While water is one of the most important nutrients you can provide your skin, there are certain vitamins that also aid in improving and maintaining healthy skin, especially for people of color. Keep in mind that healthy skin happens as a result of what you put into your body. Therefore, a well-balanced diet containing significant amounts of certain essential vitamins will reduce scarring, wrinkles and promote an even skin tone.
Vitamin E
Most manufacturers of skin care cream include vitamin E in their products due to its beneficial properties for healthy skin. According to Dr. Susan Taylor’s Brownskin website, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals and produces new cells, muscles and tissues. Great sources of vitamin E include seeds, seafood and eggs.
Vitamin D
The American Association for Cancer Research has reported that vitamin D levels are lower in African Americans, especially women. Vitamin D is produced naturally in your skin when exposed to sunlight. Because of melatonin found in people of color, the skin acts as a natural block to the sun. Adding a vitamin D supplement may prove beneficial to aid in increasing calcium absorption, carrying messages between the brain and body parts and adding protection against osteoporosis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C enhances the effects of vitamin E. Therefore, the two are most effective when taken simultaneously. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C is a critical component in the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are crucial to preventing wrinkles and saggy skin. Vitamin C also helps to strengthen the skin and prevent and repair damage. Vitamin C supplements prove more beneficial than topical solutions.
Vitamin A
Another highly effective antioxidant, Vitamin A is often used to treat various skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and wrinkles. Found in foods such as carrots, liver, milk and eggs, vitamin A plays a vital role in increasing your collagen production. As previously stated, collagen supports your skin’s firmness.
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