When the body lacks nutrients, the skin will turn sallow, dry, wrinkled and become prone to blemishes, irritation and infections. No amount of make-up will be able to cover these flaws effectively.
So the best approach is to pack the body and skin with loads of vitamins and minerals from natural food sources as well as health supplements. Here is the list of must-have supplements for skin.
Vitamin A
The lack of vitamin A in the body can cause skin to become dry and brittle. But if there is sufficient vitamin A, the body will be able to combat free radicals, restore dry skin and repair damage, giving the skin a younger and healthier look. Look for healthy skin products containing retinol palmitate and retinol acetate.
Vitamin B
Insufficient vitamin B can cause dry skin, itchiness and even hair loss. Nails will be affected too. With vitamin B, these problems can be eliminated. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing itchiness and irritation.
Vitamin C
Touted as the king of vitamins, vitamin C helps skin by boosting the immune system and improving circulation to the scalp and skin, resulting in healthier hair, skin and nails. It also helps repair tissue damage effectively.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps counter the harmful effects of ultra-violet rays from the sun, especially when used together with vitamin C. A study done by the American Academy of Dermatology found that the consumption of 400 units of vitamin E daily reduced the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Vitamins A and E have also been found to reduce basal cell carcinoma by as much as 70%. Combining these powerful antioxidant vitamins give better result than using only one vitamin at a time.
Selenium
This mineral helps protect skin from sun damage, effectively preventing skin cancer. Creams containing selenium can also be used to reduce the chances of sunburn for those spending long hours in the sun.
Zinc
Zinc contains properties that are beneficial to skin as well. It repairs and maintains cells, heals damaged skin and controls excessive oil production, clearing acne. Skin products containing zinc can also serve as a non-toxic sunblock.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent skin aging. It is unique because it can penetrate both oil and water, affecting skin cells from both the inside and outside of the body. Most antioxidants can only do either one of these functions.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid keep the skin hydrated and clear. Without these essential fatty acids, dryness, skin irritation, whiteheads and blackheads will become regular features on the skin. Providing the body and skin generously with essential fatty acids can sooth inflamed skin and help prevent premature skin aging.
Healthy skin can be maintained easily with the right vitamins for skin. Vitamins A, B, C and E are all extremely skin-friendly. So are zinc and essential fatty acids. These health supplements are easily available. And when looking for healthy skin products or creams, read the label to see if they include these vitamins and minerals.
Those who find this article useful may also like to read Reducing Cellulite through Diet, Benefits of Using Mineral Make-up and Non-invasive Anti-aging Treatments.
References:
- WebMD Medical References – Skin Nutrition
- Shonagh Walker. “A-list Vitamins for Glowing Skin” in Good Health and Medicine magazine. Sydney: ACP Magazine, May 2008.
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