Ask an expert: What are the best vitamins for anti-aging?

There are many skincare treatments for reducing the signs of aging. Whether it’s creams, serums, peels, or lasers—you name it, and we’ve probably heard about it, written about it, or considered trying it ourselves.

At Curology, we believe in celebrating the experience of aging—every line tells a story! But we totally understand wanting to reduce their appearance. Vitamins for anti-aging may present a solution. These powerhouse ingredients may promote collagen production and protect against environmental damage, helping you achieve a radiant, youthful-looking glow. 

Our experts dug into the science of anti-aging vitamins to explain how they work, which ones to reach for, and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.

Can vitamins slow the signs of aging?

The wellness industry has exploded in recent years, and vitamins are increasingly common in cosmetic formulations.¹ But when it comes to vitamins for skin health, you may be wondering which are best for helping smooth aging skin. And we have answers!

Many vitamins, including vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E, have been shown to have potential anti-aging benefits. Although no single vitamin can completely stop the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, incorporating a variety of vitamins into your skincare routine may help slow the aging process and keep your skin looking smooth. 

The importance of collagen

In discussions of skin aging, you’ll often hear about collagen. Here’s exactly what it does to help you better understand its role in the aging process: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body.² It provides structure and support to various tissues, including the bones, muscles, tendons, and, of course, the skin. Collagen helps maintain connective tissue health³ and keeps skin firm and elastic. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less of it, which may lead to the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Vitamins and ingredients with potential anti-aging benefits

If you’re considering taking vitamins for skin repair, there are several ingredients and vitamins that offer potential benefits. Whether you’re looking to increase collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, or help protect your skin from environmental damage, here are some options to consider: 

• Vitamin A: The topical application of vitamin A derivatives, such as retinoids, may help prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown,⁴ potentially slowing the signs of aging. 

• Vitamin B3: Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, may improve the appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing and help skin elasticity when applied topically.⁵

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamins for anti-aging purposes. A study found that three months of topical application of vitamin C significantly improved fine lines, skin tone, and roughness.⁶ Additional clinical studies have shown improvement in the signs of aging, too—possibly because vitamin C boosts your skin’s collagen production.⁷

• Vitamin D: According to recent research, vitamin D3 may offer a variety of anti-aging and photoprotective effects for the skin.⁸

• Vitamin E: Topical vitamin E (aka tocopherol) may serve as an antioxidant when applied to the skin before sun exposure. When combined with vitamin C, it may help protect you from UV-induced photodamage.⁹

• Collagen: Collagen supplements have become a popular dermatology treatment to slow the aging process. Collagen is frequently used in anti-aging products, and although more research is required, some studies suggest that oral collagen supplements may improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration.¹⁰

• Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant polyphenol that’s been the subject of intense interest in recent years due to a range of potential anti-aging properties.¹¹ Research shows that this ingredient may help fade hyperpigmentation when applied topically.¹²

• Curcumin: Curcumin is a component of the popular Indian spice turmeric.¹³ It contains antioxidants¹⁴ that may help neutralize the free radicals that gradually damage skin cells and contribute to the signs of aging.

• Selenium: Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body that may help fight aging by alleviating inflammation and reducing DNA damage. Selenium’s effect on aging and aging-related diseases is still debated. Still, it’s found in many skincare products.¹⁵

Why you may want to try certain vitamins 

Incorporating certain vitamins into your healthy aging routine may help keep your skin looking fresh. Vitamins A, C, and E may combat photoaging, aka the damaging effects of UV rays.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that oral supplementation of vitamin A and its derivatives may help reduce the appearance of skin aging. Vitamin E serves as a powerful antioxidant.¹⁶ When combined, vitamins C and E may protect the skin from sun damage,¹⁷, particularly with the addition of ferulic acid.¹⁸ 

A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help you glow from the inside out. The best way to fight against extrinsic skin aging and damaging free radicals is with a low-stress lifestyle and antioxidant-rich dietary choices.¹⁹

Be aware that there are concerns regarding safety when high doses of vitamins and supplements are consumed. They may also have negative interactions with prescribed medications or other supplements. We advise a healthy balanced diet as the main source of the vitamins and minerals needed by your body—and your skin! If you want to take any supplements or vitamins, review them first with your primary care provider to make sure they are right for you. 

