Vitamins are those vital nutrients that are required not just by our body but by our skin too! In the Vitamin Umbrella- The Vitamin B group consists of 8 essential nutrients that are important for the overall health of our skin and one of those is Vitamin B5 which possesses magical properties to cure numerous skin and lip concerns. It is water soluble and the best part about this Vitamin is that it is both a humectant and an emollient. It draws moisture and locks it so that it does not escape the skin.

What is Vitamin B5?

Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic Acid. The body must make renewed coenzymes, proteins, and fats. It is also labeled as Pro Vitamin B5 or Panthenol in some skin care products. Panthenol is the provitamin, or predecessor, that the body converts into vitamin B5 when it's applied to the skin.

Benefits of Vitamin B5 for Skin 

Our skin needs moisture and hydration, there is a common misconception that oily skin does not need any hydration, but it does! Just the right amount of hydration which does not add to excess oil production and Vitamin B5 does it all! It is an excellent moisturizer that does not deprive your skin of its natural moisture and the enzyme produced by Vitamin B5 reduces excess sebum production while helping in minimizing inflammation and acne.

1.Restores skin elasticity

By reviving damaged skin structure and improving tissue rejuvenation, provitamin B5 stabilizes the skin. This aids in improving the elasticity of the skin.

2. Reduces Ageing

Reduce lines and wrinkles, adds firmness to the skin, and addresses skin dullness. It also plays a significant role in rejuvenating sun-damaged skin.

3. Nourishes and Moisturizes 

B5 can bind to and hold water in the skin to help with moisturizing properties, This means that it can also help the skin retain moisture to fight dryness. It also prevents Trans Epidermal Water Loss- TEWL

4. Healthy Skin Barrier

Provitamin B5 enhances the barrier function, improves stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) hydration, enhances solid tissue regeneration, and heals the skin.

5. Reduces Acne

Provitamin B5 helps in reducing acne and minimizing inflammation. It inactivates fibroblast expansion and accelerates re-epithelialization in the skin, this aids in the reduction of acne scars as well.

Vitamin B5 for Lips 

Our Lips cannot hydrate themselves, so it becomes extra essential to get that moisturization and ensure we are not letting it stay dehydrated. Vitamin B5 has been used in a lot of lip care products like lip wash, lip balms, masks, creams, etc to quench lip thirst and help other actives in reducing lip pigmentation.

1. Provides Moisturization 

Pro Vitamin B5 or Vitamin B5 has excellent moisturizing properties that help in hydrating and nourishing our lips.

2. Prevents Lip Drying 

Vitamin B5 is both a humectant and an emollient so not only does it provides moisturization but it prevents that moisture from getting lost. It locks it in. Thereby it prevents lips from getting dry.

3. Discourages Lip Ageing 

It prevents lip lines, wrinkles, photo-aging, and other signs of aging. This helps in having plump lips that are full of life.

4. Reduces Inflammation

Vitamin B5 helps in minimizing inflammation and redness. It makes lips hydrated, rejuvenated, and accelerates cell turnover.

5. Heals Lip Barrier 

It heals lips and makes the lip barrier strong. It boosts new cell regeneration thereby helping in boosting lip collagen production.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B5:

Several food items contain at least some pantothenic acid, but the highest amounts are present in Beef liver, Mushrooms, Sunflower seeds, Chicken, Tuna, Avocados, and Fortified Breakfast cereals.

Vitamin B5 Supplements:

If you can fulfill your daily dietary requirements through your food you are all good to go but if you are unable to meet them, you can try supplements along with your skin and lip care products for effective results. Vitamin B5 is water soluble and is passed in the urine. Our bodies do not store it hence we need to consume it in a sufficient amount!

Things to Remember:

• It is completely safe for pregnant women- just keep in mind the concentration of Vitamin B5 in your topical product or an oral supplement is within the prescribed amount.
• It mostly goes well with all the activities when it comes to layering.
• Always do a patch test before applying any product wholesomely to check for any allergies.
• It is best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements and especially if you have an existing health problem.

Conclusion 

Vitamin B5 is a super effective moisturizing agent which has numerous health benefits ranging from increased cell turnover to healthy and plump skin. You can incorporate it into your skin as well as your lip care regimen to get a healthy barrier with wrinkle and pigmentation-free skin.