Photoaging is a process of normal skin architecture damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Topical vitamins have been used to treat these conditions. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of topical vitamins used to treat photodamaged skin. A range of topical vitamins has been used in cosmetic medicine for many years to treat photodamaged skin. This review article compares their efficacy and level of evidence. This study was a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of different topical vitamins. Keywords including “Photoaging,” “Botanicals,” “Peptides,” “Retinoids,” “Vitamins” were searched on Ovid, PubMed, MEDLINE for relevant studies published on photoaging treatment. There is a wealth of Level I evidence supporting the use of topical retinoic acid, vitamins B and C. There is evidence supporting the use of topical vitamin E although it is mainly drawn from Level IV studies of the evidence hierarchy. Topical vitamins can effectively treat photodamaged skin.
Level of Evidence: I

Keywords: ascorbic acid, niacinamide, retinoids, skin aging, tocopherols, vitamins

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