Your Fall Superheroes: Vitamins A & C

The leaves changing color is Mother Nature's way of reminding us it's time to adjust our skincare routine. We can temporarily say goodbye to all our lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and serums and prepare for the cool, dry months ahead — make sure to keep applying sunscreen, though.

Now that it’s fall, what does your skin need? There are two key ingredients we’d like to highlight that are perfect for this time of year: vitamins A and C.

VITAMIN A (RETINOL)

Vitamin A, also known as retinol and including other derivatives of retinoic acid, is a miracle-working active ingredient for collagen production and anti-aging treatments. It has a wide array of benefits, including:

• Reducing signs of aging
• Smoother texture
• More even skin tone
• Fewer and less severe acne breakouts
• Reversing effects of sun damage

Almost all the benefits of retinol are the result of increased collagen production, not only at the surface (epidermis), but the deeper levels of skin (dermis) as well. By creating more new collagen and cells, there is a faster turnover on skin cells, naturally exfoliating and increasing their overall vitality and youthfulness. More collagen also improves skin firmness, helping lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and retinol is an antioxidant, helping protect from environmental and sun damage. These benefits make retinol perfect for the cool, dry fall months.

Before you rush to grab and lather the nearest product containing this impressive ingredient, we must caution you against overapplying retinol or retinoid containing products. These are strong actives, and too much retinol can cause irritation, dryness and even blistering and peeling. A small amount will typically suffice, and for anyone who hasn’t used retinol before we recommend you start by using it a maximum of once every three days. Over several weeks, you can adjust and work up to daily use.

Retinol also increases sensitivity to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid, and it increases photosensitivity. To prevent sun damage, you should only apply retinol at night, like our Vitabright Retinol Boost or Vitabright Night Renewal, and you should always wear sunscreen during the day.

VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)

Like retinol, the benefits of vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — are far-reaching and significant. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, both protecting from and reversing environmental and sun damage. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and fights hyperpigmentation, helping to provide an even complexion and improving skin elasticity, eliminating lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is safe to use for most skin types. It’s hard to overapply, but still possible. Side effects of excess vitamin C include itching, irritation and redness. To avoid overapplication, you should work your way up to strong formulations, like our high-potency Vitabright Restore Cream, using weaker ones like Vitabright C-Spray and Hydralux Collagen Boost. 

Both vitamins A and C provide a fresh glow to skin, significant anti-aging benefits and protection from environmental and sun damage. Especially during the dry fall months, they greatly rejuvenate and revitalize to make skin look younger than ever.