Common skin care ingredients -- V

Vitamin A: important for skin renewal; may improve skin texture and fine lines; may improve acne. Less effective and less irritating than tretinoin. Causes sun sensitivity and not to be used if pregnant or nursing.

Vitamin C: (L-ascorbic acid) boosts collagen synthesis by fibroblasts; vital water soluble antioxidant both systemically as and topically. Unstable in solution when exposed to air.

Vitamin D: regulates cell turn over; prescription derivatives of vitamin D are used to treat psoriasis (Dovonex).

Vitamin E: (Tocopherol) an oil soluble antioxidant widely used in skin care; also an emollient.