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Skin and Fat Soluble Vitamins

Jun 22, 2011 | By Louise Tremblay

All the tissues in your body, including your skin, rely on the presence of a range of vitamins from your diet. Fat-soluble vitamins are dissolved in oils and fats within the food you eat, and are then stored in fatty tissues throughout your body following consumption. The four main fat-soluble vitamins -- A, D, E and K -- all have a direct or indirect effect on the health or appearance of your skin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A -- or retinol -- has an effect on both the development and maintenance of healthy skin. Vitamin A molecules within your bloodstream can interact with cells located within your pores, signalling for the development of new skin tissue. It also helps regulate the production of sebum, the natural oil that helps lubricate your skin tissue. Because excessive sebum production can contribute to skin disorders such as acne, taking vitamin A-derived medication can be used to treat acne breakouts.

VItamin D

Your skin tissue proves important for maintaining levels of vitamin D, another type of fat-soluble vitamin. Your body relies on epidermal cells -- localized on the outer surface of your skin -- to generate vitamin D. When your epidermis is exposed to sunlight, such as through sun exposure, it begins to synthesize new vitamin D. Your body then uses this vitamin D to maintain your bones and teeth, as well as other tissues. Without proper epidermal functioning and the ability to produce vitamin D, you might face an increased risk of harmful vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin E

Another fat-soluble vitamin that has an effect on your skin is vitamin E, a general name that refers to two families of related molecules -- alpha tocopherols and gamma tocopherols. Vitamin E molecules can help fight the effects of aging in your skin by neutralizing free radicals, dangerous chemicals linked to cellular aging. Consuming vitamin E through your diet can benefit your overall health, and applying skin creams containing vitamin E compounds can also help fight visible aging, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K -- another type of fat-soluble vitamin -- can also indirectly benefit your skin. Vitamin K belongs to a large network of proteins and genes that help control blood thickness, helping to prevent abnormal blood clotting or excessive bleeding. By helping to maintain the health of your blood, vitamin K in your body contributes to healthy circulation, which can benefit your skin, as well as every other tissue in your body.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Jun 22, 2011

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