Each person's skin is different, whether it be in tone, texture or sensitivity. Unfortunately, there is no secret ingredient that will keep all skin looking healthy, but many people can share treatments that are found to be beneficial. Everyday substances such as coffee and vitamin E may help your skin stay healthy. Contact your dermatologist before beginning any new skin care regimen.
Skin Care
The epidermis, or skin, is the body's largest organ. The skin protects your vital organs, muscles, and bones from the dangers of the outside world. That being said, the skin can take quite a bit of abuse. Ensuring your skin is healthy requires a daily cleansing routine as well as making sure you have a well-rounded diet. Everything that you put into or on your body affects the appearance of your skin.
Coffee
One of the most beneficial ingredients in coffee is its caffeine. Just as drinking coffee wakes up your nervous system, it has also been shown to "wake up" the skin. Many anti-aging creams and moisturizers contain caffeine as an active ingredient for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Researchers at the Seoul National University reported in a 1981 study that caffeine reduces inflammation almost as well as aspirin. Coffee has also been added to many body scrubs to diminish the appearance of cellulite. In a 2007 study at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, researchers reported that topical creams containing caffeine decreased hip diameter in almost 70 percent of the subjects over one month.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is rich in antioxidants and has many positive effects on the skin. Vitamin E has been known to speed up the healing of wounds and lesions and lessen the appearance of scars on the skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin E also assists in the production of new cells, which can keep the skin looking young and healthy. Vitamin E is found naturally in several food sources and is also available in topical creams and oils or oral supplements.
Sources and Dosages
Coffee tends to have a more positive effect when applied directly to the skin. Skin scrubs and treatments containing coffee and caffeine are available at most spas and beauty supply stores. Experts recommend getting vitamin E dosages from natural food sources rather than taking supplements. The recommended daily dosage is 1,000 mg of vitamin E. Foods that are rich in vitamin E are wheat germ, avocado, liver, and eggs.
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