Collagen is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of skin and keeping it supple and taut. Early aging, damage due to the sun, age spots and general weakening of skin may be due to a lack of collagen in the body. Collagen is also responsible for skin repair and restoring of the skin after acne or injury. Vitamins can help restore and maintain collagen necessary for youthful-looking skin. Consult your doctor before adding any supplemental vitamins to your diet.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. It's an important tool in providing the body with nutrients that are required for the production of collagen. Vitamin E protects the skin from two factors that can cause collagen breakdown: sun damage and free radicals. It has been used as a skin tonic for ages because it helps the skin by lessening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and enhancing the suppleness and smoothness of the skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, healthy sources of vitamin E include olives, nuts, seeds, asparagus, corn, spinach, vegetable oils and wheat germ.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the effective production of collagen. It acts as an excellent antioxidant, and it regularly strengthens the body's ability to produce collagen and manage protein effectively. It's not possible for collagen to metabolize properly without the required amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C delivers hydrogen and oxygen to amino acids, which are essential for the production of collagen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, collagen is essential to make cartilage, skin, ligaments, blood vessels and tendons. Rich sources include kiwi, broccoli, oranges, red peppers, strawberries, papaya, mango and grapefruit.
Vitamin A
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when vitamin A is applied topically it reaches the dermis, the layer of skin made up of collagen fibers. Derivatives of vitamin A, such as Retin-A, may improve skin tone as well as elasticity, and help remove dry skin. Vitamin A helps maintain a youthful glow and firmer-looking skin. Excellent food sources include carrots, milk, meat, cod, cheese, eggs and liver.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Understanding the Ingredients in Skin Care Products
- Archives of Dermatology: Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin with Vitamin A (Retinol)
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin A
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- PubMed: Antioxidant vitamins increase the collagen content and reduce MMP-1 in a porcine model of atherosclerosis; implications for plaque stabilization.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E-sources
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