"Sun damage (Fine lines and wrinkles arise because of irregular thickening of the dermis and because of a decrease in the amount of water held by the epidermis. caused mainly by sun damage.) ." - ....Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC is Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology
Welcome to the ultimate skin nutrition resource. Here we provide you with up to date information on taking care of your skin, from the very best dermatological experts around the world.
It is now understood that feeding your skin from inside to out with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients as well as creams and lotions, will give you the best chance of having young and radiant looking skin.
nutrition good for the skin
Vitamins C & E - Through trials, these two vitamins are thought to be the most important in preventing skin damage from the sun and thus keeping youthful looks. Free radicals shred collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing signs of aging like wrinkles. Sunlight, Pollution and smoke all cause free radicals which damage the skin, but are reduced by these two vitamins. They are both high in anti-oxidants that combat toxins absorbed in everyday living. Importantly scientists have discovered that to much intake of vitamin E can have a detrimental effect on the body so it is best to stay within the recommended 400 units a day. Click here for a reliable and trusted source of both vitamins
Vitamin A - A diet lacking in vitamin A will produce skin that is rough and dry. Good maintenance of skin is understood to be helped by vitamin A and it will also help to repair damaged skin tissue. As with most vitamins you will find plenty of vitamin A in a vast array of fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peaches and spinach.
Selenium - A highly recommended mineral for the prevention of skin cancer, found in latest scientific research, which can be taken in the form of a cream or can be found in foods such as, eggs and seafood's. it is found in many sun care products to reduce the chances of burning and to help keep the skin retain water while in the sun.
Biotin - This nutrient found in B vitamin complex is highly recommended as not only does skin hair and nail cells develop from this nutrient, it also ensures that you will have less chance of getting dermatitis, that is often frequent in work industries like engineering and building, You can find biotin in foods such as kidney and eggs.
Hyaluronic Acid -This nutrient is believed to play a part in keeping the skin looking smooth and therefore young and healthy looking. Its function is to hold the skin cells together and is key in holding water, keeping the skin moist.
Copper - This mineral is important in developing the fibres in skin called elastin that control skin structure. There has been caution to how dangerous it is taken as a supplement but in trials has proven to improve skin appearance by topical appliance.
Zinc - Believed by many top dermatologists to be key in fighting acne, this mineral helps control oil production that scientists believe is the main cause of spots. you can find the zinc mineral in foods like crab, eggs and bran wheat. Adults should be trying to get 12-16 milligrams of zinc in their diet each day.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Recent research has hailed this supplement as the new wonder in skin care. It is not only more effective than any vitamin as an anti-oxidant, helping the skin fight off free radicals, it also helps other vitamins rebuild skin cells more effectively after damage. It is recommended to use this as a supplement and as a cream for a greater effect.
Essential Fatty Acids - When the body produces sebum oil for the skin, without a good balance of essential fatty acids the natural oil formed can be unkind to the skin causing problems like blackheads. It is thought that if you take a balance of omega 3 in foods like leafy green vegetables and nuts, and omega 6 in cooking oils and margarine.
Water- Drinking two liters of water a day can be good for your skin in the cells that lie beneath the outer layer, but the latest research shows that adding water to the outer layer can evaporate and take away natural oils that keep the skin looking healthy. So the more you come into contact with water the drier the skin will get. Moisturizers that help keep a balance in the skin and fight off free radicals with there anti-oxidant powers are the most effective topical application for skin care
Conclusion
You can use these nutrients to your advantage in whatever your skin problems are in a balanced diet of fruit vegetables, meats and carbohydrates. Certain skin problems like acne can arise from deficiencies in one of the nutrients like zinc for example. Taking supplements can help with this as well as topical applications in creams and lotions which we discuss in the best lotions section. Keeping away from free radicals like the sun pollution and smoke will also help towards keeping your skin at its best but that is not always possible in today's society so sticking to a good regime of skin care in good nutrition is more important than ever, Some research has shown that some sun can help in the fight against more common cancers so eating and applying good topical lotions is the best option, rather than hiding away.
You can now join our forum to discuss with other visitors your problems and success with skin care. You can help others with your tips and they can share theirs so that you all benefit from each others input. Sign up in the logo link below
