As you age, skin's collagen production declines and elastin, the material that puts the spring in your skin, is less snappy. This process shows as decreased elasticity and more wrinkles. This is a normal process affected by numerous factors such as genes, weather exposure, gravity, facial expressions and how well you take care of your skin. Certain vitamins and minerals, orally and topically, may help counteract this process to a degree, but always consult a doctor.
Vitamin A
Retinoids, such as retinol, retinoic acid or retinyl, are an active ingredient that, when applied topically, may help you regain skin elasticity, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. All of these compounds fall under the umbrella of vitamin A. Vitamin A, taken orally, helps to maintain the skin's integrity and function. The recommended dietary allowance, RDA, for an adult for vitamin A is 2,333 IU for women and 4,000 IU for men.
Vitamin C
The decline in collagen production plays a role in the reduced elasticity of your skin. Collagen forms the protein structure beneath the surface of your skin that surrounds the cells. With age, the collagen breaks down due to attack by the enzyme collagenase. As the collagen becomes fragmented and broken, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle without its underlying supportive structure. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production. It is also an effective antioxidant, to help fight free radicals that produce enzymes such as collagenase. The RDA for adults for vitamin C is 90 mg per day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E consists of eight antioxidants, however only one of those plays an important role in your body, which is the neutralizing of free radicals. Free radicals form naturally during your body's metabolic processes and from exposure to such things as pollutants, UV rays, smoke and other environmental factors. Free radicals, through an oxidation process, attack fats that are an integral part of every cell, including those of the skin. Vitamin E topically, or orally, may help reduce this damage. The RDA for vitamin E is 22.5 IU per day.
Selenium and Zinc
Investigating whether using vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients may have an effect on the skin's elasticity, 62 women were asked to use a topical preparation that contained, among other active ingredients, zinc and selenium. The women, ages 45 to 73 years, showed improved signs in skin elasticity after six weeks of use, as noted in the 2004 study in the "Journal of Dermatological Treatment." Selenium and zinc are vital parts of antioxidant enzymes. Selenium also interacts with vitamin E in a supporting capacity.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Causes of Aging Skin
- American Academy of Dermatology: 10 Tips: Selecting Age-Fighting Topicals
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamins
- University of Michigan Health System: Why Some Treatments Rescue Aging Skin
- Informa Healthcare: Supplementation with Evelle® improves skin smoothness and elasticity in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 62 women
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