Tips for preventing lines and wrinkles 

We support embracing aging, but we’re also keen on helping people achieve their skin goals. If you’d like to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming, the vitamins for skin elasticity we’ve covered are a great option. Anti-aging skincare products can also help hold off the signs of aging. Here are a few more tips from our professionals to keep you glowing: 

• Use sunscreen daily: Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best ways to help prevent the signs of aging! Reach for a broad-spectrum formula that’s SPF 30 or higher, and remember to reapply regularly—every two hours or after excessive sweating or toweling off. 

• Use retinoids: Retinoids are a superstar of the anti-aging scene, and with good reason—they work! Retinoids help increase your skin’s collagen production and cell turnover rate, which may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.²⁰

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: If you’re feeling dry, keep your skin hydrated to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Use vitamin C: A vitamin C serum or a similar product may help fight the signs of aging, diminish dark spots, and brighten your complexion.²¹ 

Seek professional guidance for your skin

Stop the cycle of buying, trying, and DIYing! You can trust Curology’s licensed dermatology providers to identify your skin’s needs and provide effective treatment options and advice.

Curology is on a mission to provide accessible, full-service skincare. We treat the signs of aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. Our experts can prescribe personalized prescription formulas containing clinically backed ingredients, such as tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide.

Patients are paired with an in-house licensed dermatology provider. After answering a few questions and snapping some selfies, they’re prescribed a personalized formula with a mix of three active ingredients for their specific skin goals.*

Curology’s Future-Proof treatment is a prime example. It’s an all-in-one preventative prescription treatment that can help keep skin clear while staving off fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, Curology offers dermatologist-designed products, such as our rich moisturizer and everyday sunscreen. Our full line of skincare products is non-comedogenic, dye-free, and paraben-free, made to help keep your skin looking its happiest and healthiest.

Interested? We’ll send a customized skincare routine right to your door. Plus, you may choose to include any of our recommended skincare products to help you achieve your skin goals.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Zussman J, et al. Vitamins and photoaging: do scientific data support their use? J Am Acad Dermatol. (2010).

2. Wu, M., Cronin, K. Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. StatPearls. (2022).

3. Khatri M, et al. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. (2021).

4. Schagen SK, et al. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. (2012).

5. Bissett DL, et al. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. (2005).

6. Traikovich, SS., Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. (1999).

7. Fitzpatrick, R., et al., Double-Blind, Half-Face Study Comparing Topical Vitamin C and Vehicle for Rejuvenation of Photodamage. Dermatologic Surgery. (2008).

8. Bocheva G, et al. The Impact of Vitamin D on Skin Aging. Int J Mol Sci. (2021).

9. Darr D, et al. Effectiveness of antioxidants (vitamin C and E) with and without sunscreens as topical photoprotectants. Acta Derm Venereol. (1996).

10. Al-Atif, H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. (2022).

11. Schagen, S.K., et al. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. (2012).

12. Na, JI., et al. Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent. Int J Mol Sci. (2019).

13. Schagen, S.K., et al. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

14. Menon, V.P., Sudheer, A.R. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. (2007).

15. Cai, Z., et al. Selenium, aging and aging-related diseases. Aging Clin Exp Res. (2019).

16. Geng R, et al. Boosting the Photoaged Skin: The Potential Role of Dietary Components. Nutrients. (2021).

17. Ferulic acid stabilizes a topical solution containing vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection for skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2005).

18. A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid prevents ultraviolet radiation-induced caspase-3 and caspase-7 induction in skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2005).

19. Schagen, S.K., et al. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

20. Mukherjee, S. et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. (2006).

21. Al-Niaimi, F., Chiang, NYZ., Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2017).

Laura Phelan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Benedictine University and went on to get her post-masters certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Cincinnati.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Laura Phelan, NP-C