Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Taking care of the skin means different things to different people. For many, it means a simple splash of water, using soap for cleansing purpose. Some people tend to find excuses that they are not able to look after their skin, owing to their busy hectic work schedule. Well, taking out time for oneself is something that should not pinch you much, because you are not doing it for anyone else.

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 10,000 IU. It helps reduce sebum production. Essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of.

Vitamin B plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy skin. So, diet that is rich in Vitamin B can go a long way in skin health. One of the important food in this connection is brewer's yeast. Even the person whose skin seems smooth and healthy usually notices improvement in texture and glow, a week after adding two or more tablespoons of brewer's yeast to the daily diet. Persons with eczema should, for an entire month, take a tablespoon of yeast stirred into citrus juice or water after each meal, between meals, and before retiring. If the diet is adequate in all other respects, the eczema is usually cured in a month 's time.

Vitamin B9 for Brown spots on the skin

Deficiency of folic acid, associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, causes darkish brown spotty pigmentation that usually appears on the face, inner mouth, under the arm pits, over the thighs, and on the palms. This happens particularly in the case of pregnant women and women on the pill. In such cases, administration of 10 mg or 10,000 mcg or-folic acid, along with 100 mcg of vitamin B12 taken thrice daily, shows a remarkable amelioration of the brownish pigmentation.

Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin - the fibers that support skin structure - and can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Vitamin C is especially effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun when combined with vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin C include acerola (a cherry-like fruit), red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.

Vitamin E can also help reduce wrinkles if/when you have any and make your skin look and feel smoother. (Be aware, though, that some recent research warns that large doses of vitamin E can be harmful. Stay with 400 international units per day or less to be on the safe side.) Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin. Foods naturally rich in vitamin E include nuts, such as almonds, vegetable oils, seeds, wheat germ, spinach and other dark, green leafy vegetables. Another bonus with Vitamin E is that it's good for your hair.

Vitamin K. As the nutrient responsible for helping blood clot, it won't do much for your skin from the inside. But studies presented to the AAD in 2003 show topical vitamin K does work well to reduce under eye circles as well as bruises. When combined with vitamin A in a cream or serum, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles.

Image Credit : Healthyandnaturalworld.com