As you get older, skin tends to sag due to sun, smoke, stress and environmental pollutants. To keep your skin looking young and fresh, you need a variety of different vitamins. Vitamins A, B, C and E perform a multitude of functions to keep your skin smooth and healthy. Most can be obtained through supplements, creams and food sources. Check with your doctor or dermatologist for proper dosing before using vitamin supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for the development and maintenance of skin tissues. Its antioxidant properties helps repair damaged skin, including lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars. A deficiency may result in skin disorders such as acne and boils. Vitamin A is found in many creams and lotions as well as in supplement form. Milk, carrots, lemons, egg yolk and liver are all rich sources of Vitamin A.
B-Complex Vitamins
There are eight types of B vitamins and they are all useful for promoting younger looking skin. They improve firmness and skin tone and help to prevent acne. B vitamins are found in supplement form and in a variety of food sources. Bananas, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, salmon and peanut butter are rich with B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential because it helps produce collagen and elastin fibers. These two components keep skin tissues tight and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Many cleansers, creams and lotions have vitamin C in them and it is available as a dietary supplement. Apples, grapefruit, strawberries, artichokes, cabbage, potatoes and radishes are full of vitamin C.
Vitamin E
According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin E is a rich antioxidant that fights free radical damage to the cells. Environmental pollutants, stress, sun and cigarette smoke are perpetrators of free radical production and they cause skin to sag. Many topical skin products contain vitamin E and it is also available in supplement form. Food sources of vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower oil, spinach and kiwi.
