Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
This story originally appeared on InStyle.com by Rachel Nussbaum.
Little known fact: For Whom the Bell Tolls has two meanings. One refers to Ernest Hemingway's novel, and the other, to everyone who's been shafted by beauty products that fail to deliver. There's nothing like spending money on a do-nothing cream that's inevitably tossed into a shadowy cabinet, and if you're trying to avoid that fate, the key is to stick with trusted brands and trusted ingredients, like a retinol from La Roche-Posay.
After searching for something to replace their prescription retinol when insurance stopped covering it, one shopper says Redermic "is definitely the winner" for similar results at a lower price. A single application produces a remarkable change: "After only wearing it overnight once, there was already a huge difference in redness reduction, softness, and wrinkle smoothing," comments a 46-year-old, adding that it also made creases more shallow and reduced rosacea. "I was blown away."
Reviewers a decade older see similar results from the creamy serum. "I'm almost 63 and don't have one wrinkle around my eyes. No one ever believes my age," one person writes. "You wake up looking five years younger, not kidding!" A few weeks of it diminishes dark spots, and long-term use develops even greater rewards; a 66-year-old at the sixth-month mark says that it significantly reduced their fine lines, and vastly improved "deep wrinkles." Those with sagging, uneven skin say it performed just as well, their skin left glowing, even, and smoother within days. (Related: Best Retinol Creams You Can Buy Over the Counter)
The ingredients responsible? Two forms of retinol, emollient octyldodecanol, and adenosine. Speaking to the latter, Paula's Choice writes, "One of the particularly exceptional qualities of adenosine is that it's a natural component of the body, and its receptors have specifically been identified in skin cells, allowing for a direct connection and impressive effectiveness when applied topically.
The effects extend to acne and large pores: "After two weeks, I don't have a single noticeable blackhead anywhere. The acne that used to pile up over my temples is gone," one 45-year-old noted. "My friends are even starting to notice, asking if I quit smoking and drinking beer. The answer to that is no. I will buy this stuff as long as it is available."
Another shopper writes, "I received a compliment recently from a young man on how pretty my skin is. I haven't had a compliment on my skin since my 20s — [and] I'm 55 years old." They're not alone; a different person writes that it erased their fine lines so well, their skin actually looks better than it did when they were in their 20s. Intrigued? Try the multitasking serum for yourself.
Cleansing and moisturizing might be the backbone of any good skincare routine—but a great one begins with the application of a vitamin C serum. The ultra-popular antioxidant protects skin from UV damage, stimulates collagen production, and lifts away dark spots, revealing glowy, bright skin. Vitamin C derivatives in skincare can be notoriously finicky, and not just any ordinary serum will deliver the kind of results you're after. The 13 serums ahead are the best of the best, with formulas beloved my dermatologists, skincare experts, and beauty editors alike. Ahead, pick your new favorite vitamin C serum to apply each and every morning.
1
Anti-Aging Award Winner
C E Ferulic
When we polled our panel of dermatologists for the Anti-Aging Awards, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic consistently came up as one of the must-haves for firmer, more radiant skin. The combo of vitamins and ferulic acid instantly gives skin back its glow.
2TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face
Thousands of positive Amazon reviews all come to one conclusion: this is the best vitamin C serum you can get with two-day delivery and for less than $20 bucks.
3
Drugstore Deal
10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate eradicates dullness with a potent dose of with vitamin C. (The airtight tube and waterless formula ensures that this finicky ingredient stays stable.)
4Universal C Skin Refiner
This isn't exactly a serum but not quite a cream. The unique fragrance-free formula feels like a plush gel with tiny granules of encapsulated L-Ascorbic acid that instantly absorb right into skin. Paired with EGCG (the active in green tea), squalane, and exfoliating tartaric acid, this genius formula will deliver brighter, smoother skin faster than most other vitamin c products out there.
5
Drugstore Deal
Rapid Tone Repair Brightening 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules
This vitamin c serum is housed in squishy capsules that deliver the perfect dose of the skin-brightening ingredient. Just pop open the capsule and press it onto your skin.
