Cosmetics are used to enhance physical appearance and improve skin quality. They generally come in various forms, including lotions, soaps, shampoos, ointments, creams and gels.

Cosmetics have been around for much longer than we may think. Altering our appearance or accentuating certain features have been done for at least 10,000 years, and possibly a lot longer. Powdered lead sulfide or Kohl was used in ancient egypt to darken skin, while men and women in China stained their fingernails with different colours to identify social class in 3,000 B.C (1).

Today, the use of cosmetics is widespread, in fact approximately $49.2 billion is generated by cosmetics sales in the United States alone (2). The power of cosmetics cannot be understated - one study had over 60% of respondents claiming that cosmetics had a positive impact on well-being, image, self-confidence and mood. A large proportion (40+%) also identified benefits in terms of social life, love life, family life, professional life and health (3).

Effects of cosmetics on the skin

Despite the ubiquitous use of cosmetics, regular cosmetic use may have negative effects on the skin.

The areas of the body most affected by adverse reactions attributed to the use of cosmetics are head and neck (3). Types of complications include allergic reactions to the products, skin irritation, facial stinging, and redness.

Vitamin supplements for skin

Due to the possibility of negative side effects when using cosmetics, it is important to keep skin healthy to counteract any effects. While getting all the important nutrients you need to maintain skin health can be obtained through a healthy and well-rounded diet, some of us may fall short. You can ensure you receive sufficient daily nutrients through supplementation, when paired with healthy eating. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals you can consider as part of your custom vitamin pack to support skin health:

Zinc

Vitable’s Zinc is in the form of zinc citrate which is one of the most easily absorbed forms and easily utilised by the body. There is growing clinical evidence for zinc supplementation and optimal skin health (2). Zinc supports collagen formation, which can promote healthier skin.

Iron

Iron not only helps the immune system fight illness, but also supports collagen formation.

*Iron should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor.

Collagen

Collagen is the building block of skin tissue. Supplementation further aids in the formation of the right proteins for healthy skin.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin also supports healthy collagen levels while acting as a potent natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Cranberry

Cranberry supports and maintains collagen formation, which may support skin health.

Vitamins B complex

Studies show that B vitamins have the ability to promote proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes (3). Our vitamin B Complex is manufactured in Australia. We produce it to the highest quality standards in a TGA-licensed facility, and they are then tested for purity and stability.

Biotin

Biotin plays a key role in enzymes for fatty acid synthesis (3). Skin cells depend on fatty acids to help produce the skin's natural oil barrier, providing protection from the sun and environmental toxins. Our Biotin tablet is vegan, free from added gluten and lactose, and non-GMO.

You don’t have to make a choice between cosmetics and skin. Instead, choose to live a healthy lifestyle while having the liberty to use natural cosmetic products to feel your best.

Maintain healthy looking skin by customising a vitamin pack form Vitable Australia today. Your daily vitamins pack can be catered specifically to your skin and overall health needs, when paired with a healthy diet. And for the ultimate convenience, have it delivered straight to your doorstep through Vitable’s vitamin delivery service.

Find out more about other areas that the above supplements can help you with:

Zinc | Iron | Collagen | Astaxanthin | B complex | Vitamin C | Biotin

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:

1. Cosmetics Europe. You & Your Products. https://cosmeticseurope.eu/cosmetic-products/you-your-products/. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
2. 24 Powerful Cosmetic Industry Statistics [2021]: What’s Trending in the Beauty Business? https://www.zippia.com/advice/cosmetics-industry-statistics/ Accessed Nov 9, 2021.
3. Dr. Oliver Jone. The chemistry of cosmetics. Australian Academy of Science. Published on https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/chemistry-cosmetics. Accessed Nov 14, 2021
4. Braun, L., and Cohen,Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
5. Julian-Dario Rembe, Carolin Fromm-Dornieden, Ewa Klara Stuermer. Effects of Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C on Human Skin Cells: Is the Perceived Effect Measurable? National Library of Medicine. Published May 31, 2018 on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29672394/. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
6. Zempleni, J., Wijeratne, SSK., Hassan, YI. 2009. “Biotin”. BioFactors, 35. Published 1 (Jan): 36-46. doi:10.1002/biof.8. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.