Washing, exfoliating and moisturizing all play a part in keeping your skin looking radiant, but for a truly beautiful complexion, consider incorporating more skin-strengthening vitamins into your lifestyle. Whether you eat foods that contain high levels of these vitamins, use creams derived from them or take daily supplement pills, your skin tone will begin to even out and become healthier in as little as a week.
Biotin
Biotin, a type of vitamin B complex, may well trump any other vitamin in importance for having and preserving beautiful skin. Biotin restores moisture and heals dry, flaky skin. Biotin also clears up blotchy areas, resulting in a more even skin tone. Foods rich in biotin include bananas, rice, oatmeal and eggs. Using a topical cream or lotion containing any derivative of vitamin B, including biotin and niacin, fosters moisturized, youthful-looking skin in as little as six days.
Vitamin A
Maintaining a satisfactory level of vitamin A in your system protects the skin and combats acne outbreaks. This antioxidant also eliminates many of the free radicals and toxins that can cause wrinkles. Most fruits and vegetables contain high levels of vitamin A or beta carotene. The topical application of creams or lotions containing the vitamin A derivatives Retin-A or retinol helps to diminish signs of aging, fight acne and offer relief from the dry, red skin of psoriasis.
Vitamin K
While vitamin K does not have a direct effect on skin, using topical treatments containing a blend of vitamins A and K can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin K also aids in the healing of bruises, which results in smoother skin tone on your entire body.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamin C shields the skin from sun damage and may inhibit the growth of cancer-causing cells. Vitamin E reduces wrinkles and enhances skin's texture. Both antioxidants protect the skin's collagen and elastin fibers by reducing the effect of free radicals. You can find plenty of vitamin C in citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers and leafy green vegetables. Good sources of vitamin E include asparagus, olives, nuts and spinach. Use lotions containing both vitamins C and E to smooth your complexion, restore lost vitamins and heal damaged skin. If you decide to take vitamin E supplements, talk to your doctor first; too much vitamin E can have harmful side effects.
