Here are five commonly available vitamins and supplements that have been scientifically shown to be good for your skin’s health.
1. Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it is found in your skin, hair, bones, teeth, joints, and connective tissue. Collagen tends to decline with age, and exposure to the sun breaks collagen down. Therefore, supplementation with collagen may help preserve the skin’s health, elasticity, and hydration, among other benefits.
2. Vitamin D
The skin-related vitamin that most people think of first is vitamin D. That’s because, when your skin absorbs the sun’s UV rays, it converts cholesterol in your bloodstream to vitamin D. This vitamin is used by the body to create healthy cells and enhances the skin's immune system. Because it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from the sun without risking sunburn, many doctors and nutritionists recommend that we take daily supplements of vitamin D—for our general health, but also for skin health.
3. Vitamin C
When it comes to keeping your skin healthy and youthful-looking, one of the most important nutrients is vitamin C. High levels of this vitamin are naturally found in the skin, where its antioxidant (and thus cancer-fighting) qualities and its role in the production of collagen pretty much make its job description “keeping your skin healthy.” Vitamin C reduces cell damage and can speed up the healing process. It can even prevent dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
4. Vitamin E
Another antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from sun damage is vitamin E. In the skin, it works with vitamin C to strengthen cell walls. When applied in skin care products, it absorbs the energy from UV light, potentially reducing UV light’s effects on wrinkles, sagging skin, and skin cancer. In the body, vitamin E is naturally produced by sebum, an oily substance emitted by your skin’s pores. This is considered key to keeping your skin conditioned and preventing dryness. If you have dry skin, taking vitamin E supplements may help to counteract a lack of sebum.
5. Vitamin K
Vitamin K performs a critical function - aiding in blood clotting, which allows the body to heal wounds, bruises, and other injuries. Vitamin K can be used to reduce skin conditions such as scars, dark spots, stretch marks, and spider veins. It is also used post-surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Eating a sensible, well-balanced diet, will give you plenty of these vitamins. But adding supplements or products containing the vitamins mentioned above can always help to maintain healthy skin!
