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Supplements

I am a 50 year old man & I want to know how do natural Supplements help in keeping the skin healthy? What are its side effects & is it advisable?
(June 6, 2008)

Benefits and Side Effects of Skin Supplements

Just as our body needs nutrition to sustain and perform various functions, our skin also needs nutrition in order to maintain the radiance and the tone. Our skin is being exposed to various factors like age, Ultra violet rays, pollution and dust which can damage the skin and cause it to dry. It is very important to consume foods that contain vitamins and minerals which can enhance the health of the skin. But it is not always possible to achieve all the nutrients properly and in right amount. Hence supplements are provided which can compensate for the deficiencies and thus help in improving the beauty of the skin.

Though topical formulation is available that can deliver the nutrients to the skin, it is not available in correct dosage.


Our skin requires antioxidants that can help in protecting from the harsh rays of the sun. The antioxidants present are Vitamin A, Vitamin C and selenium. Antioxidants help in preventing the free radicals to damage the cell walls and cell structures as well as cellular DNA that can lead to cancer. These antioxidants will also help in preventing the sunrays from affecting the skin and reversing photo aging. These will also help in premature aging of the skin.

The benefits of antioxidants are as follows:-

  • Vitamin E: - Supplementation with Vitamin E in amounts about 400 milligrams can help in soothing the rough skin. It can help in preventing the cell damage and cell associated enzymes. It is present in vegetable oils, and whole grains like brown rice, wheat germ, nuts and dairy products. It helps inactivate the free radicals.
  • Selenium: - Selenium when taken orally in 50 to 200 milligrams as daily supplements help in protecting the damaging effect of the sun. It is an antioxidant to an enzyme glutathione peroxidase that will help in preventing cancers. Selenium is essential for maintaining the skin elasticity and delaying aging of the skin. It is present in eggs, sea foods, garlic and whole cereal grains.
  • Vitamin C:-It is recommended to consume 500 to 100 milligrams of Vitamin C .This vitamin is present in fruits and vegetables and it is possible to achieve correct amount if 5 servings of fruits and vegetables are provided. It helps against damaging sun rays, protects against free radicals and prevent from aging.
Apart from these antioxidants that work against the free radicals there are other nutrients needed for healthy skin. These nutrients are as follows:-

  • Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids: These are essential fatty acids that are essential to prevent inflammation of the skin and reduce the incidence of acne and eczema. Omega 3 is present in cold water fish and flaxseed oil. Omega 6 is vegetable oils, evening primrose oil. The other sources are whole grains, eggs, and poultry.
  • Potassium: - It helps to keep the skin healthy and regenerate the skin cells. It is found in potatoes, green leaves and bananas.
  • Copper: - It helps in improving the nervous system and improving the elasticity of the skin. It is found in green leaves and sea foods.
Submitted by A V on June 6, 2008 at 08:20

 
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