Your Quick Guide to Vitamins in Korean Skincare

Many of us grew up with vitamins as part of our health and wellness routines. As children, we’d look forward to tiny colored pellets in the shape of our favorite cartoon characters on the daily! Now that we’re all grown up, we consider vitamins as a vital part of our diet, maybe even adding the occasional supplement, but we’re now enjoying it in our skincare regimen! 

We’ve had our fair share of ingredient guides on Meekah, from snail mucin aiding in repair to honey propolis, the hydrating and brightening compound, and willow bark, the natural exfoliant. Interested to know what types of vitamins can be found in your skincare products and what they can do for skin? Read the brief guide ahead. 

Vitamin A 

Popularly known as the holy grail of ingredients, Vitamin A, has anti-aging benefits, which helps increase the cells’ turnover rate, remedies appearance of wrinkles and even tightens skin. It’s best for oily skin, with the ingredient helping reduce sebum production. 

Have a mid-day nourishing treat, and take a break with Innisfree’s My Real Squeeze Sheet Mask in Tomato and Broccoli. For a quick pick-me-upper, don’t forget to place inside the refrigerator for 15 minutes, and you’re good to go!

 

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is divided into two categories: B3 and B5. B3, otherwise known as “niacinamide,” is getting increasingly popular for its brightening properties—just like Vitamin C (but more on that later on). It’s also found in anti-aging products helping prevent early signs of aging e.g. wrinkles. It’s a great addition to your routine if you have dry or acne-prone skin! B5, on the other hand, is a humectant, which holds water effectively, helping moisturize skin and maintain its elasticity. It even has anti-inflammatory properties to help stimulate the skin's healing process. 

Try the holy grail products of COSRX, which helps add that extra moisture to skin: the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask and COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion.

 

Vitamin C

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by maskne scars! Remedy pesky pigmentation and blemishes with superstar ingredient Vitamin C. Its antioxidant properties help treat UV exposure photo-damage on skin and even helps boost your collagen level! 

You’re in for a treat with the bestselling SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum. Pro-tip: Add a drop or two to your go-to moisturizer to dilute product! 

 

Vitamin D

Formed in skin by sunlight, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which helps maintain our body’s healthy calcium levels. In skincare, it soothes irritation and allergies best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Now, the sun is still the best way to get this vital nutrient, but always remember to put on an ample amount of sunscreen! Here’s everything you need to know about it. 

Amp up your skincare routine with the hybrid 2-in-1 serum and moisturizer BLITHE Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum. It’s available in a mini size, too! 

 

 

Vitamin E

From food supplements to your go-to moisturizer, Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which helps fight off free radicals and environmental stressors to your skin. Also known as “tocopherol,” it’s a multi-tasking ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties helping calm skin. It even has moisturizing and healing benefits. 

Top off your nightly routine with The Vegan Glow Good Night Cream, and wake up with silky smooth skin the next day!

 

Vitamin K

Need another hero ingredient to help fade dark spots? Vitamin K, usually found in foods like kale and milk, helps fade the appearance of dark circles, stretch marks, acne scars, and even spider veins. Try the go-to BLITHE Vital Treatment 8 Nourishing Beans, which penetrates deep into skin for that healthy, noticeable glow from within!  

 

Want to know more about ingredients in your skincare products? Tune in to next week for your must-read guide to the ever so essential Vitamin C!