What Vitamins Are Good For Aging Skin?

If you have aging skin, you already know that you face more skin problems now than at any other phase during your lifetime. Fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, rash and dry skin often accompany aging skin. However, if you eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins, use sun protection and get adequate sleep, you can reduce your skin problems.

Vitamin A

Retinol, the active form of vitamin A, can convert to retinoic acid, which can help build and keep skin healthy. In a 2009 study from the "British Journal of Dermatology," Dr. Rachel Watson and her team found that participants who received 6 percent of retinoic acid topical treatment had more fibrillin-1 formation in the papillary dermis -- the skin that is immediately beneath the outermost layer of the skin -- than participants who received only the 2 percent-retinoic acid topical treatment. Fibrillin-1 formation plays a role in the skin's elasticity by providing a structural support that allows the skin tissues to resume to their normal shape after experiencing a stretch or contraction. Retinoic acid, or Retin-A, is a prescription drug, and physicians generally prescribe this medication for the treatment of acne. If you wish to use Retin-A to treat aging skin, you should consult with your physician first since allergic reactions can occur. Furthermore, MedlinePlus warns that pregnant women need to avoid the use of retinoic acid, because it can cause serious birth defects.

Vitamin E

Consumption of vitamin E can benefit aging skin. This antioxidant helps protect cells by fighting off free radicals, the compounds that can destroy the cell and the DNA. You should consult with your health care provider about the amount of vitamin E you need since the amount needed varies from individual to individual. Although intake of vitamin E provides health benefits, application of it may increase the risk of skin cancer development. Several research studies have shown that irradiated-mice had an increased risk of skin cancer development after the application of alpha-tocopherol, the inactive form of vitamin E, compared to the irradiated-mice who didn't receive the topical treatment. Skincare treatments generally do not state which type of vitamin E is contained in the ingredient. It is best to avoid the skincare product when this happens or to call for clarification.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, richly found in citrus fruits, can help smooth wrinkles since it plays a role in collagen synthesis. You can harness the maximum effect of the antioxidant by attaining adequate amounts of vitamin C by consuming fruits and vegetables and applying vitamin C-based topical treatment.

Riboflavin

As people age, the skin loses its moisture and oil. As a result, the skin dries and cracks. To prevent chapping and cracking of the skin, you should consume foods rich in riboflavin, such as milk products and whole-grain foods. When skin ages, its sensitivity to sunlight increases as well, leading to the development of rashes. However, riboflavin can help reduce skin's sensitivity to light, thus decreasing the development of skin rashes.

Niacin

Aging skin needs adequate amount of niacin as this vitamin helps reduce flaky skin and rash. Significant sources of niacin come from milk, poultry, fish and whole-grain foods.