Vitamins For Black Hair, Skin & Nails

The saying goes, beautiful skin comes from within. As the body's biggest organ system, skin not only protects your body, but reflects the health of other internal organs, so healthy skin usually indicates good internal health. Melanocytes in black skin produce more melanin, however skin of any color requires a balanced and nutrient rich diet to stay healthy. Hair and nails, as the skin's accessory organs, also benefit from the same nutrients as your skin.

B Vitamins

Hair, skin and nails vitamin formulas include B vitamins because of their key role in helping the body metabolize fats and protein. Biotin, a member in the B complex, is especially effective against hair and nail breakage.

Vitamin A

If you tend to suffer from breakouts and acne, you may need more vitamin A in your diet. Vitamin A also helps the sebaceous glands in your hair follicles to produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that moisturizes your strands, preventing breakage. Black hair can often be delicate, and it can break off as fast as it grows in. When your body does a good job of moisturizing your hair, your strands become more elastic and you retain more length.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, a fibrous protein substance that keeps skin smooth and firm. Your body needs vitamin C to speed up healing processes. Vitamin C also has powerful antioxidant properties that fights free radical damage to your body.

Vitamin E

You may have noticed that many of your hair, skin and nail care products contain vitamin E. This is because when used topically, vitamin E helps to protect against hair, skin and nails against the elements. Vitamin E also heals skin wounds and prevents scarring. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can be used internally and externally to promote healthy hair, skin and nails.

Vitamin D

Studies show that more than 40 percent of African Americans have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D produced in the skin is important because it helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium, in turn, helps the heart pump nutrients to all the body organs, including hair, skin and nails.

Considerations

The best way to get the vitamins you need is from the foods you eat. Create a healthy hair, skin and nails diet regimen using the guidelines on the Food Groups page on the United States Department of Agriculture's, ChooseMyPlate.gov website. To make up for nutritional deficiencies in your diet, you can take supplements separately, or as a daily multivitamin. Some vitamin supplements have contraindications if you take them with prescription medications. Some supplements, such as vitamin A, can be toxic in large quantities. Consult with a health-care provider or registered dietician for advice on taking vitamin supplements.