Here Are the Best Vitamins for Dry Skin (and Our Fave Products)

Updated:

2 Feb 2023

I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is in fine arts. My current role is in digital content production as an SEO Coordinator. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.

When the season starts to turn, so can the condition of your skin. To help combat dry, flaky skin, you could up your vitamin intake.

Not sure which vitamins you should be looking for? We’ve done the research and found the top 4 vitamins for dry skin that will help.

So keep scrolling to find out what vitamins to take for dry skin (plus the answers to your most asked questions about skin vitamins for dry skin).

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum_woman applying serum to her face with glass dropper_1080x820

Can vitamin deficiency cause dry skin?

Ah, the sweet, sweet sunshine. How we adore you! Although you’re a menace to the outer layers of our skin, you’re actually very good for our (a) mental health and (b) Vitamin D production.

Without enough Vitamin D, you could start seeing dry skin and flaky patches.

Many experts believe that with a seasonal Vitamin D deficiency, dry skin and hair issues will arise. Your natural skin barrier has to put up with a lot and Vitamin D helps to maintain the skin’s immune system.

Also, some research suggests that low levels of the big D can lead to psoriasis, eczema, and other skin complaints.

Simply put, dry skin and Vitamin D make a perfect pair. Combine your healthy protein shake with a nourishing Vitamin D cream or two (applied topically, of course!), and your skin should soon get back to its sunny best.

1. Get that Vit D in

To combat any dry skin vitamin deficiency issue, a supplement for sensitive skin and some Vitamin D-laden products could help.

Got flaky patches and lacklustre skin? You’ll love this botanical facial oil.

Made with organic ingredients and a whole lotta care, this face oil is a great dry skin vitamin mineral deficiency helper. A bougie little product, this enriching face oil blends 13 adaptogenic and essential oils to help dull skin get back to a glowy state. Perfect for dry skin that feels tight and uncomfortable, My Tribe Type Wild + Free Adaptogenic Face Oil contains Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which contains high levels of Vitamins A, D, E, and K. In addition to D, Vitamin E is a super vitamin to look for if dry skin is your nemesis. Coconut Oil contains antioxidants, more Vitamin E, Provitamin A, Ferulic Acid, and Lauric Acid. Organic Frankincense helps your skin age comfortably. And Organic Holy Basil soothes any irritation.

Oh, and still not sure what the hell an adaptogen is? Essentially, adaptogens are an assortment of special mushrooms, herbs, and berries that help your mind, body, and soul feel a bit more … sorted.

Extra nutritional support from within

This well-rounded formula improves skin health AND helps you maintain a healthy weight. A cruelty-free, certified organic, and vegan protein powder containing Hemp to offer you additional nutritional value. Designed to help you work towards a healthy lifestyle, this supplement can stop you from heading towards the sugary snacks. With a blend of superfood ingredients and a dose of Vitamin D, this mix offers the nutritional support your body and skin are craving. The Beauty Chef Body Inner Beauty Powder with Hemp has been formulated with Shiitake Mushroom and Fermented Hemp for additional Vitamin D support. Superfood Greens help cleanse, alkalise, detoxify, and support your gut. Add a scoop of this powder to a glass of milk (nut, oat … your choice), give it a stir, and drink! The Vanilla flavour is pretty damn tasty too.

Which vitamin deficiency causes dry skin?

We’ve covered the Vitamin D deal. But what other vitamins might you be lacking if you’re looking at dry skin?

From a considered evening routine to more mindful eating, just a few simple changes can revamp the look of your dry skin. Did you know a dry skin vitamin deficiency could be caused by a lack of good ol’ Vitamin C? Not just something you find in your morning orange juice, Vitamin C is a powerful skin-protector and essential antioxidant.

Is Vitamin C good for dry skin? Yep, it’s actually great for skin that’s generally lacking in moisture. Also known as Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C is essential for efficient collagen production.

When you up your Vitamin C intake, your dry, thin, and delicate skin could soon start to look healthier.

A daily Collagen supplement can also help your skin stay plump and supple. Combine your Collagen supplement with the best supplements for skin moisture (which usually contain a healthy dose of Vitamin C), and your skin will begin to look healthier.

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum

2. Seek out some Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps reduce moisture loss to improve skin hydration. Mix up your dry skin routine to include some Vit C, and you could enjoy some impressive results.

Try a Vitamin C serum for dry skin.

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum 30ml

$86.00

4.4 of 206 reviews

Made with 100% stable Vitamin C, this potent and highly effective serum makes your complexion look a little bit brighter. Cruelty-free and vegan, this skin-loving blend helps fight free radical damage for better skin health. Great for all skin types, this formula stimulates your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production for an overall smoother and firmer look. Known and loved for its skin-brightening qualities, this Vitamin C serum lifts your look so you appear youthful and vibrant—even on your sleepiest day. The hydrating properties of Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum nourish the skin, so your dry patches diminish and your complexion looks more even. Use in the morning, after cleansing your skin. Apply about 4 drops across your face, neck, and chest. Let the serum sink into your skin before applying moisturiser. Use the serum consistently for noticeable results.

A clever yet affordable Vitamin C toner.

