduce vitamin products gradually to avoid irritation. The role of patient preferences, as discussed in the 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, highlights the importance of considering individual patient needs and preferences when recommending vitamin therapies for skin health 1.

Key points to consider when recommending vitamins for skin health include:

• Topical vitamin D therapy is effective for treating psoriasis
• Vitamin A, C, and E have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for skin health
• B vitamins support skin hydration and barrier function
• Combination of topical and dietary approaches may be most beneficial for optimal skin health
• Patient preferences and individual needs should be considered when recommending vitamin therapies 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Zinc facilitates wound healing, helps maintain normal growth rates, normal skin hydration, and the senses of taste and smell Zinc resides in muscle, bone, skin, kidney, liver, pancreas, retina, prostate and particularly in the red and white blood cells. Providing zinc helps prevent development of deficiency symptoms such as: ... dermatitis At plasma levels below 20 mcg zinc/100 mL dermatitis followed by alopecia has been reported for TPN patients. Tocopheryl Acetate, ... Ascorbic Acid

The vitamins for skin mentioned in the drug labels are:

• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): important for skin health
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): important for skin health
• Zinc: essential for wound healing and maintaining normal skin hydration 2

From the Research

Vitamins for Skin Health

• Vitamins A, C, D, and other nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, with various studies highlighting their importance in preventing and treating skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and skin cancer 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Vitamin A and E are essential antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, with lower levels of these vitamins associated with increased severity of acne 3
• Vitamin C is important for immune function and can help protect the skin against environmental stressors, with supplementation shown to prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections 4
• Vitamin D has been linked to acne prevention and treatment, with studies suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is common in acne patients and that supplementation may be beneficial 7

Specific Vitamins and Their Roles in Skin Health

• Vitamin A: important for skin health, with topical and oral forms used to treat conditions such as acne and skin cancer 3, 5
• Vitamin C: essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection, with high concentrations found in normal skin 6
• Vitamin D: plays a role in acne prevention and treatment, with supplementation shown to be beneficial in some studies 7
• Vitamin E: helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, with lower levels associated with increased severity of acne 3

Dietary Measures and Supplementation

• A diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, and other nutrients is essential for maintaining healthy skin, with supportive dietary measures recommended for patients with acne and other skin conditions 3, 5
• Supplementation with vitamins C and D may be beneficial in preventing and treating skin conditions, although further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of such treatments 4, 7