The ultimate colibri skincare vitamin guide

Why are vitamins so popular in skincare?

Vitamins are primarily known to us as antioxidants in skincare. Vitamins A, C, and E, in particular, are widely used active ingredients in skincare products. But what about all the lesser-known vitamins? What do they do? And what else can vitamins do besides protect against free radicals? We want to explore these and other questions in our comprehensive vitamin guide. Below, we provide a thorough overview of twelve different vitamins. Of course, not all of them are equally relevant to skincare. Some are found in a great many skincare products, while others are hardly present in any. Some have numerous positive effects on our skin, while others have only a few. However, they are all important for health and skin, which is why a vitamin-rich and balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and nuts is always beneficial.

Vitamin A/Retinol

Vitamin A exists in various forms, all of which can be described as retinoids. Therefore, vitamin A is often equated with retinol , even though there are different stages of the vitamin. Retinol esters are the mildest form of retinoids, followed by retinol, retinal, and finally retinoic acid. The latter is also known as tretinoin and is found exclusively in prescription medicated ointments. You can read more about these different precursors of retinoic acid and their conversion here .

Vitamin A promotes the formation of corneocytes, the outermost layer of skin. The aforementioned prescription form of retinoic acid is used in acne medications. However, due to its cell-renewing effect, retinoids are also suitable for treating common blemishes. Generally, vitamin A supports the skin's natural regeneration processes. It also promotes collagen production. This makes the skin smoother and more supple, reduces the formation of new wrinkles, and smooths and plumps up existing fine lines. Retinol is best known and most popular in skincare for this wrinkle-smoothing, slow-aging effect. The first visible results can appear within the first twelve weeks of use.

Like many vitamins, vitamin A acts as an antioxidant on the skin, meaning it reduces the damaging effects of free radicals. It also repairs existing damage caused by UV radiation by lightening age spots and evening out uneven skin tone. Beyond sun damage, vitamin A is effective against various forms of pigmentation disorders.

Vitamin B2/Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 is probably best known by its synonym riboflavin. It is also called lactoflavin. In combination with vitamin A, it has a repairing effect on skin tissue. It not only improves skin texture but also evens out skin tone. Vitamin B2 is particularly helpful for skin prone to flaking and dryness. Therefore, it is a great ingredient in moisturizers or serums to boost skin hydration. Furthermore, vitamin B2 reduces wrinkles and is thus also suitable for slow-aging routines.

Vitamin B3/Niacinamide

Niacinamide and vitamin B3 are often used interchangeably, but niacinamide is actually a derivative of vitamin B3, meaning a modified version with the same basic structure. It is also known as niacin, nicotamide, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide. As a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be regularly ingested.

This vitamin is quite versatile and therefore very popular in skincare. It has numerous positive effects on complexion and skin texture. Its versatility makes it suitable for many routines and allows it to complement a wide range of active ingredients.

Even in small concentrations of 1-2%, niacinamide stimulates the production of the skin's own lipids, such as ceramides and cholesterol. This also strengthens the skin barrier, increasing the skin's ability to retain water and better maintaining its moisture balance. A healthy skin barrier also reduces the harmful effects of environmental factors on the skin.

Niacinamide also promotes cell renewal, allowing the skin to regenerate and repair itself more quickly. This enables it to recover from past damage through the formation of new cells.

Vitamin B3 is also effective for uneven skin tone. It reduces the transport of melanin-containing pigment cells to the uppermost layer of skin, thus preventing the formation of age spots. Consequently, vitamin B3 is also suitable as an after-sun treatment, as it prevents pigment damage caused by UV radiation. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a powerful antioxidant. Generally, it helps to even out skin tone and restore radiance to dull skin.

Niacinamide is suitable for blemished skin as a sebum regulator and anti-inflammatory agent. It inhibits the inflammation typical of blemishes and also reduces any redness. By regulating sebum production, it counteracts the typical shine of oily skin and reduces the formation of new blemishes. Increased sebum production is often accompanied by enlarged pores. Niacinamide is also helpful in this regard, as it has a pore-refining effect.

