Two essential vitamins for brighter younger-looking skin

Dr Youn shares tips on what food you should eat for healthy skin

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A skincare routine is essential for keeping skin healthy and glowing as we age, but this isn’t limited to anti-ageing creams and lotions. Dermatologists have explained the link between two essential vitamins and brighter, plumper and firmer skin.

Dr Jaffer Khan is an expert dermatologist and board-certified plastic surgeon who founded Aesthetics International, which has starred in the Netflix TV series Dubai Bling. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “Ageing is essentially largely genetic. In my opinion, it accounts for about 70 percent of the changes.

“However, there are things we can do to reduce the manifestations of ageing on the skin and that has largely to do with our habits as well as protecting our skin from the environment.”

Failure to “pay attention” to your skin’s needs is one of the “biggest mistakes” people can make, Dr Jaffer explained.

“It’s like anything else if we had an external covering, say, for example, your clothes, if they are not looked after, then obviously the life of the material and fabric is affected,” he said.

“Similarly, the skin is the largest organ in the body and requires adequate hydration, adequate protection, and nutrients to help the rapid turnover because we renew our skin cells quite frequently and although that diminishes with age, a daily skincare routine and healthy lifestyle can certainly prevent worsening of the skin’s health.”

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This begins with a healthy balanced diet, rich in two key vitamins. Dr Jaffer said: “A healthy diet rich in vitamin A and vitamin C as well as adequate fluid intake and regular exercise, all help the skin.”

There are a wide range of foods plant-based foods and animal products which are high in vitamin A. These include salmon, eggs, dairy products such as milk or cheese, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and leafy green vegetables.

Most people get enough vitamin A in their diet, and while there are supplement options available, the NHS warns that some research suggests having more than an average of 1.5 mg a day of vitamin A over many years may affect your bones, making them more likely to fracture when you’re older.

Vitamin C can be obtained by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, but experts from Very Well health point out this might not be enough to get that youthful glow. This is where topical applications come in.

Dr Elif Benar (@drelifbenar), a celebrity dermatologist, told Express.co.uk: “I recommend my Anti-Ageing Super Serum which contains hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen, and my Professional Vitamin C Serum to protect from sun damage – it is a powerful antioxidant and it reduces hyperpigmentation, to help brighten the skin. Vitamin C serum in the morning, anti-ageing serum in the evening daily. Perfect.”

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Vitamin C can be found in a number of products including serums and creams. When applied topically, vitamin C is absorbed directly into the topmost layers of the skin, which allows it to quickly get to work on smoothing the skin, reducing fine lines and dark spots.

Experts from Very Well Health said: “When applied topically, vitamin C accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin plump and firm. Topical vitamin C can help prevent premature ageing of the skin, restoring a youthful, smooth appearance to the skin.”

Research also suggests that you don’t need high levels of vitamin C to produce positive effects, in fact, products containing concentrations of less than one percent can still offer skin benefits.

Similarly, vitamin A can also be applied topically. Numerous creams, serums and oils contain vitamin A or retinoids.

The application of such creams can boost collagen and elastin production, according to experts from Healthline. It may also result in “the proliferation of new skin cells” which can smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, before embarking on a new skincare routine, Dr Elif says it is crucial you take note of your skin type and individual needs.

She explained: “The common mistake is to mix too many products and choose non-medical grade beauty products.

“This might cause damage to your skin irreversibly and you should ask your dermatologist to create your bespoke skincare routine.”

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