6Truth Serum
This serum absorbs quickly and has a citrusy scent, unlike a lot of other potent vitamin c serums. We love layering it before makeup in the morning.
7Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
This vitamin-packed serum also contains cermaides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin b5 to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and healthy in addition to boosting your natural glow.
8C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Use this once a day for a week and tell us your skin doesn't look fresh and plump like you just got a facial.
9
Natural Pick
Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA
Vitamin c is supported by 10% AHA fruit acids to help gently exfoliate in this natural serum, boosting the skin-glowing results.
10Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
Be sure to pat this vitamin c serum around your eyes and mouth to visibly soften fine lines and crow's feet.
11Pineapple-C Brightening Serum
This serum has the best possible blend of ingredients to deliver your glowiest skin ever. Pure pineapple juice— a natural source of vitamin C— is combined with exfoliating AHAs and bromelain enzymes to retexturize dull and spotty skin. It's non-irritating, though, thanks to the chamomile and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.
12Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
Mix two drops of this concentrated vitamin c booster in your favorite skincare products, then go about your routine as usual.
13Obagi System Professional-C 20% Vitamin C Serum
This elixir is potent—so a little goes a long way. Pat this on in the morning when you're ready for serious, derm-level skin-smoothing results from your own bathroom counter.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
If there is one product that everyone agrees upon among Asian beauty product lovers, it's definitely the cult favorite Hada Labo hyaluronic acid lotion!
Hada Labo is a Japanese skincare brand well known throughout Asia, widely available, usually in drugstores.
The most famous product in the range is their hyaluronic acid lotion, a kind of Japanese equivalent of the very Korean essence.
This lotion is like a treatment product, and its main purpose is to deeply moisturize the skin, thanks to its high concentration of hyaluronic acid.
These last few years, I have developed a budding passion for hyaluronic acid and I used all kinds of products containing it: mostly serums, but also creams and essences. I talked about it last year on my blog.
And, despite all my attempts, I never found anything that beat the price/quality ratio of the Hada Labo lotion. Its cult favorite product status is very well deserved!
However, unless you live in Asia, it's not always easy to find and especially at first, it's also not that obvious which one to choose because there are a lot of different versions.
That being said, it's very easy to find it online and I think the Hada Labo lotion is definitely worthy of interest if you like having a moisturized skin!
Skincare Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion 2020 Edition If you're a fan of hyaluronic acid, you've come to the right place. Today, let's talk about the star ingredient of hydration and a cult Asian cosmetic product: the famous hyaluronic acid-based lotion Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium, the reformulated 2020 version! Below I share the details of my test of this lotion that makes the skin hydrated and plumped like no other! Read more
The brand Hada Labo:
Hada Labo (which translates as "Skin Laboratory") is a skincare range developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Rohto. Rohto Pharmaceutical Company Ltd is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in Japan.
The Hada Labo brand favors simple and short formulas, fragrance, dye, and mineral oil free. They're also formulated at a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 to respect the skin's natural physiological balance. They are therefore perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive!
Here is one example of an ingredients list, from the best-seller Goku Jyun Moist lotion: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Succinate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Methylparaben, Ppg-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid.
As you can see, the hyaluronic acid (the highlighted ingredients in the list) is clearly the star of the short formula.
Note: Hada Labo lotions almost all use parabens as preservatives, which is not a problem for me (I discussed this topic in more detail in my article, the "non-toxic" cosmetics trend, if you're curious).
Hada Labo products all contain an exclusive brand ingredient, the Super Hyaluronic Acid.
Focus on the hyaluronic acid:
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin that keeps the skin moisturized, smooth and firm.
Hyaluronic acid has the property of attracting and retaining a large quantity of water (up to 1000 times its weight in water). This ability, among other things, gives volume and elasticity to the skin. Over time, the skin's hyaluronic acid level decreases and it causes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and loss of firmness.
The ingredient used by Hada Labo, the Super Hyaluronic Acid is a unique blend of 3 types of hyaluronic acid that provides deep hydration, to significantly increase the skin's moisture level and also helps to support skin's fibers (collagen and elastin), allowing it to have an anti-aging effect. According to the brand, Super Hyaluronic Acid has hydration retention capacities twice as high as conventional hyaluronic acid.
