Up till now there is no evidence that the topical application of nutrients and antioxidants -containing cosmetics are substitute for taking these nutrients and antioxidants internally …taking into consideration that the first layer (epidermis) does not contain blood vessels and skin nourishments come from the underlying layer (dermis) that is enriched with blood vessels and taking into consideration that many of the nutrients and vitamins due to their molecular weight and ability to oxidize easily cannot reach the lowermost layer of the skin where synthesis of proteins (dermis) and differentiation of keratinocytes start (lowermost layer of epidermis). So the topical application of nutrients-containing cosmetics cannot be a substitute or alternative to internal ones however if they are well manufactured and well protected from oxidation by adding antioxidants to the cream and also manufactured in a line under nitrogen where oxygen cannot destroy the nutrients in addition to packaging in special pump-container then the nutrients and vitamins and antioxidants may boost skin nutritional and antioxidants status especially for people who are exposed continuously to free radicals such as heavy smokers. However those well manufactured cosmetics are expensive and the price cannot justify the questionable efficacy. In conclusion, there is no good, objective, scientific evidence that supplying the skin with these nutrients containing cosmetics will make skin healthier and serve as alternative for the one taking with food and nutrients supplements (i.e. capsules). Of course this will not stop manufacturer and creative copywriters from implying that it will .

So my advice as a skin pharmaceutics expert is to take care of your diet and nourish your skin internally (the natural way).

Though I agree that internal nutritional state of a person is reflected on his/her skin and to have a healthy skin one should concentrate on dietary habits but some of the important vitamins and minerals are also absorbed topically.

Vitamin C, is very essential for development and synthesis of collagen fibers is absorbed through skin and therefore is the constituent of many cosmetic products. Vitamin D is also absorbed and hence, in cases of osteoporosis patients are advised to be in the sunlight between 7-9 AM.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Naturally occurring vitamin E is not a single compound; instead, vitamin E is a group of molecules with related structures, some of which may have unique properties in skin. Vitamin E is also found as vitamin E conjugates that increase stability but require cellular metabolism for activation. Vitamin E is normally provided to the skin through the sebum. Topical application can also supply the skin with vitamin E and may provide specific vitamin E forms that are not available from the diet. As an antioxidant, vitamin E primarily reacts with reactive oxygen species. In addition, vitamin E can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light. Thus, it plays important roles in photoprotection, preventing UV-inducedfree radical damage to skin. Vitamin E may also have related anti-inflammatoryroles in the skin. Other roles of vitamin E in the skin are poorly understood because research is limited. This article discusses the roles of vitamin E in the skin and summarizes the current knowledge about vitamin E in skin health.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/skin/vitaminE/

I think topical applications of vitamins and micronutrients can be reasonable alternatives to oral supplementation for skin health to a small extent, but it may be significant.  Topical ascorbic acid enhances the acidic pH of skin, besides collagen synthesis for firmer skin, as what Kusum has mentioned.  The base in which the nutrients are placed provides a protective barrier to the harsh drying environment.  Vitamin D is the one that's manufactured when sunlight falls on skin, but some people interfere with this because they prefer to be fair.  (But the major route is via the digestive and circulatory systems.)

I think by using NDDS LIKE Transferosomes and Ethosome are suitable for topical administrations

I agree to the point that topical applications for skincare can work as partial substitutes to nutrients consumed internally. However, it is only effective when the internal system is up and running smoothly. Applying a whole jar of high-potency Vitamin C and Retinols may not do much if our diet contradicts this, with inadequate vitamins and minerals and an overdose of sugary or fried food. When dietary components are in place, topical applications can certainly enhance skin condition.

The other question is about absorption. For instance, topical collagen may help with holding in moisture and thus making skin appear smoother, but it gets washed out in the shower. There is doubt regarding adequate integration of topical collagen into the skin matrix, which is why many cosmetic companies use a variety of partially hydrolyzed collagen where it is cropped into much smaller particles to enhance absorption. 

The ideal route to skin care and maintenance, works optimally when skin is cared for inside out.

Unique among organs, the skin may be directly affected by the use of topical applications. The epidermal layers of the skin do not contain blood vessels that supply the cells with nutrients; blood vessels are found only in the dermis. Therefore, the outer layers of the epidermis are provided with less nutritional support than the underlying cells. Dietary interventions to affect skin health may be slow in effect. Topical application, though is not alternative to dietary intake of vitamin and micronutrients; however can complement dietary consumption, leading to a stronger, healthier protective barrier for the body.

