Vitamin C, probiotics and CoQ10: our guide to the ingredients for glowing skin

Retinol. Probiotics. Zinc.

All words you hear you should be including into your skincare regime. But what are they? What do they do, and where do you find them?

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Vitamin C

“I truly rate vitamin C; it is essential for the production of collagen and elastin and helps colour issues in the skin,” says Jennifer Rock. “It also supports the capillary network, so strengthens the vascular appearance, which is a complaint of many on this island.” We as humans don’t make it, so need to ingest enough of it daily, and it’s water soluble, so you can’t overdose – you’ll simply expell any excess.

Fatty acids

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential to give skin a healthy glow. ey hydrate pores from the inside out and protect from environmental damage. Achieving a balance of their properties can elevate firmness and elasticity in your skin – the two key components of maintaining a healthy looking and feeling complexion.

Antioxidants

These are the vitamins and minerals that act as buffers to protect our organs and bodies from the rigours of modern life. ey are also essential for effective detoxication, which in turn has significant effects on the skin’s complexion – when the body is detoxing properly, we look great, with clear skin and shining eyes.

Vitamin A

“As controversial as it is, I’m a firm promoter of vitamin A intake orally,” says Rock. “It is an integral component for cell DNA repair and in turn assists the health cycle of a skin cell. It also triggers the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production, speeds its exfoliation cycle, improves texture and elasticity, and boosts collagen production – a must-have for all unless contraindicated – pregnancy, taking certain medications or breastfeeding.”

Probiotics

Gut health is essential for so many bodily functions and processes, with skin (the body’s largest organ) being no exception. Getting the gut microbiotics environment right is essential for good, clear, glowing skin.

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Zinc

In some cases, zinc deficiency can be responsible for irritated pores, dryness, acne and even the white spots on fingernails. By upping zinc intake, you’re promoting healthy skin that renews itself as it should, making it the perfect pick for warding off spots and flakiness.

CoQ10

This co-enzyme is a game-changer. It’s the final element in the energy chain, and both to bodies and skin is defined as a youth booster, heading straight into the cell’s mitochondria (or “engine room”) to generate cellular energy. It’s a natural antioxidant that scavenges the body for free radicals, plus it aids in the growth of cells to minimise the appearance of fine lines.

Vitamin E

The fat-soluble vitamin that is responsible for healthy blood vessels, thus aiding in the repairing of your skin. It also works with selenium to clear out toxins and toxic metals from the body, in turn preventing the onset of premature ageing in your pores.

This article originally appeared in the March issue of IMAGE.For more beauty inspiration, check out IMAGE Magazine. On sale nationwide.