Edible Skin Solution: Redness & Pigmentation

When it comes to skin complaints facial redness and hyper pigmentation are often the top of the list of issues we have with skin.

We all seem to experience it at some time, whether it be rosacea, mild skin flushing, skin irritation, dark spots or splotchy red patches. Interestingly, rosacea affects about 5% of the population and leads to clusters of tiny red bumps across the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin or a rough reddish swelling across the nose. It is most common amongst women from the age of 30 to 60 and along with hyper pigmentation it can get more severe as we age.

Skin redness can be the cause of social anxiety and embarrassment and whilst conventionally there are no obvious remedies, there are few vitamins which when applied topically help to combat this.

One of the best way to take advantage of our skin absorbing nutrients applied topically is to focus on vitamin and antioxidant abundant products which nourish and revitalise the skin. Three of the most effective anti-redness vitamins include Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. These are all found at therapeutic levels in Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Night Creme. Our favourite anti-redness and anti-pigmentation product.

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide applied topically acts as a saviour for red irritated skin.

Studies suggest that Vitamin B3 applied topically can reduce the signs and symptoms of severe acne or rosacea by reducing the inflammation of the skin. Vitamin B3 works by increasing the production of ceramides and fatty acids which are two key components of the outer barrier of the skin. This action of strengthening the barrier results in skin being better able to keep moisture in and irritants out. Another benefit of B3 is that it inhibits the transfer of pigment to cells minimizing dark circles.

The basis for Niacinamide skin treatments comes from a series of studies conducted in 2005, where 50 women who showed signs of aging were treated with a Niacinamide cream. The result indicated that the women treated with this type of cream showed significantly more improvement in skin elasticity and appearance than women treated with a placebo.

In general, when applied topically all B vitamins will improve the balance, texture and moisture balance of the skin. Taken internally B vitamins will also work to improve damaged skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a key anti-inflammatory vitamin and works wonders for reducing redness in the face.

It does so through its incredible antioxidant power, acting to fight the free radicals associated with sun damage and ageing. It also has a wonderful ability to heal and repair skin cell damage, reducing skin redness.

Interestingly vitamin E is found in the skin and is thought to be the most important physiologic barrier antioxidant in the part of the skin that protects you from the elements. Hence, Vitamin E is crucial when it comes to its antioxidant function. Topically applying Vitamin E can restore the levels in the skin that have reduced as a result of oxidative stress from exposure to the sun and other elements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known as a skin antioxidant and for its ability to reduce redness and irritation. It also helps to boost healthy collagen production and increase the effectiveness of sun protection.

Another quality which makes vitamin C a superstar is that it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which means that it helps to prevent melanin production. There have been studies that found significant lightening of hyperpigmentation and dark spots with vitamin C.

It is important to note that vitamin C can be vulnerable to destabilising when exposed to air and light and hence we prefer our vitamin C from wholefood sources such as Pomegranate, found in our & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair - Night Cream.