Newsletter
Don't miss out on new content we publish. Hey, it could be what helps you find the exact skincare product you were looking for. We wouldn't want you missing out on that now, would we 🙂
Indeed, depending on the size of its molecules (or molecular weights), hyaluronic acid can penetrate into the skin's deeper layers and its effects will therefore vary.
A hyaluronic acid larger in size has a smoothing effect on the skin's surface, an intermediate size hydrates more deeply and a smaller hyaluronic acid has a repairing and regenerating effect on the skin's supporting fibers. These smaller hyaluronic acid molecules are therefore more anti-aging.
Hada Labo, with their Super Hyaluronic Acid, chose to combine several molecular sizes, and therefore provide several beneficial effects for the skin!
Hada Labo lotion, presentation:
Skincare Do you need an essence? Recently, and probably thanks to the influence of Asian beauty, a new type of product appeared on most skincare addicts radar: essences. Like a kind of "beauty water" or "liquid skincare", an essence is a hybrid liquid product that is a cross between a toner and a serum. Can it replace them or do you have to add it to them? I'll tell you everything you want to know about essences! Read more
Hada Labo lotion was released in Japan in 2004, and has since become the #1 facial lotion in the land of the rising sun, with a bottle purchased every four seconds!
As I mentioned earlier, don't be fooled by the term "lotion", because Hada Labo Lotion is more like an essence, a kind of liquid moisturizing treatment with a slightly viscous texture.
I would even consider it a moisturizing serum, because its high concentration of hyaluronic acid makes it extremely effective for a deep skin hydration. Its liquid texture is very pleasant to use, it doesn't leave any greasy effect, just a comfortable and plumped skin.
Its packaging is clearly not the most glamorous. It's a very simple plastic bottle, with a flap cap and it's covered with inscriptions in Japanese (which are, for me, impossible to decipher).
But I must admit that given its affordable price and efficiency, I don't really mind!
The different versions of the Hada Labo lotion:
The Hada Labo lotion exists in several versions and believe me, it wasn't easy to understand the different ranges (I don't really speak Japanese fluently, to my deepest regret!).
I couldn't find the history of the product but I definitely feel that Hada Labo capitalized on the success of its classic moisturizing lotion and released a lot of different versions to extend its popularity!
There are 2 main ranges for this lotion, the moisturizing range or Goku Jyun and the brightening range or Shiro Jyun. And in each of these ranges, there is a multitude of variations for the different skin types and needs.
The Goku Jyun range:
It is the most hydration-oriented range, with a lot of hyaluronic acid in all the formulas.
The different versions:
– The Goku Jyun Light lotion (white and green packaging):
Very liquid in texture, it's more suitable for combination skins. It contains 4 different types of hyaluronic acid.
– The Goku Jyun Moist lotion (white an red packaging):
It's the best known, the best-seller and it's suitable for all skin types. It also contains 4 different types of hyaluronic acid but is a little more viscous than the Light version, so more suitable for normal to dry skin.
– The Goku Jyun Premium lotion (gold yellow packaging):
Richer in texture, it's suitable for mature and/or very dry skin. It contains 5 types of hyaluronic acid for an action in the deeper layers of the skin. Its ingredients also contain an extract of Sacran algae with anti-inflammatory and highly moisturizing effects.
– The Goku Jyun Alpha Retinol lotion (red packaging): As its name suggests, in addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant with repairing effects on the skin, but also a retinol derivative and collagen for an anti-aging action. This lotion targets more mature skins.
– The Goku Jyun Blemish & Oil Control lotion (green packaging): Intended for acne-prone skins, it contains purifying and calming plant extracts (Hatomugi, Houttuynia Cordata and Chamomile extracts) in addition to hyaluronic acid.
The Shiro Jyun range:
It's Hada Labo's brightening/lightening range. In Asia, "whitening" ranges are not made to whiten the skin but more to bring radiance, reduce hyperpigmentation (pigment spots etc.) and sun damages.
All the products in this range still contain hyaluronic acid but also ingredients to boost the complexion's radiance: – arbutin, a lightening ingredient and also a natural derivative of hydroquinone but which doesn't have any toxic effect, – a vitamin C derivative (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) for the radiance effect.
