The ABCs of Skin Care - Fitness Incentive

“Let’s break down the skincare alphabet and why these vitamins deserve a starring role both on your plate and on your bathroom shelf.”

Roxanne Valinoti

The ABC’s of Skincare

Top 5 Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Great skin isn’t just about what you put on your face…it’s about what you put IN your body. Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining skin health by supporting cellular repair, protecting against environmental damage, and boosting skin’s natural glow. A balanced diet provides most of the vitamins to support internally, while a proper skincare routine supports externally, targeting concerns. Think of skincare as a team sport: your daily routine + your diet + the occasional pro touch = SCORE!

Let’s break down the skincare alphabet and why these vitamins deserve a starring role both on your plate and on your bathroom shelf.

Vitamin A – The Long-Term Investment

What it Does: Helps reduce signs of aging by supporting skin repair and cell health. Vitamin A derivatives ( like Retinoids) are proven to boost cellular turnover in the skin (which slows significantly in our 40’s and on), smoothing texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, and even breakouts.
Where to find it: Liver, fish, eggs, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes
How to use it topically: Retinoids come in many different forms. Retinol serums or creams are the strongest retinoids available without a prescription and should be used at night only, as this is when the skin is in repair mode. It is important to use SPF during the day since retinols can increase photosensitivity. Start slow with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated, and always support the skin with proper hydration to reduce any dryness or irritation.

TRY: Image Retinol Trial Kit

The AGELESS+ retinol trial kit offers a range of retinol strengths and textures to match differing skin goals and needs. Experience four low and moderate strengths designed to deliver visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture while reducing redness.

Vitamin B – The Hydration Station

What it Does: There are 8 types of Vitamin B, but overall, this group plays a vital role in proper skin health and function, supporting the barrier, calming redness, and keeping moisture levels where they belong.
Where to find it: Liver & organ meats, beef, chicken, eggs, salmon & trout, legumes, leafy greens, and sunflower seeds
*Vitamin B complex is water-soluble, meaning it cannot be stored by the body, which is why it’s essential to include vitamin B-rich foods in your daily diet.
How to use it topically: The two forms of vitamin B most commonly found in topical skincare include vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Vitamin B5 is often found in hydrating serums and works well with just about any skincare ingredient, while Vitamin B3 reduces inflammation and supports the function of the skin’s barrier. Either can be used day and night as a moisturizer.

TRY: Eminence Bakuchiol & Niacinamide Moisturizer

Restore skin’s natural hydration with this gel-cream moisturizer, formulated with the unique combination of retinol alternative bakuchiol and niacinamide. This pairing smooths wrinkles while visibly firming skin, minimizing large pores and uneven texture, with no visible irritation.

Vitamin C – The Glow-getter

What it Does: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It’s known to brighten the complexion (making it essential for hyperpigmentation and dullness), helps fade dark spots, and supports collagen synthesis, the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful.
Where to find it: Citrus fruits, berries, kiwis, bell peppers, cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts
*As a high-demand water-soluble vitamin, the skin only receives a portion of the ingested C, so adding Vitamin C to skin care is a must!
How to use it topically: There are several forms of topical Vitamin C- “ascorbic acid”, the most common and studied, however, it’s also the most potent and irritating for sensitive skin types, and degrades quickly when exposed to air and light. Alternatively, “tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate” is a lipid-soluble form that can penetrate deeper, is gentler, and more shelf-stable. Use daily, morning is best, after cleansing and before moisturizer.

TRY: Image Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

The high-potency formula is clinically proven to improve hydration and decrease the appearance of fine lines. Hyaluronic acid helps to lock in hydration and supports the look of plump, bouncy skin. Formulated with multiple forms of vitamin C to help brighten the skin, fight the appearance of dullness, and reduce signs of environmental damage.

Vitamin D – The Anti-Inflammatory Agent

What it Does: Vitamin D is known to create strong bones, but it also plays a big role in skin repair and immune function, making it essential for healing wounds or recovering from skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Where to find it: Fatty fish ( salmon, mackerel, sardines), cod liver oil, mushrooms ( shiitake), egg yolks, and beef liver are the best sources beyond sunshine and supplementation.
How to use it topically: While best ingested, many topical formulas focus on calming and supporting skin irritation. Can be used daily.

Try: Eminence Shiitake & Ashwagandha Bi-Phase Mist

The dual-layer formula combines to shield skin from drying environmental stressors while restoring hydration with every spritz. Made with Blue Light Complex, vitamin D-rich shiitake extract, and ashwagandha, this mist helps the skin feel strengthened while supporting a balanced, hydrated complexion.

Vitamin E – The Pollution Protector

What it Does: Vitamin E is a rich antioxidant that helps nourish and protect the skin barrier from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage by locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. It’s often paired with vitamin C because they’re better together—like skincare besties. It’s especially great for mature, sensitive, or irritated skin.
Where to find it: Nuts, seeds, spinach, and healthy oils support skin resilience and hydration from within.
How to use it topically: Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a common ingredient in moisturizers, oils, and SPF’s. It’s excellent for use both morning and evening. For a drier skin type, use as a facial oil and apply to damp skin for best absorption.

Try: Eminence Rosehip Triple C &E Firming Oil

The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is an effective facial treatment comprised of a blend of results-oriented actives and ingredients that provide intense hydration and protection. This facial oil fights the signs of aging, smooths wrinkles, and hydrates deeply.

Here’s the real secret:

Vitamins work best when you support your skin from both directions—topically and nutritionally. No single serum can undo a diet of stress and snack chaos, and no smoothie can replace a thoughtful skincare routine. Balance is the vibe. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Feed your body whole foods, use smart topicals, protect with SPF, and treat yourself to a professional facial once a month. Your future face will absolutely write you a thank-you note.

Eat your vitamins. Wear your glow.