There are around eight types of vitamin B, and each has its own benefits for the skin. However, only three types are commonly used in skincare. And today, ILLUME eMAG is going to tell you about one of them, particularly vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid.
What is vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin found in plant and animal food sources. This is one of the B-complex vitamins, involved in regulating many physiological processes inside the body and contributing to overall health. Your body needs vitamin B5 to:
- Maintain the function of the liver and nervous system
- Keep the digestive tract healthy
- Produce red blood cells so that the blood delivers oxygen throughout the body
- Maintain healthy skin, eyes, and hair
Vitamin B5 is commercially available as pantothenic acid, a chemical prepared in a laboratory. Pantothenic acid is widely used in hair and skincare cosmetics, as well as medicines and supplements. Provitamin B5 (or panthenol) is the alcohol form of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid.
What can vitamin B5 do for your skin
- Moisturization
Vitamin B5 is a natural humectant, known for its moisturizing and stabilizing properties on the skin barrier, increasing the skin’s ability to retain water. Vitamin B5 in skincare cosmetics is often listed under the names d-panthenol, dl-panthenol, or dexpanthenol. People with dry or rough skin should use vitamin B5 serum to moisturize.
Using vitamin B5 in cosmetics also prevents water loss that causes dry, flaky, and itchy skin and helps maintain skin’s softness and elasticity.
- De-aging
Panthenol is extracted from vitamin B5, which has the effect of soothing, softening, and exfoliating the skin. As a result, many cosmetic brands have used this nutrient to create anti-aging products. Exfoliation promotes the growth of new and younger skin cells.
Pantothenic acid, or Provitamin B5, also increases the formation of collagen, glycan, and elastin, helping to fight the signs of aging.
- anti-inflammation
Dexpanthenol has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. When applied topically, it protects the skin from erythema, or redness, from UV exposure.
One study found that dexpanthenol helped reduce skin roughness and inflammation caused by the foaming agent in cleansers and shampoos (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, – SLS). In addition, vitamin B5 can also help control skin irritation and contact dermatitis, or diaper rash, in children.
- Antioxidant
Provitamin B5 or d-panthenol helps increase glutathione production in the skin. This ingredient binds free radicals and peroxides, helping to reduce melanin formation. Thanks to that, vitamin B5 serum limits the appearance of dark spots on the face, giving users radiant, bright skin.