The three different versions:
– The Shiro Jyun Clear lotion (blue and yellow packaging):
Very liquid in texture, it's more suitable for normal to combination skin. It contains 3 different types of hyaluronic acid and lightening ingredients (arbutin and vitamin C derivative).
– The Shiro Jyun Rich lotion (blue and red packaging):
Thicker in texture, it targets drier skin types. Like the Clear version, it also contains 3 different types of hyaluronic acid and lightening ingredients (arbutin and vitamin C derivative).
– The Shiro Jyun Premium lotion (blue and gold yellow packaging):
The most concentrated version of the range. In addition to the 3 different types of hyaluronic acid, it contains vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), vitamin E and also tranexamic acid. The latter is a very effective ingredient to fight against discoloration caused by acne and sun damage. Indeed, when you suffer from acne, the skin is constantly inflamed, which activates the production of melanin. Tranexamic acid has the ability to reduce melanin caused by inflammation for a more even complexion. Shiro Jyun Premium Lotion is therefore very effective on pigment spots caused by acne, especially if they are recent.
The by-products:
Due to the popular success of its lotions, Hada Labo has developed derivative products in the Goky Jyun and Shiro Jyun ranges!
– The Hada Labo Goku Jyun Hyaluronic Acid Mist:
Perfect if you travel, this mist is easy to slip in a travel bag thanks to its small size (45ml). The formula is very similar to Goku-Jyun Light lotion, it's very liquid and fine. It can be used instead of the lotion or even during the day if you're in a very dry climate. My husband who travels a lot is a fan!
– The Goku Jyun sheet masks:
Perfect for a quick plumping effect. These sheet masks are super soft and very effective. In 20 minutes, the skin recovers all its freshness and plump!
My experience with the Hada Labo lotion:
I discovered the Hada Labo lotion almost 2 years ago now. I feel as if this product is usually part of the Asian Beauty product beginner kit ah ah!
I had no idea which one to try first so I naturally picked the Goku Jyun Light lotion for combination skin.
Immediate crush! I have never used a product that was so effective at hydrating in this format and price before. It's not a small product so it lasts for quite some time!
It contains 170ml in each bottle, so it lasts me between 4 and 6 months depending on the amount I use. Knowing that its price varies between $10 and $15 depending on the retailers, you can easily understand why I consider it as one of the best value products for money on the market!
Since then, I also used the Moist and the Premium and I discovered the Shiro Jyun version this summer when I went to Thailand (they're very easy to find in drugstores there). I haven't tried it yet but I plan to make it part of my winter routine.
I don't really have a favorite, I use them all according to the season and my current skin needs.
My husband uses and appreciates it a lot too and I also introduced my grandmother and stepmother to it and they're now fans!
In my skincare routine, I use the Hada Labo lotion morning and/or evening, before or sometimes instead of my serum. I also sometimes mix a few drops of face oil in it for a more nourishing effect.
I take a small amount in the palm of my hand (just a few drops), apply it quickly on my face and neck (I don't forget the eye area!) and tap tap tap until it's sticky and almost dry. If necessary, I even apply several layers for a super plumping effect!
In short, it's clearly thanks to the Hada Labo lotion that I survive on air conditioning 24 hours a day in Dubai!
In conclusion:
Is the Hada Labo Lotion really the best hyaluronic acid product on the market?
Of course, the answer depends on everyone's expectations. But for me, it has become the staple hyaluronic acid product in my routine. I always come back to it and I systematically recommend it when I'm asked for a good moisturizing product. I've already converted a good part of my entourage with this product!
So yes, of course, you can find "sexier" and probably more natural moisturizing lotions, but if you want a simple, very effective product that won't break the bank, the Hada Labo Lotion is perfect!
The Hada Labo lotion is available in several versions and is sold between $10 and $15 for 170 ml depending on the resellers.
For 70 years Vitamin C has been one of the biggest weapons in the skin care industry. It's used to make cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, masks, and serums. So what is this powerful vitamin? How can it benefit you? Why should you use serums that contain Vitamin C? We're here to answer all of those burning questions in this complete guide and reveal the many benefits Vitamin C serums offer for your skin.
