Vitamin Supplements for Healthy Skin

Vitamin Supplements for Healthy Skin
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Healthy skin typically generates from the inside out, depending strongly on what you do or do not include in your diet and vitamin supplement program. Numerous supplements are highly beneficial to your skin and can allow your glowing and clear skin to shine through. Signs that you might need to incorporate some healthy skin supplements include acne, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. How much you need to take of any supplement, and which combination of skin-related supplements you need, depends on various factors, including your overall health needs and current state of your skin. Ideally, consult a nutritionally oriented health practitioner for guidance on the skin supplement program that is best for your individual needs.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the key supplements for skin health. It can help with conditions like eczema. You can take the supplement by mouth or use a straight pin to break open a gel capsule containing vitamin E so that you can apply the soothing oil topically. Massaging the oil into the skin can be helpful for sunburn, blemishes, scars and abrasions.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is highly beneficial for skin health because it is so packed with nutrients. It includes vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Not all cod liver oils are created equal, so select a brand that is well regarded and has been properly tested for contaminants such as mercury. Also, brands vary in terms of how much vitamins A and D and omega-3 they contain, and it is important to use a brand that has the proper ratio of vitamin A to vitamin D. In addition to consuming cod liver oil daily for skin health, you can apply the oil topically as needed, such as to an area of dry skin or a blemish.

Vitamin C

Many health conditions, including skin-related ones, are caused by inflammation. Vitamin C works to counter inflammation and promote wound and burn healing. You can take vitamin C in tablet, capsule, liquid or powder form, and it is best to divide your dosage throughout the day by taking some with each meal. Vitamin C and bioflavinoids can complement each other, so if possible find a supplement that contains both.

Zinc

The mineral zinc, according to "Prescription for Natural Cures," is an excellent supplement to take for the skin and in particular acne. It works to help the skin heal by decreasing the skin's dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, buildup. When taking zinc, you should also take the mineral copper so that these two minerals stay in balance with one another.

References

  • The Weston A. Price Foundation: The Cod Liver Oil Debate
  • "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
  • "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D., and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2008
  • "Healthy Healing"; Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D.; 2000

Article reviewed by BudK Last updated on: Feb 7, 2011

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