For people fortunate enough to enjoy a long life, wrinkly skin is more or less inevitable. But there are several factors that can cause wrinkles to appear earlier, including sun exposure, cigarette smoking and vitamin deficiencies. Some vitamins may help you relieve or reverse wrinkles that have already developed.
Vitamin C
A diet rich in vitamin C is important for young-looking, vibrant skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. One reason for this is the relationship between vitamin C and collagen, the fibrous protein that helps give skin and connective tissue their strength and structure. Vitamin C synthesizes collagen, according to the National Institutes of Health, and also promotes the quick healing of tissue wounds. "The New Science of Perfect Skin: Understanding Skin-Care Myths and Miracles for Radiant Skin at Any Age" by Daniel B. Yarosh states that vitamin C is only needed in small amounts to support firm skin but that it is needed constantly. Excess amounts are shed in the body's waste water rather than stored, so a steady supply of vitamin C via diet or supplements is needed to smooth out wrinkles.
Vitamin E
The National Institutes of Health says that vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge for and neutralize free radicals, which are byproducts of the body's energy-generation processes. Free radicals seek out and destroy healthy cells, including skin cells, which causes wrinkles and other age-related symptoms. According to Yarosh, vitamin E is fat-soluble, which makes it especially effective at protecting the fatty membranes of skin cells, keeping them smooth and supple. Vitamin E can also be applied topically as a skin-care solution and is a common active ingredient in skin oils and creams that are designed to repair skin damage from sun exposure, burns and other trauma that can encourage wrinkle development.
Vitamin A
The National Institutes of Health cites vitamin A as being essential to the maintenance of soft and healthy skin, and certain forms of this vitamin also have antioxidant properties. Yarosh states that vitamin A makes sure skin cells are performing all of their essential functions effectively and that it assists vitamin C in the production of collagen. Like vitamin E, it can also be taken orally or applied topically to reduce wrinkles. Vitamin A also promotes the free flow of blood cells to the skin, which delivers oxygen to skin cells and gives them a more youthful appearance.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin C
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin E
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin A
- "The New Science of Perfect Skin: Understanding Skin-Care Myths and Miracles for Radiant Skin at Any Age"; Daniel B. Yarosh; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Skin Care -- 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