What Are Vitamin C Serums?
There are many variations of Vitamin C, but the most popular is ascorbic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. However, all the variations of Vitamin C have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitamin C Serums are products that contain a high level of Vitamin C. They're used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, lighten dark or red spots, prevent breakouts and even your skin tone. Basically, they battle all of those annoying skin issues. There are loads of products out there that claim they'll save your skin, but some can cause damage. Vitamin C is one of the most revered ingredients and conclusive research has shown how effective it can be.
How Are Vitamin C Serums Made?
Well so far we've talked about how incredible Vitamin C is and it sounds like a dream come true doesn't it? It's not all good. In fact, the mighty vitamin is unstable when it's exposed to air and light. Other ingredients need to be used to stabilize it and allow it to deliver amazing results. The serums are combined with ferulic acid and Vitamin E. According to researchers the perfect mixture is 15% Vitamin C with 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. This makes Vitamin C perform to the best of its abilities, without damaging your skin.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do for Your Face?
Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen keeps your skin firm and prevents sagging. Environmental factors such as lifestyle choices and pollution can increase the elasticity of your skin, so it's important you try to increase your collagen production.
Hydrates Your Skin: Dry skin is a common issue, but Vitamin C can help to give your skin that much-needed moisture boost. Remember, it doesn't work immediately so you need to keep applying the serum to see results.
Brightens Your Complexion: Dark spots on your skin are caused by the overproduction of melanin. Vitamin C decreases the production and lightens the dark spots to even out your complexion.
Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Conditions such as Rosacea leave many people searching for a magic cure. Vitamin C helps facial redness and inflammation by reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.
Why Should You Be Using Vitamin C Serum?
Don't think Vitamin C serums are just beneficial for your face. They can also shield you from sun damage and reduce stretch marks.
Saves You From The Sun: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage to your skin. Luckily, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces red sports and prevents sunburn from spreading.
Fades Acne Scars: Acne plagues most of us at some point and we look forward to being free. Most of us get stuck with some scars but Vitamin C helps to fade scars and even out any discoloration.
Reduces Stretch Marks: Yes, Vitamin C serum can even help prevent those unsightly stretch marks by tightening your skin.
Are you ready to change your skin? Add a Vitamin C serum to your beauty regimen and enjoy a glowing complexion.
As cases of coronavirus continue to grow across the country, Dr. Mehmet Oz offered some simple tips on TODAY about how you can strengthen your immune system.
Oz kicked things off by demonstrating with Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb how a simple change in greeting friends and family can help lessen the spread of bacteria, offering them a fist bump instead of a handshake or hug.
"Handshake passes the most bacteria,'' he said. "(A) high-five is only half the bacteria of a handshake, but a fist bump is only one-tenth."
Oz also highlighted important areas of focus when it comes to keeping your immune system strong: sleep, exercise, supplements and a healthy diet. Here are a few specific things you can do to stay healthy.
1. Take care of yourself.
Practice good sleep hygiene, exercise and try to mediate. Meditation can help to reduce stress on your immune system.
"Something as simple as a five-minute yoga tactic,'' he said. "Go sit on the toilet seat, put it down — you're not going to the bathroom — sit there, quiet yourself and just realize that it's OK. No one will bother you there."
2. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
Oz suggested adding a few supplements to boost your defenses against illness.
"Supplements have never been shown to beat coronavirus, however there are some tactics that will slow down the progression of viruses in general,'' he said. "So ideas that work well generally are vitamin D, which you get from the sun, but this time of year you've got to take it as a supplement."
He also recommended vitamin C, zinc and elderberry supplements, as well as getting vitamin C from healthy sources like leafy greens, salmon and berries.
3. Load up on healthy fruits and vegetables.
"Fruits and vegetables make a huge difference, they enhance your immune response," he noted. Oz shared some recipes for delicious and healthy smoothies that also pack in plenty of antioxidants for immune system health.
His "green energy machine" smoothie includes spinach, matcha powder and almond milk, while his "ginger hydrator" drink features oranges, bananas and pineapple.
