Many things can cause damage to the skin, including acne, blemishes, the sun and even the normal aging process. Vitamins can help the skin maintain its moisture balance, heal, diminish wrinkles, as well as decrease acne and scarring and offset damage resulting from sun exposure. Get vitamins from a well rounded diet to help ensure your body is getting all it needs to repair the skin and keep it healthy.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for skin repair and maintenance, which is why it is beneficial in the promotion of clear skin and the healing of blemishes, if and when they do occur. Additionally, adequate vitamin A levels have been shown to not only prevent acne, but reduce wrinkles and dry skin as well, notes Discovery Health. Vitamin A also balances the production of excess skin cells and helps to keeps pores clear. Vitamin A is abundant in foods like carrots, mango, broccoli, butternut squash, tomato, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and liver.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin A and the anti-inflammatory mineral, selenium, notes Care Fair. Vitamin E helps keep the skin smooth and also may prevent wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. Vitamin E may also help to combat the effects of skin damage caused by sun exposure. In food, vitamin E can be found in polyunsaturated plant oils, like soybean and canola oil, wheat germ, avocado, cod, sunflower seeds, tofu, sweet potatoes and shrimp.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is known for bolstering the immune system. It helps reduce the effects of sun damage and promotes skin repair. Vitamin C also helps to stabilize sebum levels, which helps to promotes acne and blemish-free skin, notes Care Fair. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production and collagen is a key component of the skin. Vitamin C is found in many foods, including peppers, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, mango, grapefruits, strawberries and oranges.
Vitamin B
The B vitamins support the body in many ways. Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, may help eliminate acne. Vitamin B2, riboflavin and vitamin B3, niacin, play important roles in tissue repair and healthy skin, according to Health Check Systems. Biotin, another B vitamin, is used in the formation of skin, nail and hair cells and insufficient biotin can contribute to dermatitis and itchy skin. B vitamins are found in spinach, green peas, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, meat, poultry and sea food.
