Caring for Your Outer Layer
Your skin is one of the most powerful indicators of your health. Wrinkles and dry or oily skin, acne, inflammation, psoriasis, and many other skin conditions are your body's way of telling you you're not getting the nutrients you need for optimum health. If you're turning to topical cosmetics such as lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams to get rid of outer blemishes, beware that expensive, chemical-laden beauty products don't address the root cause of the problem: nutritional deficiencies and exposure to toxins in your environment and personal care products.
Best Nutrients for SkinYour skin can tell you what's going on inside your body. Every skin condition, whether it's acne or aging, is the manifestation of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional requirements. If you feed your skin from the inside out, you'll start to notice big differences right away.
New studies indicate that antioxidants and specific nutrients can help keep your skin looking vibrantly healthy and years younger when combined with a good diet. The skin reacts particularly well to certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the skin and give it a youthful glow.
Here are some of the most important nutrients for beautiful, glowing skin:
Selenium plays a key role in skin cancer prevention and protects skin from sun damage. If you're a sun worshipper, selenium could help reduce your chance of burning.
Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues. Too little can result in reduced skin elasticity and slower healing of wounds.
Zinc controls the production of oil in the skin and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. It clears skin by taming oil production and controlling the formation of acne lesions.
Essential fatty acids, also called omega acids, moisturize and maintain the skin's flexibility. Without enough of them, the skin produces a more irritating form of sebum, or oil, which dries the skin and clogs pores, causing acne and inflammation.
Vitamin C reduces damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution that destroys collagen and elastin (fibers that support your skin structure) and results in wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Vitamin E helps reduce sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven textures caused by sun damage.
Vitamin B complex, especially biotin, is the nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without enough, dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) and hair loss can occur.
Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue.
Research shows that skin cancer patients who took 200 micrograms of selenium per day had 37 percent fewer malignancies, a 50 percent reduced risk of death from skin cancer, and a 17 percent decrease in overall mortality. Another study indicated that taking oral selenium and copper helped reduce the formation of sunburn cells in human skin.