Designed to enhance the skin’s luminosity and promote collagen production, a sweep or two of this formula protects your skin from skin-damaging daily pollutants. A blend of Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, and potent botanicals, this toner sweeps away dull skin to improve the overall look of your complexion. Alcohol-free Pixi Vitamin-C Tonic is gentle enough for daily use and won’t aggravate any dry patches. The Probiotics in the blend strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and rebalance any unevenness. Antioxidant Vitamin C helps tired, grey-looking skin look more vibrant. Willow Bark works with Citrus Fruit to lightly exfoliate the skin. Ferulic Acid is a potent antioxidant that helps repair and protect your delicate, dry skin from any environmental damage.

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What vitamin to take for dry skin?

We’ve done the D and seen the C. But to continue helping dry skin, you’ll want to keep going back through the alphabet until you meet Vitamin B.

Did you know there are actually eight vitamins that fall under the umbrella of ‘Vitamin B’?

Helping your body function properly, Vitamin B benefits your skin, hair, muscles, and overall wellness.

A Vitamin B deficiency could be one of the reasons why you’re suffering from dry skin. Making your skin more sensitive to sunlight, a lack of Vitamin B in your diet and daily routine also might cause acne, redness, cracked lips, dry patches, and more.

More often than not, a B12 deficiency dry skin goes hand in hand. It’s an essential nutrient that your body can’t make on its own, so you can help resolve B12 dry skin issues by boosting your diet. Oily fish, tuna, eggs, nutritional yeast, salmon, and dairy products could all help you negate a Vitamin B deficiency and dry skin.

Alpha-H Vitamin B_1080x900

3. It’s all about that Vitamin B

Adding a Vitamin B product into your skincare routine will help balance your dry skin and give it that nourished, youthful look you crave.

A powerful little anti-ageing serum.

Alpha-H Vitamin B comforts, hydrates, and plumps your skin, taking on the negative effects of environmental aggressors. This Australian-made B vitamin serum helps enhance the skin’s natural barrier as it promotes supple skin and a firmer appearance. Plus it's cruelty-free and vegan too. Niacinamide and Copper Tripeptides help reduce the look of fine lines and clarify the overall look of your skin. The Tripeptides combine Copper with Amino Acids to give tired skin a more energised appearance. Chia Seed Extracts are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help increase your skin’s moisture levels. The high levels of antioxidant Tocopherols keep the skin hydrated and protected. Apply a couple of drops each morning to a cleansed face, neck, and chest. Follow up with your favourite moisturiser.

Mukti Organics Vitamin Booster Vital B Elixir 30ml

A gentle vitamin B serum for dry skin.

Mukti Organics Vitamin Booster Vital B Elixir 30ml

$120.00

4.8 of 16 reviews

A super-nourishing serum that works well on all skin types, and especially benefits dehydrated skin. Plumping the skin without drying it out, this serum is suitable for anyone of any age. Made with bioactive native Australian Extracts, Mukti products feature a blend of impressive indigenous superfoods. The Niacinamide (B3) in this particular formula helps support the skin’s natural barrier and hydration levels. Hyaluronic Acid binds hydration to the skin to helps plump any fine lines. Panthenol (B5) helps condition and hydrate any irritated patches you might have. Cucumber Extract targets inflammation. And Kakadu Plum, Mountain Pepper Berry, and Native Pomegranate helps balance and defend the skin.

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Will Vitamin E help dry skin?

Alongside your Vitamin B, C, and D, you need to get your Vitamin E on in order to keep your skin in the best condition.

Topical skin products that contain Vitamin E can soothe dry, ageing skin, making it look healthier and better nourished.

An essential nutrient that helps the skin thrive, Vitamin E is a good match for dry skin.

A soothing vitamin that has anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin E may reduce the signs of sun damage. If you want to up the Vitamin E in your diet, you could add some broccoli, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables to your plate.

Vitamin E is one nutrient that absorbs quickly into your skin when applied topically. A great anti-ageing ingredient, Vitamin E can make your skin look healthier when you apply products that include it.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser_cleanser poured onto fingers tips from white tube bottle_1080x900

4. Time to try some Vitamin E

Want to try a formula with Vitamin E but don’t know where to start? Give one of these a try to see how you get on.

A gentle yet very effective moisturiser.

Lanolips Lano Face Base Day Cream

$26.00

4.5 of 26 reviews

Gentle, Australian-made Lanolips Lano Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream is effective on all skin types. Especially comforting to sensitive, dry, and dehydrated complexions, this nourishing moisturiser sinks in quickly. Though it’s got the word ‘day’ in its name, the hydrating formula can be applied at night too. Made with minimal ingredients and no mineral oil, this cream has a lightweight, velvety-soft texture that feels delicious on dry skin. You can easily wear Face Base under your sunscreen without worrying about breakouts. Lanolips Lano Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream contains—you guessed it—Vitamin E to help keep the skin safe from daily pollutants. This mild blend has been made with 98.4% natural ingredients and no artificial fragrances, parabens, or sulphates. Apply the moisturiser to clean, dry skin (after toners and serums) to soothe, soften, and protect your complexion.

Help maintain your skin’s moisture levels with this face cleanser.

Perfect for all skin types, especially dry skin, this face wash contains a gentle Glucoside foaming agent. This Squalane cleanser removes makeup and daily grime without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The hydrating, nourishing, foaming formula also features Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E, and Avocado Oil, which work with the other ingredients to wash away impurities. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser has been a cult favourite of consumers and skincare experts across the globe since the 1970s. For best results, apply a small amount of cleanser to your clean fingertips and gently massage into damp skin with circular motions. Rinse off thoroughly, pat dry, and then top with your favourite moisturiser.

Find more of the best products and tips for dry skin in these helpful articles...

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