Skin Nutrition

Common skin problems are usually treated with store bought products. These products contain a variety of man-made chemicals that most likely dry out your skin or cause unwanted side-effects.

When we go to our local drugstore and look for a product or treatment that will relieve our ailment. We usually ask the store attendant what he/she recommends, but do you really know what you're buying? What makes things worse is that most products will have a long list of ingredients that are difficult to understand. However, here is a short list of vitamins that are common in skin care products and that may help you make a more informed decision.

The Important Role of Vitamins

Vitamin A. In a study that appeared in the British Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that nutrients high in beta-carotene — a type of vitamin A — minimized the risk of psoriasis.

Vitamin B Complex.Recently, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These products can help confer skin an almost instant healthy glow while moisturizing cells and enhancing overall tone.

When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that creates the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up suffering dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a small deficiency causes symptoms.

Niacin, another special B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams made with this nutrient can help your skin look plumper and younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory abilities to treat dry skin. In stronger concentrations it can also act as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K. As the nutrient responsible for helping blood coagulate, Vitamin K won't do much for your skin from the inside. But researches published in the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to minimize circles under the eye as well as bruises. In study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors found that skin treatments with vitamin K cream after laser surgery significantly alleviated bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles.

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the local application of a gel made with a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in minimizing dark under-eye circles while also decreasing wrinkles.

Minerals Beneficial for Skin Nutrition

Selenium. Several scientists believe this mineral plays a key role in skin cancer prevention. Taken in supplement form or used in a cream, this mineral helps protect skin from sun damage. If you do spend any time in the sun, selenium may help minimize your possibility of burning.

Copper. Still another crucial mineral is copper. Along with vitamin C and zinc, copper aids in the production of elastin, the fibers that hold skin structure from below.

Zinc. The next mineral that is important to skin repair is zinc especially if you have acne. Actually, sometimes acne itself is a symptom of a zinc deficiency. Administered internally or used topically, zinc works to clear skin by regulating oil production and may be effective in regulating the appearance of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to clear sooner. Food sources of zinc include oysters, lean meat, and poultry.

By keeping in mind this short list of vitamins and minerals, finding the right skin care products will be a cinch.

Now you can enjoy a flawless and perfect skin thanks to the benefits of our newest skin moisturizing product, elaborated with natural components to ensure the best results.

- Claudia Truffello