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Finding a natural insurance policy to help your skin look great is as simple as A, B, C and E
VITAMIN A: Critical for the normal life cycle of cells, vitamin A is essential for healthy skin – a deficiency will make it fragile, wrinkle-prone and dry. The main sources of vitamin A are foods of animal origin, particularly eggs, organ meats and whole-milk dairy products. In skincare it comes in the form of retinol, both a high-powered cell communicator and antioxidant and widely regarded as one of the biggest advances in skincare ever. Find it in: Murad Youth Renewal Serum ($ 189) and O Cosmedics Potent Retinol Serum ($ 120).
THE Bs: All the B vitamins help the body turn carbohydrate into sugar and then into energy, and are essential at breaking down fats and protein, promoting healthy hair and skin. As far as skin is concerned, one of the most important — certainly the one most prevalent in skincare — is B3 or niacinamide. A standout ingredient, niacinamide improves the look of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness and weakened skin. It is also associated with reducing the damage caused by environmental stressors. Find it in: ASAP Ultimate Hydration ($ 115), Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex ($ 115) and Max Factor Ageless Elixir Miracle 2 in 1 Foundation and Serum ($ 38).
VITAMIN C: Abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is important for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein in the skin. In skincare (where it’s often referred to a L-ascorbic acid), it’s a powerhouse, capable of improving dark spots, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness and dullness. But like all antioxidants it easily degrades when exposed to air so make sure serums and creams are packaged in airtight containers. Find it in: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser ($ 68) and DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C ($ 183).
VITAMIN E: Found in nuts, seeds and vegetables, vitamin E is perhaps the best-known vitamin in skincare. A skin soother, protector, moisturiser and smoother, research has found that natural forms are more effective than their synthetic counterparts. It is particularly effective when combined with vitamin C. Find it in: Natio Natural Vitamin E Moisturising Cream ($ 19.50) and Simply Essential Vitamin Rich Cuticle Oil ($ 16). Tracey Strange