Since epidermis does not contain blood vessels, the nutrition of the lower layer of the epidermis can just be managed by diffusion. For me I see some problems to maintain diffusion through the topic horny layer and would prefer the diffusion out from the dermis. Can some one help me?

Dear Hanno, The blood vessels in the dermis help in thermoregulation of the body by constricting or dilating to conserve or release heat. They also aid in immune function and provide oxygen and nutrients to the lower layers of the epidermis. These blood vessels do not extend into the epidermis. Nourishment that diffuses into the epidermis only reaches the very bottom layers. The cells in the upper layers of the epidermis are almost dead because they do not receive oxygen and nutrients.

Thanks, dear Yogesh,

thats exactly my knowledge and the reason for my provoking question. I know that people with very dry horny cells, that means without satisfying tallow, use fatty creames to avoid the dry scaling. But here is end with regeneration from the upper skin layer and the next contact with water or clothes removes this softening substances.

Intakes of vitamins and micronutrients to fight against diseases of the skin can be made only through diet or certain supplements by mouth. I lived the experience of my son who had acne. With nutritional intake established by a nutritionist and a complement of vitamin complex and trace elements, her acne has disappeared. It is internally or ingestion that can provide vitamins and micronutrients

Proper use of nutritional supplements such as vitamins in the diet is important. Here is a brief explanation will be given about the best time to take vitamin supplements.

2 - Vitamin B complex, vitamins are best taken in the morning.

3 - folic acid supplement if you supplement with folic acid-containing food such as spinach, broccoli, green cabbage, lettuce, citrus fruits, legumes and whole grains you eat, your body will increase its absorption. It is advisable to take about half an hour before bedtime. Do not indulge in folic acid intake because excessive intake of folic acid can lead to some forms of cancer.

4 - Vitamin B12: If supplemental oral (sublingual) B12 consume it with the last meal (dinner) is. Otherwise, eat breakfast or lunch this vitamin.

5 - Vitamin C: Vitamin C If you supplement with drinks or beverages and foods containing vitamin A and vitamin E intake, the body absorbs more and done better. If you've used vitamin C, to prevent the disposal of the body, about 2 hours from tea, coffee and espresso to avoid. Meanwhile, housing, drugs, steroids, oral contraceptives and antidepressants can cause impaired absorption of vitamin C are. The best vitamin C for about one hour before a meal, eat. Vitamin C supplements should not be used more than it increases the level of vitamin D in the body, causing diarrhea and increases the secretion of digestive juices.

6 - vitamins E, D, A, K: The best time to use these vitamins in combination with one of the main meals (lunch or dinner) because there is some fat in the diet to absorb essential. Overuse of these short-term and long-term effects of vitamin enormous.

Dear Fadel & Saeed- You are right regular intake of vitamin and micronutrients can be more beneficial of skin health as compared to topical applications.  

Absolutely!

Period!

So our skin is the largest and the only "authority" outside of that little dbany. August exfoliates and rebuilds again, but without your outdoor screens in the form of creams or tonics fortified with supplements of vitamins and other nutrients it really loses its firmness and elasticity. Not without significance are substances used internally to fulfill its role, it may not always as we would like but still. Many preparations used as a matter of fact it is not known how the department, or at the wrong cause, because none of us skin appearance is not observed under a microscope to daily observation. Or maybe you would have. Many creams are myths that continue his story for years. Topical application of vitamin only partially can improve its properties, and health. Much more active substances administered externally, and here I see the use of nanocapsules that "remote control" can succeed.

 Not my field of expertise, but very interesting discussion. 

as you said skin ointments are being used from times immemorial but the creams that are being promoted for whitening of skin,pigmentation some of them have rather harmful allergic eggects or cause dermabrasion and in hirsutism a cream is used which doesnot work to prevent the hirsutism and ultimately unless primary problen of high testoosterone is taken car of and unless primary laser etc is done the hair roots which have already come refuse to ebb and only purpose of medicl treatment is to stall the hormonal process which lead to the initial increased dermal papilaae etc

I am waiting for such breakthroughs in scientific research because our skins play quintessential and indispensable roles in our lives

It seems reasonable that topical application of vitamins and micronutrients to skin would prove much more effective in furnishing skin the vitamins and other substances necessary to its health.

Intersetign question Yogesh.

As per my knowledge and observation if come to certain diseases rather than taking orally applying directly on skin shows good and immediate affect. Health wise also rather than taking orally direct application on skin is preferred. Simple e.g. during winter season skin become dry, taking orally affect might be certainly there (slow and study wins the race) but better and safe even if you give the supplementation directly.

how do topical hormonal patches work, if not absorbed through skin?