It protects against disease and infection, regulates temperature, and also helps in the production of vitamins. Keeping skin healthy is important for beauty and general health, even though most of us are more interested in learning how to keep skin healthy than in keeping it healthy.
The best way to keep skin healthy – youthful, clean, glowing, supple, soft, and wrinkle-free – is to stay out of the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun bring out a healthy-looking tan, but they also do a lot of damage to the skin in terms of complexion, sunburn, and loss of elasticity. They can cause premature aging in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, darkening of the skin, uneven skin color, lack of transparency, enlarged pores, and dryness. Even the best genetics, skin whitening treatments, and oral skin supplements will be of no use if one practices tennis ruthlessly and regularly.
Staying away from the sun helps, but if you can't avoid it, you need to make sure you use sunscreen. This is especially important if the sun is out for a long time.
Assuming we're already savvy about sun exposure, how can we further improve the condition of our skin? We know that some oral supplements are good for good skin health, but what are these supplements, and how effective are they?
Complement from within
The first group would be vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of each organ.
Vitamins and minerals that may affect skin health include the B-complex, especially B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Some types of dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation) are caused by an apparent deficiency of vitamins B1 and B2. B12 deficiency damages rapidly dividing cells, including neurons and skin cells.
Apart from vitamin B, deficiency of vitamin C, iron, and copper also affects the health of the skin. All three are important for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural protein in the skin, which fills and gives color to the skin.
Vitamin A is necessary for the normal life cycle of skin cells. The deficiency of vitamin A makes the skin dry, lifeless, and wrinkled. On the other hand, overuse of vitamin A can be seriously toxic and should be avoided.
Vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene are said to be antioxidants that reduce free radicals. However, although the role of free radicals and antioxidants is beyond doubt, clinical findings have not conclusively proven that additional vitamins and other nutrients improve skin quality and prevent aging.
An overdose can be just as harmful as a deficiency, so it's best to stick to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
Help status
Oral supplements should be combined with topical applications - sunscreens, creams (preferably with skin whitening agents), and moisturizers (preferably with skin lightening agents) with at least SPF 30. Consumers need to be realistic about their expectations, as results will definitely not be visible in 7 days or 2 weeks.
We recommend a comprehensive approach to skin health, including:
* A healthy balanced diet that includes all the food groups as well as vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
* Keep the mood positive. It is well documented that certain skin conditions – such as acne and eczema – are more common in people with stress.
* If you smoke, quit smoking. Smoke causes free radicals, damages the skin's, and causes tooth decay and other discoloration.
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