Do you know your F.A.C.E.?

Do you Know your F.A.C.E? Here are  important facts about Vitamin A Vitamin C and Vitamin E from Shefa Wellness Center Contributor Jill Hansbury.

With a myriad of skin care options in the market place, knowing what to choose for your skin type can be daunting to say the least. With the knowledge of a few key ingredients however, your search should be simple, focused and without breaking the bank.

First, let’s talk about skin type. Do you know what skip type you are? Most people do not. My suggestion would be to have a skin analysis done. This is a free service at Shefa Wellness Center. During this analysis your skin type will be assessed, products will be discussed, and a course of action for managing your skin will be determined.

Now, let’s talk ingredients. The most bang for your buck will come in the form of three key ingredients: Vitamins A, C, E. Vitamin A better known as Tretinoin or retinoic acid, is a powerful anti-oxidant that woman over 40 should not be without. Vitamin A works by turning skin cells over quickly. This in turn helps unclog pores. When your pores are clear, your skin texture is smoother.

Rapid cell turnover also has an effect on dark spots to help lighten pigmentation. Vitamin A also boosts collagen production, which will give your skin more elasticity resulting in a tighter and firmer appearance. Increasing collagen will also plump the skin and give a decreased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving rise to a  more youthful appearance.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is another powerful anti-oxidant that helps prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body. Vitamin C helps reduce and prevents the consequences of long term sun exposure, produces collagen, helps the healing process and protects against pigmentation (aka age spots and freckles). Vitamin C also improves skin tone and texture.

Skin care products that contain Vitamin E have become an essential part of any skin care regime. Vitamin E, an anti-oxidant, is vital at protecting skin from ultraviolet light, pollutants, drugs, and other free radicals. Vitamin E helps the skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help prevent the appearance of age spots and help maintain the oil balance in the skin by reducing water loss in the acid mantel of the skins barrier function.

Knowing your F.A.C.E should be simple: Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These products used in combination with good sun protection, are the key ingredients to maintain healthy and vibrant skin.