the B. spot

So we discussed the benefits of vitamins A, B(3), and C for your skin.  Now the question remains, which brands have an efficacious amount of these vitamins?  Keep in mind, this is not an all inclusive list but just brands that I remember off the top of my head (since it’s the end of the week–my mind is already on the weekend:-)

Vitamin A Products:

• Precision A Serum (Dr. Christine Rodgers En Pointe Skin Care Solutions): Contains a functional level of retinol (fyi, the recommended amount of retinol in a skin care product is only 0.10% due to the irritation and sensitivity factor).  It doesn’t require a lot of retinol in a product to be efficacious.  Precision A Serum is loaded with anti-inflammatories to offset any potential discomfort with use of this product.
• Tretinoin Cream (Obagi): I’m feeling a bit leery on posting this product because it is a drug and should not be sold as a skin care product.  All drugs should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor and even though it has benefits- it also has its share of health risks.  Please consult your doctor before even considering this cream! 
• Retinol Complex (SkinMedica): This serum contains retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate to achieve its anti-wrinkle skin softening claims.  It also contains derivatives of vitamin E to protect the vitamin C.  However, don’t be fooled into thinking that tocopheryl acetate will offer adequate antioxidant protection because it will not- you want to see tocopherol on the ingredient label. (FYI, I believe this product is mislabeled- my guess is they meant to write tocopherol instead of just “tocopheryl”).

Vitamin B Products (there are many types of vitamin B’s, i.e. B1, B3, B5, etc… I chose to go with B3 for overall complexion improvement)

• Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment (Olay): Niacinamide is the backbone of many Olay products.  In fact, they have done extensive studies with niacinamide alone and in combination with N- actylglucosamine and found that in both instances, niacinamide showed significant improvements on skin. 
• Skin Strengthening Complex (Nia24): If you look at the ingredient label, you will not see niacin or niacinamide but instead methyl nicotinate.  What?!? Nia24 has a niacin complex for enhanced delivery into your skin.  Once it’s applied and the oil soluble portion has a natural affinity to your skin’s oils that allows for easier transport into your skin.  Eventually the oil component is broken down and you are left with available niacin already in place to be used by your body. 
• Balance Light Weight Moisture (Canyon Ranch): Using the same niacin delivery system as Nia24, this lotion places its focus on improving your skin’s complexion.  The addition of alpha arbutin works with the niacin to reduce dark marks and blotchiness for an even complexion.

Vitamin C Products

Turbo Booster C Powder (Philosophy): This product is designed to offer you the best of both worlds- the skin brightening power of vitamin C and your favorite skin care product.  The benefits of Turbo Booster C powder is that you use the vitamin C when needed so it doesn’t have a chance to oxidize and loose it’s effectiveness.  The booster is in a silicone base and will be stable if closed after each use and stored properly.

C- Radiance (Serious Skin Care): C- Radiance uses ascorbyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) to improve formulation stability.  You will notice that in many vitamin C products you will most likely see one or a combination of the following: ascorbic acid,  magnesium ascorbyl phophate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate.  If you are looking for efficacy, I would go for products with the first three ingredients.  Oh I just remembered, another wonderful vitamin C derivative that you may want to give a chance is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate! 

Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum (MD Skincare): Three different types of vitamin C are used to try and maximize the vitamin C benefits.  It’s an anhydrous formulation for optimal stability as ascorbic acid oxidizes in the presence of water.