Vitamins for the Skin

Listed below is a list of vitamins for the skin. Actually, you can get most of the nutrients in your diet from animal sources and vegetables. But because of food processing, cooking methods, medications, vitamins interactions, lifestyle and unhealthy diet that comprises of too much sweet foods and fats, you don't get the full benefits of the nutrients.

Vitamin deficiency is one of the causes of many skin problems. Deficiency in vitamin A for example can cause dry skin, ichthyosis or fish-like scales and psoriasis. Vitamin C deficiency is one of the causes of prickly heat rash and greasy skin eruptions or seborrhea is one of the symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin B2 or riboflavin. Overexposure to UV light and not getting enough of vitamins A, C and E contribute to wrinkles and aging skin.

So, one of the ways to treat and prevent various skin conditions and disorders is to ensure that you eat a healthy diet. And if you are aware that you aren't getting the important vitamins for skin health, an alternative is to take herbal, mineral and vitamin supplements. External or topical applications of certain vitamins may also benefit your skin.

Vitamin A is one of the vitamins for the skin. It is an antioxidant and it helps protect your cells from free radical damage as well as aids in growing new cells. By getting the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, you can prevent and treat premature aging, keratosis or pimple-like skin.

You can get vitamin A from fish liver oil and whole milk. Most plants contain carotenoids which are provitamin A. Vitamin A may also prevent certain chronic diseases and cancer and also vision problems.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is one of the vitamins that may help treat skin cracking. Natural food sources are dairy products, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes and nuts.

Vitamin B6 or niacin is another vitamin that helps maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can cause eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. Sources of vitamin B6 include banana, roasted chicken breast, salmon, tuna and turkey.

Supplementing your diet with biotin or vitamin B7 may help treat seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap. The symptoms of these two skin conditions include flaky skin and white to yellowish scales. Rich sources of biotin include egg yolk, liver and yeast.

A deficiency of vitamin B12 or cobalamin can cause white spots on the skin. Natural sources of vitamin B12 include shellfish, fish, cheese, eggs and whole grains.

An important nutrient that your body and skin need is vitamin C. Besides its antioxidant activities and reducing the risk of certain cancer such as skin cancer, vitamin C helps prevent premature aging and rough, dry scaly skin. Many skin and beauty products use vitamin C or ascorbic acid to reduce the signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles because vitamin C aids in synthesizing collagen.

Papaya contains a high amount of vitamin C. Other food sources include Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, oranges, kiwifruit and strawberries.

Vitamin E is another one of the essential vitamins for the skin. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and one of its functions is supporting healthy regeneration of all cell structures. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, fortified ready-to-eat cereals and dry roasted sunflower seeds.

You can use vitamin E oil topically as moisturizing cream and anti-aging agent. When used externally, your skin absorbs it.

Vitamin E is used as a remedy for eczema and psoriasis. When vitamin E is combined with shea butter and vitamin C, it may treat stretch marks. Blending vitamin E oil with cocoa butter and applying it topically may reduce and treat dry skin, damaged skin, scars and stretch marks.

Another one of the vitamins for the skin is vitamin K. If you want to reduce circles under your eyes, use vitamin K cream. It is more effective when it is combined with vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.

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