Vitamin B3 is also one of the vitamins that promotes collagen production. This plumps up wrinkles and smooths fine lines. Thanks to this wrinkle-smoothing effect, it is also suitable for use in slow-aging routines.

Vitamin B5 and provitamin B5

Provitamin B5 and vitamin B5 are not the same; the provitamin is the precursor to the vitamin. Vitamin B5 is also called pantothenic acid. The provitamin goes by the names panthenol or dexpanthenol, by which many people know it. When the provitamin is absorbed through the skin, panthenol is converted into pantothenic acid in the body. This, in turn, stimulates lipid synthesis even in low concentrations, causing the skin to produce more oils. Panthenol can therefore be very helpful in restoring balance, especially for dry skin and a compromised skin barrier.

Panthenol is best known for its use in wound and healing ointments, as it possesses numerous healing properties. By accelerating cell regeneration, it promotes the skin's ability to heal faster. It also helps with sunburn and other burns, leading to rapid skin recovery by stimulating the formation of healthy cells. Therefore, panthenol is frequently included in sunscreens and after-sun care products. Furthermore, panthenol relieves itching and has a calming effect on stressed and irritated skin. Because it inhibits inflammation, it has a protective effect on damaged skin. However, it is not only found in healing ointments but is also an extremely popular and common ingredient in various moisturizers, as vitamin B5 also increases skin hydration. It helps the skin absorb and retain moisture more effectively. The skin gains elasticity and firmness because water can be bound more efficiently by the cells. This, in turn, makes the skin visibly smoother. Thus, slow-aging products also benefit from panthenol as an active ingredient.

Panthenol regulates sebum production and refines pores. This makes it effective in preventing blemishes. It also helps blemishes heal faster and prevents them from becoming inflamed.

Vitamin B7/Biotin

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is curiously also called vitamin H. It plays an important role in keratin production and is therefore essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It is particularly popular for nail health. Vitamin B7 promotes faster nail growth and is often included in nail strengtheners. It can also be helpful for the skin in cases of allergic reactions.

Vitamin B9/Folic acid

Similar to vitamin B7, vitamin B9 also has a surprising nickname, as it is also known as vitamin M. Most people, however, probably know it as folic acid; a vitamin that is essential, especially for pregnant women. Folic acid is included in many dietary supplements because the body cannot store it well and therefore it must be constantly supplied through food or supplements. A vitamin B9 deficiency is very common.

Vitamin B9 is particularly beneficial for skincare, especially for slow-aging. It keeps skin elastic and firm, giving it a youthful and fresh appearance. Furthermore, vitamin B9 promotes the formation of new, healthy cells, thus aiding skin regeneration. Finally, the vitamin also reduces moisture loss from the skin.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a group of water-soluble vitamins. It is also known by the synonyms cobalamin, erythrotin, and cyanocobalamin. Due to its large molecular size, vitamin B12 cannot penetrate the skin effectively and therefore relies on transport molecules.

Vitamin B12 binds nitric oxide, which is a major cause of itching and inflammation, particularly in atopic dermatitis (eczema), and is therefore essential in medications for treating this skin condition. In this way, vitamin B12 is used to treat various skin diseases. Besides atopic dermatitis, it also alleviates the symptoms and discomfort of psoriasis and is equally effective for eczema and other skin conditions. Those prone to allergic skin reactions can also use vitamin B12 for relief. Generally, dry and itchy skin benefits from this vitamin. Like other vitamins, it promotes cell renewal, has antioxidant properties, and reduces inflammation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be used in serums either as pure ascorbic acid or in the form of derivatives. Derivatives have the advantage of being milder and therefore better absorbed by sensitive skin.

