The A, B, & C of Vitamin-Based Skincare

Vitamins are a super popular ingredient in skincare products these days but, what exactly do they target and which ones should you consider incorporating into your skincare routine? 

I caught up with Terri Vinson, Cosmetic Chemist and founder of Synergie Skin, a clean science, cosmeceutical beauty line designed to work on a deeper level.

What are the main differences between A, B & C serums?

Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid product best applied in the morning after a cleanser and before a moisturiser, as it’s a powerful antioxidant that fortifies the skin and protects it from UV damage. 

Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin B are best applied at night to work their magic. 

NOTE: It’s important not to mix Vitamin C with Vitamin B and A in application as it causes a chemical reaction that reduces their effectiveness.

And how do they these vitamins benefit our skin?

Vitamin A is the ultimate product for all skin types as it targets the skin at a cellular level. The serum encourages cell turnover that addresses fine lines and pigmentation. It also regulates oil production and reduces sun damage.

Who should use vitamin A:

Vitamin A is a wonder serum for nearly all skin types as it addresses acne, psoriasis, pigmentation, sun damage and visible ageing. 

Vitamin B is a multi-tasking serum that hits a variety of issues like fine lines, pigmentation and collagen production. Namely, it works to stabilise the skin barrier to soothe, heal and boost skin immunity.

Who should use vitamin B:

Vitamin B can be used by anyone but is most popular with those who have rosacea, pigmentation or dry skin.

Vitamin C serum protects the cell membranes from free radical damage from UV sunlight, therefore protecting the skin from sun damage and stimulating collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also suppresses suppresses the production of melanin to brighten any pigmentation and lighten uneven skin tone.

Who should use vitamin C:

Vitamin C is perfect for those who want to protect or return their youthful glow.

Are there any skin types who should avoid using these vitamin serums?

Sensitive skin types might find Vitamin A causes some irritation at first. I recommend first starting with a more gentle option, such as our Ultimate A, to gradually build a tolerance for stronger Vitamin A serums.

How do we know which serums are good to layer on our skin if we want the benefits of multiple vitamins, and are there any we should avoid using together?

I suggest applying Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A and B serums at night in order to get the most effective results from them. 

My face was privy to a starter kit of Synergie Skin Vitamin A, B & C products.

These hard-hitting mini’s where the perfect size to tuck into my travel bag on a recent trip to Thailand. 

I was really keen to jump straight into a super-charged vitamin A product because I some have some sun damage on my forehead and cheeks, but Terri recommended starting with a lower concentration and building up to Synergie Acceler-A.

It only took a few days using this kit to notice a change in my skin condition.

All in all, this is a brilliant introduction to the world of cosmeceuticals that offers results you can actually see.

A Zinc Starter Kit PPR $104.00

Ultra Cleanse

Ultimate A Serum

Ultimate B Serum 

Suprema C+

Uber Zi nc

Ultra Cleanse

I’m a big fan of this cleanser, first up, it smells divine. It washes away all signs of makeup and doesn’t dry your skin out. 

Suprema C+

I’ve tried a few vitamin C serums lately and this one really preforms. It glides on beautifully, absorbs quickly, and gave my skin tone a more even look and feel. It feels fabulous on too.

Uber Zinc

This is a thicker style cream that should be patted gently on the skin for maximum absorption. You may feel that at first the recommend one pump dose won’t make it over the area it needs to cover but it does. The trick is to dab it on all over your face in small tiny dots so you can pat it outwards.

It will almost feel like it won’t absorb into your skin at the start but it does, and it does so beautifully. 

I found it does need a primer over the top if you plan to apply a BB or foundation afterwards. It’s a broad spectrum SPF 15 which is a bonus too!

Ultimate A Serum

Vitamin A is said to reduce the visible signs of sun damage, something I unfortunately have some of, it’s also said to protect your skin from UV damage, restore the epidermal layer, regulate oil levels, and reduce appearance of fine lines through collagen stimulation.  I’m a big fan of this product. It’s for over night application and needs a few minutes to absorb before you add your next layer (in this case vitamin B) but I can feel a difference in my skin as soon as I apply it. 

Vitamin B Serum

Synergie vitamin B is a multi-tasking serum designed to rejuvenate the skin and enhance its clarity and luminosity while boosting your skins immunity and collagen production.

This serum glides on beautifully and leaves you skin feeling nourished and refreshed and re-hydrated.

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