7 Must-Try Vitamins & Bioactives For Your Healthiest Skin Yet* 

The truth is: not all skin care ingredients are created equal. In fact, understanding which vitamins are beneficial for your skin type can make the world of difference when tackling common skin concerns like dark spots, elasticity, signs of aging, dullness, and uneven tone.* 

We tapped experts to get the scoop on vitamin-infused skin care and what role supplements play in a skincare routine. Keep scrolling for the vitamins that can transform your skin, whether in a serum or supplement.* 

Engelman recommends applying this brightening vitamin topically so it can be absorbed quickly. Try applying it in the morning under your sunscreen for added protection from free radicals. Check out our favorite vitamin C serums here. 

RELATED: The 10 Best Vitamin C Supplements Of 2023 + Benefits & More

"Vitamin E is great for protecting the skin against UV rays," Engelman says. Since it's an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radicals and slow signs of aging. Engelman also notes that vitamin E is a go-to for nursing irritated skin thanks to its soothing and healing properties. Board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Jow Libby, M.D. says vitamin E is best used alongside vitamins A and C since it can help potentiate their effects. 

When consumed, vitamin E also plays a role in collagen production and structure.* For starters, it aids and stabilizes vitamin C. Additionally, vitamin E intake protects against collagen cross-linking4, a process that plays a role in skin aging.* When collagen cross-links5, it becomes hard and stiff, and that leads to signs of aging. Thanks to vitamin E's antioxidant abilities, the essential fat-soluble vitamin also helps support the skin barrier6, which keeps skin supple and reduces water loss.*

According to Engelman, this antioxidant is even more powerful than vitamin C in its ability to neutralize free radicals. "It fights free radicals and even helps restore DNA from UV rays and other environmental aggressors," she says. By incorporating astaxanthin into your skin care routine, you can expect an improvement in skin's elasticity and appearance, plus better hydration levels.  

When taken orally in adequate amounts, research shows this unique carotenoid phytonutrient is wonderful for the skin.* In one clinical, participants who took astaxanthin supplements saw improvements in skin elasticity7, while those who did not supplement saw worsening wrinkles.* In another study, astaxanthin supplementation combined with collagen significantly improved skin elasticity, smoothness, and hydration in just 12 weeks.*

RELATED: Astaxanthin Side Effects: What To Expect & Dosage Tips

Engelman says that regular use of retinol over time will result in better skin elasticity, tone, and texture since vitamin A strengthens and thickens the skin barrier. If you're new to vitamin A, start slowly. It can have irritating effects like redness, peeling, and flaking. It's best to apply in small amounts every two to three days until your skin builds a tolerance to the active ingredient. Check out our favorite retinol serums here. 

A lesser-known skin supplement is oral vitamin A. The fat-soluble vitamin is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of various systems throughout the body (think vision, immunity, and more).* It is an essential nutrient for skin as it acts as an antioxidant and supports the process through which the skin naturally regenerates.* 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound that's found in all your cells. Your body needs it to make energy. Unfortunately, natural levels decline with time. Research shows that applying it as part of a formulation significantly improves levels found in skin cells9—while also boosting the skin's free-radical-fighting abilities. And it's become a very popular skin care ingredient, thanks to its ability to reduce fine lines: Research has found that topical CoQ10 can significantly decrease facial wrinkles10. 

RELATED: How Much CoQ10 Should You Take? Dosage + Benefits

Also known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is a go-to for naturally dry skin. "It's an emollient, which heals dry, worn skin and a humectant, which attracts and binds water to the skin in order to improve hydration," Engelman says. It's also been used to help reduce blemishes and irritation. You'll often find this hydrating vitamin in serums, gels, and creams, and it can be a lifesaver in the cold winter months when dry, bitter temps leave skin feeling out of whack. 

While more research is needed to conclude its efficacy as an antioxidant, this essential water-soluble B vitamin is known to play a role in promoting skin barrier function. Additionally, this B complex player demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in a clinical study to help skin concerns like blemishes.*

This skin-healthy ingredient is only growing in popularity in the skin care world. It's gentle, effective, and can get to work on every skin type—sensitive included. "It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps tackle pigmentation, regulates oil production, evens skin tone and boosts ceramide production and helps restore a healthy skin barrier," Libby says. Check out our favorite niacinamide serums here. 

RELATED: What Does Niacinamide Do? 7 Benefits + Tips From Derms

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