Speaking of skin care, vitamins and good nutrition can be just as beneficial as a good skin care treatment. Vitamins are important in keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. They can also help prevent and treat any problematic areas and skin disorders. A bad diet that is lacking in vitamins can make your skin blotchy and lifeless. When looking at your overall skin care, pay attention to your diet and ensure it includes the right vitamins and minerals good for skin care.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps strengthen your skin and repair tissues. It can be taken in foods, as a supplement or as a topical cream. Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in wrinkles, good acne control and some psoriasis relief result from using creams containing this nutrient.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to your skin. It is a good choice when your skin is suffering some damage from the sun or other factors. Vitamin E can also help reduce wrinkles and make your skin look and feel smoother. But be aware that some recent research warns that large doses of vitamin E can be harmful.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin. There is some evidence to suggest it may rejuvenate your skin. Vitamin C will also help your immune system fight off illnesses. Make sure your diet includes plenty of foods rich in vitamin C. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy. It is also effective in relieving stress, so it may prevent some of the skin problems (like eczema) that might be caused by stress. There are a number of different vitamins in the vitamin B group. Creams containing vitamin B can give your skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing overall skin tone at the same time.
Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant that helps rid the body of toxins and assists circulation.
Vitamin B2 helps keep your skin healthy and prevent acne.
Vitamin B3 improves circulation.
Vitamin B5 helps reduce stress.
Vitamin B6 helps keep your immune system healthy.
Selenium
Scientists believe that selenium plays a key role in skin cancer prevention. Creams containing selenium can protect your skin from sun damage. If you do spend any time in the sun, selenium can reduce your chance of burning and lower your risk of skin cancer. The best dietary sources of selenium include whole-grain cereals, seafood, garlic, and eggs.
Copper
Together with vitamin C and zinc, copper helps develop elastin, a kind of fiber that supports skin structure from underneath. According to some study results, topical applications of copper-rich creams can firm the skin and help restore some elasticity.
Zinc
Zinc helps with the skin's natural healing process. It is good in preventing the over-production of sebum, which will also help clear up acne. In fact, sometimes acne itself is a symptom of a zinc deficiency. Taken internally or used topically, zinc works to clear your skin by taming oil production and may be effective in controlling the formation of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to clear sooner. Food sources of zinc include oysters, lean meat, and poultry.
