Do you suffer from dry, acne-prone, lackluster skin? It takes more than the right face washes, toners and creams to make your skin glow. Eating right has a direct effect on the way your skin looks. The skin is the body's largest organ, and it often is the best indicator of what's going on inside the body. Eating a diet rich in certain vitamins can help keep the skin healthy and young.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A stimulates growth of the base layer of skin cells, and it's needed for maintenance and repair of the skin. Deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion. Topical vitamin A treatments, such as Retin A, are often used to treat acne and aging skin, but dietary vitamin A also is important. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, leafy greens, carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe. Vitamin A can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts, so it's best to consume vitamin A from natural food sources rather than supplements.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is essential for healthy skin. Deficiency can result in dermatitis, cracked lips, flaky skin and skin lesions. There are several B vitamins and they all work together to help keep skin healthy. You can find vitamin B in several food sources, including dairy products, whole grains, bananas, chickpeas, peanuts, chicken breast, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, black beans, lentils and asparagus.
Viamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in the production and protection of collagen. Collagen provides structural support to skin, helping it to maintain resiliency and shape. Higher intakes of vitamin C are associated with a lower likelihood of wrinkles. Vitamin C also assists with wound healing. Some great sources of vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peppers, strawberries and kiwi.
Zinc
Zinc might be effective in treating acne, skin sores and minor wounds by helping skin cells to renew. Foods rich in zinc include fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs.