Vitamin C is an essential component for the production of the body's own collagen. It is also needed for the production of other proteins that ensure cross-linking between collagen fibers. This helps to support connective tissue, which is made up of collagen. As we age, the body's own collagen production decreases. Ascorbic acid can also help to slow down this collagen breakdown. Skincare with vitamin C thus restores elasticity to the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are plumped up, and the complexion appears younger. The skin looks firmer and more youthful. Vitamin C can even help prevent the formation of new wrinkles. Furthermore, the strengthened connective tissue helps the skin retain its moisture better. This also makes vitamin C a suitable ingredient for moisturizers.

Vitamin C and its derivatives are highly effective antioxidants. They prevent skin damage caused by oxidative processes involving free radicals. This, in turn, slows down skin aging caused by UV radiation and minimizes the formation of age spots. Generally, skincare products containing vitamin C can help fade superficial age spots and restore radiance to dull skin. For this reason, vitamin C is extremely popular in skincare. Its brightening effect also makes it suitable for other forms of pigmentation damage. Vitamin C is therefore frequently used in slow-aging products, as it fades age spots and simultaneously promotes collagen production.

Furthermore, vitamin C also exhibits a dual effectiveness in terms of sun protection. Firstly, it reduces existing sun damage in the form of wrinkles and age spots, and secondly, it helps prevent new signs of skin aging caused by sun exposure. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and enhances UV protection when used under sunscreen.

Impurities, inflammation and irritations on the skin can also subside more quickly, as vitamin C supports natural wound healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Vitamin D

Unlike most other vitamins, vitamin D and its provitamins are not primarily known for protecting the skin from UV radiation, but rather for being produced through sun exposure. However, this "sunshine vitamin" does indeed protect the skin, both from free radicals and inflammation. In the northern hemisphere, it is usually difficult to produce enough vitamin D through sun exposure alone – at least outside of the sunniest seasons. Therefore, additional intake through supplements is advisable. Vitamin D is less commonly used in skincare products.

Vitamin E

There are two forms of vitamin E: tocopherols and tocotrienols. The latter are absorbed somewhat better by the skin. A combination of both is recommended for skincare products. Due to its fat solubility, vitamin E generally penetrates the skin well. Facial skin, in particular, can store very large amounts of the vitamin and should therefore always be adequately supplied.

Vitamin E helps to improve skin hydration. It increases overall skin moisture and also has an occlusive effect, meaning it helps the skin retain water more effectively. This makes the skin appear plumper and healthier. A balanced moisture level is also beneficial for a healthy skin barrier. This, in turn, protects the skin from external environmental influences. Vitamin E is therefore frequently found in moisturizers. Dry skin, in particular, can benefit from the regular use of skincare products containing vitamin E.

Like many other vitamins, vitamin E promotes collagen production. This gives the skin more firmness and maintains its existing elasticity. Wrinkles become less pronounced. This effect makes it a popular ingredient in anti-aging products.

Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against UV radiation. Tocopherol enhances the effectiveness of sunscreens and boosts the efficacy of other antioxidant vitamins. Therefore, it combines well with other antioxidants.

Furthermore, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the formation of new, healthy cells. This makes it particularly beneficial for wound healing and it is often included in healing ointments.

Vitamin F

The term "Vitamin F" actually refers to the group of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for humans. Linoleic acid belongs to the latter group, while the similarly named linolenic acid belongs to the former. Linolenic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and relieves itching and dryness. It also reduces water loss and moisturizes the skin. Furthermore, it reduces the appearance of keratinization and age spots; the latter is especially true when linoleic acid is combined with vitamins A and C. Generally, linoleic acid leads to a radiant complexion. Essential fatty acids themselves are important for the formation of skin cells and have a positive effect on cell membranes.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is the umbrella term for three forms of vitamin K. Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, plays a role in photosynthesis in plants and is therefore naturally found in green vegetables, allowing it to be ingested by the body. Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is produced by the human body itself. The last variant, vitamin K3, or menadione, is synthetically produced. Vitamin K can reduce dark circles under the eyes. Furthermore, the vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates wound healing. It is also moisturizing and therefore beneficial for skin prone to dryness and dehydration.