The ABC's of Glowing Skin by Solvaderm

We all know that vitamins are good for you but how well do you know your A's, B's and C's when it comes to skincare? These vitamins are useful, not only in terms of their inclusion in creams and serums for topical application to the skin, but also as nutrients that work from the inside out. While there is a range of vitamins that are needed on a daily basis for optimum cellular function within the body, these three in particular provide skin with the nutrients required to keep it at its best. Here's Solvaderm's ABC's of vitamins for your skin:

A. Retinol
Vitamin A or retinol plays several important functions in the body depending on how it is converted. In one form it is necessary for good vision and its deficiency can cause night blindness and other problems related to the eyes. However, when converted to retinoic acid, it is required for the synthesis of keratin, the protein which is present in the epithelial or outer skin cells. Keratin protects the surface of the skin against all kinds of environmental stressors and is necessary for the turnover of skin cells, a process that is known as keratinization. It is also important for a healthy immune system and for stem cell formation. As a result, it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years as a topical anti-ageing treatment.

B. Biotin
There is a whole host of B vitamins, but when it comes to the skin, biotin or B7 is the most important. Biotin, also sometimes known as vitamin H, is a coenzyme necessary for the production of fatty acids and helps to metabolize amino acids and fats. What this means for hair, nails and especially the sensitive skin, is the role it plays in the formation of keratin, which is present in all three. From a cosmetic perspective, it is keratin gives healthy hair its glossy sheen, healthy nails their smooth surface and healthy skin its supple strength. Biotin can be taken as a supplement and also has a high bioavailability in peanuts and green leafy vegetables.

C. Ascorbic Acid

Don't let the name fool you, this acid is anything but harsh. Vitamin C is the one that the body doesn't store and needs daily replenishment of. Important for the overall functioning of the body's general health, it is enzymatic which means it is required for the synthesis of certain proteins in the body including collagen which gives  skin its elasticity. In the last decade with the increase in interest in the use of botanicals in face creams and serums, it has become a popular ingredient due to its antioxidant properties and ability to fight free radicals. Found in abundance in citrus fruits, there's a reason that glass of OJ in the morning is good for you.

While this is not an exhaustive list and the RDA of vitamins and minerals required for optimum health includes a great many more, Solvaderm recommends you learn your ABC's to be top of the class when it comes to skincare!

Tips and Tricks to Combat Dry Winter Skin

As the weather gets colder, our skin gets drier. During the winter, it can seem like a constant battle to protect our hands and lips from cracks caused by dry skin. It requires a lot of lotion to keep our legs smooth and not dry or flaky. Dry skin isn’t sexy, and it can hurt. The wintertime requires extra-heavy artillery to combat dry skin, so here are some tips and tricks to help you.

Drink Lots of Water

It’s so important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated, and most of us don’t consume the recommended amount, which is an eight-ounce cup eight times per day. During the winter, you need to drink that much, and possibly more. Water keeps your skin hydrated, and hydration is the opposite of dryness. Drinking lots of water gives you healthy, glowing skin.

Get Your Healthy Fats

Healthy fats, or essential fatty acids, are required by your body to stay in tip-top shape. Not all fats are good, of course, and you should limit your intake of fats, no matter what kind. You should make sure, however, that you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are good sources of omega-3s. Oils also contain healthy fats, and the best choices are cold-pressed flax oil or hemp oil. Try drizzling them over your salad or vegetables, or using them instead of butter.

Use Natural Lotions

Moisturizer is, of course, essential for the wintertime, but the moisturizer you choose can make a big difference; some are much more effective than others. Natural moisturizers that use few or no chemicals, preservatives, and alcohol are preferable. It can be hard to find natural moisturizers in the stores, though, so you can create your own. Oil-based lotion is the best, and you can get its smoothing effects by just rubbing your skin with pure, cold-pressed oils, such as grape-seed or almond oil, among many others.

Treat Your Skin

Skin conditioning treatments can be bought in stores, but all you need to do is use one of the oils as suggested above at home. To treat your hands and feet, rub your skin with oil, and then put on mittens and socks. Wear them for at least 15 minutes per day, or even overnight if possible.

Moisturize the Right Way

How you lotion your skin can also make a big difference. The best time to apply moisturizer is after your shower, because warm, damp skin will absorb the lotion the best. Rub lotion into your skin in a circular motion. Tap your skin lightly to stimulate your skin cells. Do this at least once per day. Use a very small bit of oil for your face, because your face is more prone to build-up.
It is possible to have soft, smooth skin in the wintertime, so long as you make an effort to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Best of all, you can follow these tips all year-round.