A number of vitamins are necessary to produce the proteins and amino acids necessary for healthy skin. If your skin is dry, cracked or red, has lesions or appears scaly, a vitamin deficiency could be to blame. By incorporating the certain vitamins into your diet, you can experience relief from common skin problems and enjoy a healthier complexion.
Zinc
Zinc is a vitamin whose deficiency is linked with dermatitis, a condition that can cause scales to appear on the skin, according to MotherNature.com. If you observe symptoms such as dry skin around the mouth, this may be a sign that you are not getting enough zinc. A number of foods contain zinc, including oysters, fortified cereal, baked beans, yogurt, almonds, milk, kidney beans, peas, cheese and oatmeal, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency is linked to a number of skin conditions, including dry skin, according to vitamins.LovetoKnow.com. If a person experiences premature wrinkling, a vitamin A deficiency could be to blame. Vitamin A is linked with the body's ability to produce collagen, which gives skin its resiliency, according to Discovery Health.
Vitamin A can be consumed in a variety of foods including carrots, egg yolks, peas, apricots, kale, spinach, summer squash and oranges. This skin-moisturizing vitamin also is added to many foods, such as cereals through a process known as fortification.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it helps to fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful items that contribute to cell damage that leads to wrinkling and dermatitis, according to MotherNature.com. Vitamin E works in concert with vitamin A to protect the skin from free radical damage and keep it healthy, according to Discovery Health. Food sources of vitamin E include corn, sunflower oil, asparagus, oats, carrots and wheat germ, according to Love to Know.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been associated with skin conditions such as eczema, which causes itchy scales to develop on the skin. This vitamin is also associated with fighting inflammation caused by insect bites and poison oak and poison ivy.
Vitamin C is found in a number of fruits, including lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges and other citrus fruits. Other foods include red peppers, broccoli, turnip greens and sweet potatoes, according to MedlinePlus.
