Ingredient Highlight: Vitamin A + C
Arguably the most complementary skincare ingredients, we take a deep dive into the benefits of Vitamin A and C and how they work together to achieve healthy, radiant skin.
Regardless of skin type, these two ingredients can benefit everyone’s skin in one way or another, not only for those with skin concerns like pigmentation and ageing but those looking to maintain a healthy complexion.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in skin health. Retinoids work by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and reducing inflammation, which can all help to improve skin health.
Vitamin A derivatives come in various forms, from over-the-counter to prescription strength, in oral and topical forms. Different forms include retinoids, retinol, retinyl palmitate and more. The most commonly found and used over-the-counter Vitamin A is retinol. It is tolerated on most skin types when used as instructed. Retinyl Palmitate is the weakest form of Vitamin A and is most suited for those experiencing inflammatory skin concerns such as rosacea and dermatitis. Tretinoin, a retinoic acid is a prescription-strength Vitamin A found in The Secret products - we will dive deeper into this powerhouse ingredient below.
Benefits of Vitamin A
Anti-ageing: Known for its ability to stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover, Vitamin A helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to improve skin texture and tone, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Acne prevention: Vitamin A can help prevent the formation of acne by regulating the production of sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin A can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and sun damage, by promoting cell turnover and helping to fade dark spots.
Skin texture: Vitamin A can help to improve skin texture by promoting the growth of new skin cells, and reducing the appearance of rough patches and blemishes.
Who can benefit from Vitamin A?
Everyone can benefit from Vitamin A, you just need to find the right strength for you! It can be especially helpful for those who have concerns about ageing, acne, or hyperpigmentation.
Even those with inflammatory skin concerns like rosacea can benefit from Vitamin A, in fact, this can actually help to treat rosacea (using a very gentle form) as it works to strengthen the skin and reduce inflammation. In some cases, Vitamin A can be used morning and night. For example, Retinyl Palmitate is safe to use morning and night and is a perfect place for people to start with very sensitive skin to work their way up.
It’s important to note that pregnant women should avoid using high doses of Vitamin A, as it can be harmful to the foetus. Our pregnancy range utilises a combination of alternative ingredients designed to maintain healthy skin throughout pregnancy.
Product Highlight - Cellular Repair Night Cream
Hero Ingredient - Vitamin A/Tretinoin
The Cellular Repair Night Cream was designed to treat skin concerns such as ageing, pigmentation, melasma, acne, congestion and more. The hero ingredient in this product is Tretinoin (retinoic acid, also known as Retin-A). As you can see above, there are numerous benefits to the skin. However, it’s important to introduce this product slowly and follow usage instructions carefully, to allow your skin to build a tolerance to the active ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. It is an essential nutrient for the human body, as it plays a key role in several important functions, including the production of collagen, absorption of iron, and maintenance of the immune system.
Similar to Vitamin A, there are several forms of Vitamin C. Available topically, a few of the common forms are Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl glucoside and Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant, which means it can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of ageing and other illnesses.
Benefits of Vitamin C on the Skin
Antioxidant protection: Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing.
Brightening and even skin tone: Ascorbic acid can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It does this by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour.
Collagen production: Ascorbic acid is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to keep skin firm and elastic. By stimulating collagen production, ascorbic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.
Protection against sun damage: Ascorbic acid can help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause DNA damage and contribute to the development of skin cancer, so protecting the skin from UV damage is an important aspect of maintaining overall skin health.
Who can benefit from Vitamin C?
Most people can benefit from Vitamin C, however, some people may be more sensitive or reactive to this ingredient than others. It is recommended to avoid Vitamin C if you are experiencing breakout-prone skin, or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and dermatitis. Once inflammation has settled, this is an ingredient that can be slowly introduced into your regime.
Product Highlight - Day Brightening Elixir
Hero Ingredient - Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid
Our Day Brightening Elixir was designed to support and complement the results achieved by our Cellular Repair Night Cream. Including antioxidants like Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide to protect, strengthen and support the skin throughout the day.
Vitamin A + Vitamin C
To make these ingredients even better, they work cohesively to boost each other's effectiveness and results. When used together, they can work harmoniously to provide even greater benefits to the skin.
During the day, your skin works hard to protect itself from sun damage, oxidation and more, whilst also staying hydrated. While we sleep, our skin repairs and regenerates in order to kick-start the cell rejuvenation process. This is why Vitamin A is primarily used at night.
Morning = Day Brightening Elixir
- Protection against environmental aggressors, like pollution and UV rays
- Enhance the effects of sunscreen by providing additional protection from UV rays
- Helps to give your skin a brighter, radiant glow throughout the day
- Breaks down pigmentation on a surface level
Night = Cellular Repair Night Cream
- Helps to stimulate cell turnover and promote healthy skin renewal
- Maximise its anti-ageing benefits. Including increased cell turnover, collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Combined, these products will give you a simple but targeted and effective way to achieve beautiful glowing skin.
