Vitamins for the Skin

Vitamins for the Skin
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While there may not be a vitamin supplement specifically geared toward skin health, there are actually several vitamins that provide an array of skin-health benefits. While consuming these vitamins as part of a healthy diet is best, you can also look for skin moisturizers and other products that contain these vitamins.

Vitamin A

As a key ingredient in Retin-A, vitamin A has been proven to help smooth wrinkles and boost the body's ability to produce collagen, a group of proteins that is important to skin health. Derivatives of vitamin A, called retinoids, can help keep skin looking youthful. There are several types of retinoids that are found in prescription and over-the-counter skin products, but you should ask a dermatologist which kind might be best for you.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is most closely associated with boosting the immune system, but it's also known as an anti-inflammatory vitamin that can help reduce free radical damage to skin. Like vitamin A, vitamin C can also help boost collagen production. Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also a powerful anti-oxidant that helps prevent wrinkles and scarring. The form of vitamin E known as dl-alpha-tocopherol is considered the most effective, so look for that version in skin products. Experts also recommend using products with vitamin E at night, as sunlight can limit their effectiveness.

References

Article reviewed by AKanjuka Last updated on: May 28, 2010

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