Skincare has taken the world by storm, and with good cause. There is indeed scientific evidence to ensure that it can be beneficial for the well-being of your skin. However, before tedious jargon overwhelms you, here we are with a dermatologists-backed simple breakdown for the uninitiated.
Before we delve into it, please remember the general rule of thumb - that skincare is not one-size-fit-all. So, what works for someone else might not work for you, and vice-versa. Also, please consult a skin expert before incorporating any of these in your daily routine. Now, without further ado, here they are - the ABC of skincare.

Vitamin A: Anti-Acne, Age-Delaying

However Dr Malik adds a word of caution when it comes to retinoids. They can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and can also be very drying. This is why people should use a good moisturiser, start slowly and gradually increase the frequency and strength of application, with an expert’s guidance.

Vitamin B: Fights Hyperpigmentation, Calms Inflamed Skin

When looking for a product with Vitamin B, look for the word ‘niacinamide’ in your ingredient list, specifies Dr Malik, also reminding the consumer of its role in fighting hyperpigmentation.

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Additionally, Dr Agarwal comments on the importance of the vitamin in your diet.
“Vitamin B is responsible for multiple internal processes taking place inside the skin and the lack of it can cause angular ulcers in the mouth, darkening of skin over the face and folds and diseases like pellagra.”

Vitamin C: Fights Ageing, Sun Damage, Supports Collagen Production

“Most skin care products are enriched with Vitamin C under different names and formulations. We should look for Ascorbic acid which is the active form of Vitamin C”, says Dr Manjul Agarwal. On its many uses and importance, she adds:

Dr Malik agrees with her on the uses of Vitamin C:

When being used topically and externally, it should be stored in opaque bottles away from sunlight and direct light, adds Dr Malik.
It is an unstable compound which oxidises quickly and changes colour, often losing some of its efficacy.

Your Diet and the Big Three

While we have primarily discussed the topical application of these vitamins so far, here’s a quick look at their dietary importance too.
Dr Agarwal points out that “Vitamin A is fat-soluble and its intestinal absorption occurs best when foods rich in vitamin A are taken with fats.” The other two are water-soluble and therefore don’t require any specific dietary requirement for their absorption.
She further lists down some dietary sources for all of these three vitamins:

Vitamin A:

• dark green, leafy vegetables, for example amaranth (red or green), spinach
• orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
• carrots
• squashes/pumpkins
• yellow maize
• mangoes
• papayas
• liver, eggs, milk (including breast milk)
• red palm oil or biruti palm oil

Vitamin B:

• milk
• cheese
• eggs
• liver and kidney
• chicken and red meat
• fish, such as tuna, mackerel, salmon
• shellfish, such as oysters and clams
• dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
• vegetables, such as beets and potatoes
• whole grains and cereals
• beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas
• nuts and seeds
• fruits, such as banana, and watermelon
• soy products, such as soy milk and tempeh

Vitamin C:

• berries
• tomatoes
• potatoes
• green leafy vegetables

Things to Keep in Mind

While all of this is easy enough to accommodate little by little in your daily regime, it is important to always consult an expert first. Secondly, always do a patch test with any product, and introduce products slowly in your routine, never at once. This will allow you to see how well they are tolerated by your skin.