The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against diseases and infections, regulates the temperature and also helps the production of vitamins. Keeping skin healthy is key to beauty and overall health, although most of us are interested in knowing how to keep skin healthy, rather than actually keeping it healthy.
The best way to keep skin healthy - young, clear, radiant, supple, soft and wrinkle-free - is to stay out of the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun produce a healthy-looking tan, but cause a lot of damage to the skin in terms of pigmentation, sunburn and loss of elasticity. These can lead to premature aging in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, dark skin, uneven skin tone, loss of translucency, enlarged pores and dryness. Even the best of genetics, topical skin-lightening treatments and oral skin supplements would be of little use if you tan mercilessly and regularly.
Staying out of the sun helps, but if you can't avoid it, you'll need to make sure you use sunscreen. This is especially important if sun exposure is for a long period of time.
Assuming we are already sensitive to sun exposure, how can we then further improve our skin condition? We know that some oral supplements are effective for good skin health, but what are these supplements and how effective are they?
Supplement from within
The first group would be vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of each organ.
Vitamins and minerals that can affect skin health include the B complex, especially B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and B12 (cyanobalamin). Obvious deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B2 are known to cause special forms of dermatitis (a kind of inflammation of the skin). B12 deficiency is particularly damaging to rapidly dividing neurons and cells, including skin cells.
In addition to the B vitamins, deficiency of vitamin C, iron and copper also affects the health of the skin. All three are important for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein in the skin, which fills and tones it.
Vitamin A is essential for the normal life cycle of skin cells. Vitamin A deficiency causes the skin to become dry, brittle and prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, excessive vitamin A intake can cause severe toxicity and should be avoided.
Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene have been advertised as antioxidants that reduce free radicals. (Free radicals cause skin degeneration and aging.) However, while free radicals and the role of antioxidants are beyond doubt, clinical results have not conclusively shown whether vitamins and other additional micronutrients improve skin quality. and challenge the aging process.
Excessive doses can be as harmful as deficiencies, so it is best to stick to the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Topical help
Oral supplements should go hand in hand with topical applications: sunscreen with at least SPF 30, creams (preferably with skin whitening agents) and moisturizer (preferably with skin lightening agents). Compared to topical applications, the effects of oral supplements are slower and more subtle. Consumers need to be realistic about their expectations because results will certainly not be seen in 7 days or 2 weeks.
We recommend a holistic approach to skin health, including:
* A healthy and balanced diet that includes all food groups as well as vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
* Maintain a positive and happy mood. It is well documented that some skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, are more common among people under stress.
* If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking causes free radicals, damages the microcirculation of the skin and also causes tooth discoloration and other discoloration.
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