Jessica Turner Get an A In This Vitamin B Crash Course!
From clearing blemishes, to killing hangovers, it’s time to brush up on the benefits of Vitamin B.
It is made up of 8 water soluble chemical compounds, each essential for wellbeing. Three of the best Vitamin B acids have become key cosmetic ingredients, too.
1. B3 – Drive Digestion and Banish Blemishes
Body:
Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) is essential for the digestive system to function properly. As it’s primarily found in meat and dairy, vegans should take stock of the green vegetables also containing the vitamin, such as asparagus and broccoli.
Beauty:
In the beauty world, Vitamin B3’s anti-ageing properties that have been recognised for decades. Its success in treating acne and acne scars, however, has only been discovered in recent years. Unlike many topical spot solutions (tending to be drying), evidence suggests that the Provitamin stimulates the skin’s natural production of Ceramide — therefore its reputation for successfully banishing mild blemishes and the red marks they leave behind continues to grow.
Ultraceuticals CC Powder Mineral Foundation is packed with Vitamin B3, as well as other skin brightening ingredients like Artocarpus Extract. The finely milled pressed mineral solution is free of talc and preservatives, making it an excellent choice for those with acne, or inflamed hyper-pigmentation.
Light and easily absorbed, La Clinica’s Spot Fighting Treatment, is injected with B3, and works to nip blind pimples in the bud by reducing inflammation. Suitable for men and women of all ages, the elixir is a viable choice for those suffered from oily but dehydrated skin.
2. B5 – Burn Fat And Boost Moisture
Body:
Primarily, found in meat products and eggs, B5 (aka Pantothenic Acid) helps metabolise fat and carbohydrate. Vegans can find it in sunflower seeds, but could also consider taking a supplement, as the content in the seeds is relatively slim.
Beauty:
In the cosmeceutical cosmos, some of the latest formulas contain Vitamin B5 . This Provitamin reinforces the skin’s barrier function. Combined with would-healing hyaluronic acid, they perform as the ultimate hydrating partners in crime. They are gentle yet effective, and suit most skin types, including sensitive or reactive.
The Medik8 Hydra8 B5 Rehydration Serum is perfect for those with an oily but dehydrated dermis, because pores immediately drink in its water-like texture. Traceless on the face, the serum can be used as a stand-alone moisturiser, or under night cream for a heavy-duty boost.
Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is slightly thicker in consistency than a serum. Stripped of unnecessary ingredients, its pure yet highly active formula works superbly as a stand-alone moisturiser for those with acne prone skin, leaving the skin plumped up upon application.
3. B12 – Enhance Energy and Get Glowing
Body:
Essential for the health of red blood cells, those deficient in this vitamin might feel low in energy…lethargic, even. Bananas are packed with B12 (aka Folic Acid), and the powerful compound is also found in breakfast cereals, from natural oats to cheerios. Those on a low-grain paleo diet can find small amounts in meat and fish.
Beauty:
Although there’s little scientific proof to back B12 as a hangover cure, it’s the core ingredient in Berocca. But trust the babes, (born and bred in Bondi), to demand it in drip form! It’s hands-down the most popular ingredient in these IV infusions that the beautiful people swear by!
Activ Infusions, sister of The Hangover Clinic (located in Surry Hills) offers pure injections of B12. Owner of the clinic, Max Petro, reports that the treatment is especially popular gym-junkies, sport fanatics and health nuts. “Those who’ve tried it once, generally like to come back before or after major sport events,” he says. These regulars are offered a $99 a month program, for an essential shot of B12, plus another infusion.
Face Plus Medispa includes a generous dose of B12 among the cocktail of vitamins in its most popular intravenous treatment– The ‘Bondi Reboot’. Sought after by socialites nursing nasty hangovers, the clinic’s Drip and Chill lounge is busiest early in the morning, especially during fashion week! “Models arrive with sluggish skin, then enjoy a pep-up before they start all over again for the day!” Says Susi Garrett, a registered nurse administering the treatment at Face Plus.
