Informative Articles


Vitamins and Minerals: Benefits for your Skin

by Claudia Truffello

Common skin problems are usually treated with over-the-counter medication. These products are made with a variety of man-made chemicals that appear in such low dosages that they cause no real effect.

When we go to our local drugstore and look for a product or treatment that will relieve our ailment. We usually pick up a jar or bottle and read the ingredients, but what do they mean? What makes things worse is that most products will list a large number of tongue twisting ingredients that are hard 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 an investigation that appeared in the British Journal of Dermatology, specialists found that nutrients high in beta-carotene -- a form of vitamin A -- reduced the risk of psoriasis.

Vitamin B Complex.Lately, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These products can help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing general tone.

When it comes to skin, the single most vital B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that creates the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate quantities, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin condition) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes reactions.

Niacin, another special B vitamin, helps skin retain humidity, so creams containing this nutrient can help your skin look plumper and younger in as little as 6 days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry skin. In higher concentrations it can also work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K. As the element responsible for helping blood clot, Vitamin K will not 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 research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, specialists shown that skin therapies with vitamin K cream after laser surgery greatly alleviated bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a product, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles.

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, specialists from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo shown that the local application of a gel containing a type 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 researchers believe this mineral plays a crucial role in skin cancer avoidance. Taken in supplement form or applied 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 development of elastin, the fibers that hold skin structure from below.

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

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

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

Published February 5th, 2008

Filed in Beauty, Health, Women