"The nice thing about this baby is that it's got all the antioxidants you'd ever want to have, and I think you'll like the taste," he said about the ginger hydrator.
4. Get the flu shot.
"That way if you feel ill, you know it's not the flu, most likely," Oz explained.
For those who are 60 and older and worried about the coronavirus, Oz shared risk factors people in that demographic should keep an eye on.
He also noted that he has been frequently asked by people whether they should avoid going out in public due to the coronavirus, and he urged people not to panic.
"Live your life,'' he said. "Do not live your life with fear. Live it with joy and kindness."
Dr. Mehmet Oz/Facebook
Scott Stump is a New Jersey-based freelancer who has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing news stories and features across the trending, pop culture, sports, parents, pets, health, style, food and TMRW verticals. He has tackled every assignment from interviewing astronauts on the International Space Station to prison inmates training service dogs for military veterans.
For 70 years Vitamin C has been one of the biggest weapons in the skin care industry. It's used to make cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, masks, and serums. So what is this powerful vitamin? How can it benefit you? Why should you use serums that contain Vitamin C? We're here to answer all of those burning questions in this complete guide and reveal the many benefits Vitamin C serums offer for your skin.
What Are Vitamin C Serums?
There are many variations of Vitamin C, but the most popular is ascorbic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. However, all the variations of Vitamin C have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitamin C Serums are products that contain a high level of Vitamin C. They're used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, lighten dark or red spots, prevent breakouts and even your skin tone. Basically, they battle all of those annoying skin issues. There are loads of products out there that claim they'll save your skin, but some can cause damage. Vitamin C is one of the most revered ingredients and conclusive research has shown how effective it can be.
How Are Vitamin C Serums Made?
Well so far we've talked about how incredible Vitamin C is and it sounds like a dream come true doesn't it? It's not all good. In fact, the mighty vitamin is unstable when it's exposed to air and light. Other ingredients need to be used to stabilize it and allow it to deliver amazing results. The serums are combined with ferulic acid and Vitamin E. According to researchers the perfect mixture is 15% Vitamin C with 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. This makes Vitamin C perform to the best of its abilities, without damaging your skin.
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do for Your Face?
Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen keeps your skin firm and prevents sagging. Environmental factors such as lifestyle choices and pollution can increase the elasticity of your skin, so it's important you try to increase your collagen production.
Hydrates Your Skin: Dry skin is a common issue, but Vitamin C can help to give your skin that much-needed moisture boost. Remember, it doesn't work immediately so you need to keep applying the serum to see results.
Brightens Your Complexion: Dark spots on your skin are caused by the overproduction of melanin. Vitamin C decreases the production and lightens the dark spots to even out your complexion.
Reduces Redness and Inflammation: Conditions such as Rosacea leave many people searching for a magic cure. Vitamin C helps facial redness and inflammation by reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.
Why Should You Be Using Vitamin C Serum?
Don't think Vitamin C serums are just beneficial for your face. They can also shield you from sun damage and reduce stretch marks.
Saves You From The Sun: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage to your skin. Luckily, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces red sports and prevents sunburn from spreading.
Fades Acne Scars: Acne plagues most of us at some point and we look forward to being free. Most of us get stuck with some scars but Vitamin C helps to fade scars and even out any discoloration.
Reduces Stretch Marks: Yes, Vitamin C serum can even help prevent those unsightly stretch marks by tightening your skin.
Are you ready to change your skin? Add a Vitamin C serum to your beauty regimen and enjoy a glowing complexion.
Vitamin A should be an integral part of every person's diet. It plays vital roles in your body by helping to maintain your vision, skin health and even your immune system's ability to work properly. But it's important to consume the right amount; vitamin A can be harmful when your body gets too much of it. Learn more about vitamin A, including what it does, where to find it and what happens when you get too much of it.
Vitamin A is actually a group of fat-soluble vitamins like retinol, retinal and retinyl esters, all of which have various health benefits. Vitamin A is particularly important in the maintenance of vision — especially your ability to see in low light. Your body converts this vitamin to retinal, which combines with other molecules to form rhodopsin. This is the protein principally responsible for your eyes' absorption of light. If you're worried about your vision getting worse over time, make sure you get enough vitamin A. It's a good way to strengthen your sight naturally.
