Top Four Vitamins for Healthy Skin
June 8, 2016
Skin health is affected by several nutrients. Nutrients that have been shown to benefit skin health include: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, fish oil, flavonoids, zinc and selenium. I will be discussing vitamins that can be beneficial for skin health in this blog. However, I will be addressing the other nutrients in the next few weeks, so stay posted if you are interested!
VITAMIN A: Topical applications that contain vitamin A offer noticeable changes in fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation from sun damage. The vitamin A derivative/retinoid that is most useful for this is called tretinoin. This form of vitamin A increases cell turnover, creating more new and healthy cells for smooth skin and it reduces inflammation in the skin as well. Use of topical vitamin A derivatives needs to be continued long term or the skin will revert to the way it previously looked. Vitamin A is also good for wound healing and for treatment of acne.
VITAMIN C: Vitamin C has several benefits for skin. It is the basis for the formation of skin and other tissues in the body, it is an antioxidant, and can be used to limit damage from sun and for treatment of sun damaged skin. Because it can be used to limit sun damage, it is great for wrinkle prevention. Higher intake of vitamin C has been associated with reduced risk for dry skin. Vitamin C is also good for wound healing.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is vital for healthy skin. It offers protection from the sun. However, topical vitamin E is destroyed when the skin is exposed to UV light. Because of this, it works best when paired with vitamin C in a topical formula. Vitamin E also has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is good for skin conditions as well, especially for psoriasis. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure because our skin is the site where vitamin D is activated and this process requires UVB ray exposure. It is healthy to have some sun exposure on a daily basis for this process to occur. Using sun screen regularly increases the risk for vitamin D deficiency. For more information on when to use sun screen and the healthiest types of sun screen to use, visit my blog next week on this topic.
If you would like to purchase professional quality nutrients for your skin, consider a professional quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Try “Nutrient 950” and receive 15% off this month! Place your order today!
For more information on choosing natural skin care products wisely, RSVP to this month’s WellnesSeries class which will be held on Thursday, June 16th!
I provide individualized natural health care options for the whole family and I offer a complimentary 10 minute consultation to learn more about how my services may be beneficial for you. If you would like to have your vitamin status tested or are interested in my services, please contact me. I would be happy to make individualized recommendations based on your health care needs.