B12, or cobalamin, is one of the eight vitamins from the B complex that is involved in some of the important nerves and blood functions. Along with its role in DNA maturation, RBCs formation, and overall health optimization, B12 plays an important part in maintaining skin health and increasing collagen formation.
Vitamin B12 never really got the attention it deserves for benefiting the skin. Some of the major roles that this vitamin plays regarding this include but are not limited to:
Cobalamin can be found in diet, supplementation, or skin products.
Dietary Details: Animal foods, fortified cereals, or anything except vegetables
Supplementation: Take oral or injectable vitamin B12 supplements.
Skin Care Basket: Skin products like face wash, moisturizer, serum, etc
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the human body, from the development of red blood cells to the synthesis of DNA. One of the lesser known benefits of vitamin B12 is to maintain and improve skin health. It works wonders by reducing wrinkles and fine lines and correcting pigmentation. So the next time you decide to invest in skin care, double check if the product contains vitamin B12 or skip the idea all at once and binge on some dietary sources containing this gem. You can also consider meeting the deficiencies with vitamin B12 supplementation.
Did You Know that B12 takes the lead in dermatologists’ prescriptions as it has the ability to treat skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and hyperpigmentation? To summarize all the details of how and what vitamin B12 does for the skin, the most comprehensive sentence is: B12 is involved in cell production and maturation. Therefore, it reduces the signs of aging, treats fine lines and wrinkles, and makes skin glowy and rejuvenated. Some of the benefits of vitamin B12 for the skin are:
No matter what you are dealing with—acne scars, pimples, blemishes, or any other spot on the skin—vitamin B12 can clear it all in one go. The vitamin is involved in the regeneration of the cells which means the skin sheds the dead cells and produces the new ones immediately resulting in clear, shiny, and healthy skin.
Studies show that the deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in inflammatory conditions like rosacea, erythema, etc. This is caused by an increase in homocysteine, an enzyme directly related to inflammatory responses in the body.
When the skin gets darker and pigmented like that occurring in vitiligo, let it breathe and absorb some vitamins, particularly B12. Vitamin B12 allows the skin to produce more collagen, which is directly linked with skin lightening and brightening. Also, cell regeneration can treat hyperpigmentation and uneven dark spots.
Case Studies: Although it is a very rare case that the deficiency of vitamin B12 is the only cause leading to hyperpigmentation, research states that a 22-year-old subject was presented with weakness and hyperpigmentation, and the only cause diagnosed was the deficiency of cobalamin. Therefore it is important to rule out this when identifying the causes of dark spots on the skin or hyperpigmentation.
The youthful glow that most vitamin B12 supplement tablets advertise is very much possible. Shedding the dead skin cells and replacing them with new healthy cells is the mechanism behind this glow. Vitamin B12 shots show a quick result in cleansing the skin, removing dust, opening the clogged pores, and giving you shiny, glowy baby skin. Vitamin B12 also pumps the production of collagen, which is widely recognized for benefitting skin, hair, and nails.
The lipid membrane in the skin is directly related to the moisture balance in the skin. An important component of this lipid barrier, ceramide, is produced due to the presence of vitamin B12. Ceramide locks the moisture in, making your skin look hydrated, shiny, and fresh.
If you have absolutely dry skin with flakes and rashes, consider the treatment with vitamin B12, as it is efficient in maintaining the skin's moisture balance.
Another important benefit of vitamin B12 for the skin is its role in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and restoring elasticity. There is an emerging trend of studying B12 deficiency causing age-related effects. B12 deficiency affects the skin and brain on the cellular and organismic levels.
The metabolic abnormalities cause high levels of DNA damage and decreased blood production, resulting in symptoms like wrinkles, spots, and loose skin. B12 supplementation results in an increased blood and oxygen supply in the skin, making it look more healthy, young, and tight.
Enough of the wait! If you are looking for sources to get B12 back in optimal ranges, consider the natural/dietary sources followed by supplementation and topical application.
Animal-based foods like red meat, liver, poultry, and fish are the richest sources of B12. The amount of B12 in each food can vary, as can its bioavailability. The food is dissolved in the body, and B12 is then released and becomes available for uptake.
The increase of B12 levels naturally is directly associated with meeting the deficiencies and treating symptoms like pernicious anemia, weakness, hyperpigmentation, and general lethargy.
Note: The daily value for vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 mcg
In older adults or those suffering from diseases that affect the absorption of vitamin B12 or generally, if you have low levels, vitamin B12 supplements can work wonders. The supplementation is available in both oral and injectable form and can be used once daily or as per the doctor’s recommendation.
Fact: A survey was conducted on Reddit to test people's preference for taking vitamin B12. Most people supported the idea that along with a healthy diet, B12 supplementation is a good idea to make the risk of deficiencies directly zero.
Various skin care products are enriched with vitamin B12 or B complex vitamins to restore the skin’s lost glow and keep it hydrated and supple. Read the ingredients thoroughly before buying any skin care product from now on to look for the presence of vitamin B12.
Skin needs many vitamins and minerals, and there’s no second opinion that vitamin B12 is one of the most important ones. It has the ability to regenerate dead skin cells, increase blood production, and improve overall skin health. Whether you are suffering from severe inflammatory flushes or have a small pimple- consider taking a B12-rich diet or supplementation to treat all skin diseases. Remember to seek professional medical endorsement before taking any supplements.
