Vitamin A
Whether you call it retinyl, retinol or retinoid, everyone should have some form of Vitamin A in their bag! Vitamin A is applied to the skin to improve wound healing, reduce wrinkles, firm and tighten, and to protect against UV radiation.

In high concentrations, Vitamin A can be harsh. I like applying Vitamin A daily, so I use the milder forms with concentrations of .01-.05%

WHERE TO GET IT NATURALLY:  Sweet potatoes, carrots, green tea, broccoli and pumpkin are excellent sources of Vitamin A.

AS AN APPLICATION: When applying topically, Vitamin A is effective in creams, lotions or serums.

Vitamin C
It may not be the cure for the common cold, but the benefits of Vitamin C include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and skin wrinkling.  Adds density, tightness and glow to skin, eliminates uneven skin tone, fights free radical damage.

I encourage clients to use a concentration of 20% or higher daily.

WHERE TO GET IT NATURALLY: One pomegranate can supply 40% of an adult’s daily requirement of Vitamin C. Other foods rich in Vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and tomatoes. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are among the best sources of Vitamin C. Beef liver, cheese, mushrooms and egg yolks are great sources too.

USDA daily requirement is 600 IU per day. Many physicians recommend a higher level of about 1,200 IU per day. I consume 3000 IU per day as I need more replenishment to maintain my active lifestyle. I apply morning and night.

AS AN APPLICATION: Apply in the morning under sunscreen to boost sun protection. Vitamin C has to be present in order for collagen to be made (again at the 20% concentration level). Use in a serum form instead of lotions or creams as Vitamin C oxygenates very quickly when it hits the air.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is only made in one place – the skin. As we age, the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D declines. Even if we get enough Vitamin D internally (which is nearly impossible), less than 1% of what we ingest makes its way to the skin.

Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, bone loss, depression, and many other serious health conditions.

Vitamin D is a hormone and regulates everything else in the body. Because we know that hormonal imbalances cause skin conditions, if we can balance Vitamin D levels, we will find that a lot of skin conditions will improve such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and heavy wrinkling.

Seasonal variations (such as dreary, winter weather), geographical location, and aging reduce our skin’s ability to manufacture Vitamin D from sunlight.

Omega Fatty Acids
Ninety-eight percent of a cell membrane is comprised of fatty acids. Fatty Acids, including Omegas 3 and 6, improve the skin layer that holds moisture in and keeps irritation out. Fatty Acids may also improve rosacea and dermatitis.

WHERE TO FIND IT NATURALLY: They are found in fish, including salmon, tilapia and cod, as well as plant-based sources such as flax seed, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts. It’s also a good idea to cook with Safflower or Sunflower Oil as they are good sources of Omega 6 to help prevent dry skin and inflammation.

AS AN APPLICATION: Omega Fatty Acids work on the surface of the skin and are best applied in creams and locations, both morning and night.