Photo Courtesy: Nastasic/E+/Getty Images
Consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin A can also work wonders for your immune system. Vitamin A promotes the production of white blood cells, particularly T cells, which eliminate viruses and bacteria from your body. Vitamin A also stimulates the production of special T cells called regulatory T cells. These help to reduce the risk of your body attacking its own healthy cells, which is what happens with some autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, vitamin A fortifies the linings of your respiratory, intestinal and urinary tracts, along with your skin and mucous membranes. It also sends additional immune cells there to prevent bacteria from entering your body and causing an infection.
Vitamin A is also involved in the maintenance of healthy skin by helping immature skin cells age properly into mature skin cells. It reduces sebum production, which can be problematic in oily skin. In fact, Isotretinoin is a common prescription-only vitamin A derivative used as a treatment for acne.
Vitamin A can also contribute to improved bone growth, cell division and cell differentiation. It even promotes reproduction and is a healthy supplement for people who are breastfeeding.
Food Sources of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is quite easy to come by naturally. Many of the most basic staples in our diets — meat, eggs, milk and cheese, for example — are excellent sources of vitamin A. Other specific animal sources have high vitamin A levels as well, such as kidney and liver. However, it's important to note that some of these foods have high cholesterol and saturated fat levels, so be sure to keep a healthy balance of these in your diet if you choose to eat them.
Photo Courtesy: GMVozd/E+/Getty Images
Vitamin A exists as either preformed vitamin A or as provitamin A carotenoids. Preformed vitamin A is found in animal and dairy sources. Provitamin A carotenoids include beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A and other derivatives. Beta-carotene is found in foods like carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, grapefruits, spinach, broccoli and apricots. As a general rule, the more vibrant the color of a fruit or vegetable is, the more beta-carotene it contains. As a bonus, you won't have to worry about the fat or cholesterol content in these foods.
Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin A
Getting the right amount of vitamin A in your diet shouldn't have any negative side effects. However, a vitamin A deficiency can lead to health issues over time. If you don't get enough vitamin A, you could develop vision problems. Plus, your immune system could weaken, leaving you susceptible to infectious diseases.
Photo Courtesy: AsiaVision/E+/Getty Images
Perhaps even more serious are the side effects of consuming too much vitamin A, also known as hypervitaminosis A. Initially, too much vitamin A can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even vomiting. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, it tends to get stored in your liver if you consume too much of it, which can lead to liver problems and even liver failure. There's also evidence that getting excess vitamin A can cause osteoporosis and bone fractures.
In particular, pregnant people must be careful about their intake of vitamin A, as getting too much vitamin A can cause birth defects. Pregnant people shouldn't eat foods that are high in vitamin A, such as pate and fish liver oil. In general, babies and small children are more sensitive to vitamin A overdoses and deficiencies, so it's important to closely monitor their daily vitamin A consumption, too.
Taking Vitamin A: Daily Dosage Recommendations
According to the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, most adult men should consume around 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A per day, and women should have around 700mcg per day. The recommended daily intake is lower (750–770mcg per day) in pregnant people and higher (1200–1300mcg per day) for people who are breastfeeding.
Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages/E+/Getty Images
The daily dosage for children varies with age. From 0 to 6 months, infants should have 400mcg per day, after which they should consume 500mcg per day until they reach the age of 1. Children 1 to 3 years of age should get 300mcg per day, while those from 4 to 8 years of age need 400mcg per day. Those from 9 to 13 years old need 600mcg each day. Daily recommendations for children don't change based on gender.
These dosage requirements are general guidelines. Individuals may have differing daily recommendations for vitamin A, depending on their health status and lifestyle. Most people can get a sufficient amount of vitamin A simply by eating a balanced diet. Consult a doctor before taking any vitamin A supplements or changing from the recommended dosage for your age and sex.
In summary, it's important to be aware of the foods that'll give you an adequate supply of vitamin A. Provided you have a balanced diet, you might not need to take vitamin A supplements. Be aware of foods containing high levels of vitamin A, and avoid eating too much of these, particularly during pregnancy.
Newsletter
