08 March, 2021 · 5 minutes of reading
Staying in good health involves including cosmetic skincare, which supplies the skin with vitamins. The vast majority of cosmetic products include these in their formulation.
Perhaps the most well-known by consumers is vitamin C, as its antioxidant power is undeniable. However, in this article we want to focus on the importance of the B-group vitamins, which are needed to keep the skin young and healthy.
B-group vitamins
B-group vitamins contribute to general wellbeing as they are needed for many of our body’s vital processes. They help produce energy and protect us genetically and immunologically. Their deficiency can therefore affect the health of the nervous system, other organs, muscles, skin and hair. In terms of the skin, we would like to highlight their important benefits such as protection against oxidative stress and the ability to regenerate the skin quickly.
B-group vitamins are an essential nutrient, and we need them to grow and stay healthy. However, the body has a limited storage capacity, which means that they must be supplied through a balanced diet, although the topical route can also help. Furthermore, it seems that vitamin requirements increase with age and their deficiency has been related to degenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders.
Vitamin B deficiency is often first observed in the skin, in the form of redness, irritation, dermatitis and even pigmentation.
Given that each class of vitamin B affects the skin’s health in a different way, it is useful to know the role each one plays in the body.
Vitamin B types
There is not one single vitamin B; there are 8 types and all of them are very necessary for keeping the skin healthy.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
This vitamin strengthens the epithelial barrier, providing moisture and protection against external agents. It also stimulates cell renewal, improving the healing capacity.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).
This provides immune protection against UV rays.
Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide).
This is the B vitamin with the greatest effect on the skin. It is easily absorbed, meaning it acts directly in its deepest layers.
Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3 and its topical form increases the ceramide levels of the free fatty acids in the skin, stimulating microcirculation in the dermis and preventing water loss. It has a positive effect in reducing acne vulgaris and controlling rosacea, as well as controlling the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is also highly rated for unifying skin tone, eliminating the yellowish colour that appears with age. Recent studies have even shown that it is an agent with the potential to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid).
Vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, stands out for its ability to strengthen the skin’s barrier function over a long period of time and for promoting wound healing. It provides the skin with smoothness and elasticity.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine).
With little scientific evidence, this vitamin appears to be involved in the long-term regulation of oily and sensitive skin.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin).
This prevents skin problems such as dermatitis and psoriasis, as it can regenerate the tissues. It promotes a smooth and moisturised appearance of the skin. Its efficacy in topical application is unclear.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid).
Folic acid is an essential vitamin in the cell renewal process, strengthening the skin’s density, mainly in individuals who are ageing or have significant damage to the skin. It helps the skin to appear young and healthy.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin).
This plays an important role in the wound healing process.
There are many studies mentioning all of these vitamins. Some of them show greater efficacy when used in combinations: B9 and B12; B3, B5, B6 and B10; and B3, B5 and B7. Some studies show surprising results in the healing process, indicating that its topical use could improve closure rates by between 25% and 30%.
Vitamin B’s regenerative power makes it particularly necessary after laser or peel treatments
Treatments such as laser and peels are highly effective but are slightly aggressive for the skin. Moisturising and regenerative treatments are therefore required afterwards.
Peels
Flaking or exfoliation after a peel treatment lasts approximately 3 to 4 days. It is important to use a post-peel regenerative formula containing ingredients that provide moisture to the skin. The multivitamin B complex Vital-Rescue (NEF170) we have developed at Neftis Laboratorios for virtual mesotherapy is especially indicated for skin that has undergone aggressive treatment and needs to be regenerated.
Laser treatments
After laser treatment, the skin usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal. The skin will become very sensitive to external aggressions during this period, and it is also likely to be drier, particularly during the healing process. Apply Vital-Rescue NEF170 to the treated area. This is designed for all skin types and will relieve the feeling of dryness without causing more irritation.
The Neftis Laboratorios commitment
Neftis Laboratorios has come up with a multivitamin B complex that acts as a skin regenerator, which is highly suitable for damaged skin that has undergone laser and peel treatments, as we have seen above. Its components allow it to act by relieving and healing any possible damage.