If eyes are the window to the soul, then the face is its picture framing backdrop. Clear skin is unconsciously read as an indicator of internal health. Nice skin also boosts the perception of attractiveness. Properly nourishing skin with vitamins boosts not only the appearance of the skin, but its ability to protect other organs. The best source of vitamins remains real whole foods as part of a balanced diet.
Calcium
Despite dairy industry advertisement claims, dermatologist and author Dr. Neal B. Schultz explains that "Our digestive system simply can't break down dairy products and absorb their calcium so that it is of any use to our system." For that reason Dr. Schultz recommends vegetable calcium sources such as soy, salmon and broccoli because calcium is key in preventing wrinkles and loss of suppleness.
Vitamin A
Topical products usually only reach the layers of dead skin cells. Thankfully, foods rich in vitamin A are essential to new skin growth. Think beyond carrots to spinach, cantaloupe and to a lesser degree, stone fruits. The National Institutes of Health also notes vitamin A's beneficial role in cell differentiation, a process affecting not only skin production, but cancer risk.
Vitamin C
Cosmetic companies taut collagen enriching topical creams, but only medication topicals "such as cortisone-type creams, alpha hydroxy acids, and a derivative of vitamin A called retinoic acid..." affect the living layers of skin cells according to dermatologist Dr. Schultz. Instead, enrich collagen and elasticity by incorporating meals and snacks sufficient in daily vitamin C needs; namely citrus fruits, melon, berries and as with Vitamin A, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spinach.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruits and Veggies Matter-Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
- "It's Not Just About Wrinkles: A Park Avenue Dermatologist's Program for Beautiful Skin-in Just Four Minutes a Day"; Neal B. Schultz, M.D.; 2006
- National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet-Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet-Vitamin A and Carotenoids
