The human skin operates as an all-natural barrier between external and internal environments; ergo, it has an important role in biological functions like protection against ultraviolet and chemical/mechanical damage. Nutrition has a vital impact in amplifying the capacities of the skin to fight against these severe aggressions. Nutritional deficiencies are commonly linked to health conditions of the skin, therefore it’s paramount for us to include vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements into our daily diet to make sure our complexion stays healthy, strong, and rejuvenated.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega fatty acids are famous for their anti-inflammatory purposes, and a relative intake omega-3 and omega-6 may have crucial effects in the fixing of one’s systemic inflammation. Because of our unbalanced, modern lifestyles, we don’t have enough time at our disposal to include in our diets sufficient amounts of omega-3s from food; hence, the need to turn to supplementation. Increasing our dosage is a vital step in healing the skin and helping it restore its long forgotten glow and elasticity.

Skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis can be healed with omega-3s because of their arachidonic inhibition that leads to a decrease of the inflammatory process. Studies have proven that these fatty acids may also improve the general condition of the skin by reducing erythema, pruritis, and scaling.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant found in the body, known for its abilities to help cell growth. As we age, our bodies can’t produce sufficient amounts of coenzyme Q10 anymore and thus wrinkles will start to emerge. The cells lose effectiveness and protection capacity (antioxidant abilities), which are vital requirements for a healthy, younger-looking skin. What can we do to keep our complexion rejuvenated and fresh? It’s simple – we turn to CoQ10 supplements.  Some of the main benefits of coenzyme Q10 are:

• Excellent skin energizer
• Prevents premature aging
• Protects the skin against damaging run
• Potent rejuvenator (stimulates skin cell activity)
• Stimulates the production of collagen

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid is deeply connected to skincare. The compound is an antioxidant that claims to prevent inflammation and aging signs. Contained in lots of skin care products, the natural metabolic substance can benefit in many ways for the skin. It boosts the energy production in the skin cells, it regenerates vitamins E and C, and it remodels collagen through the stimulation of AP-1. Also known as a universal antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is soluble in both water and fat. 400 times stronger than vitamins C and E combined, the compound’s most valuable property is the ability to penetrate the surface of the skin and provide excellent benefits inside out.

Retinoic acid (tretinoin)

Also known as tretinoin, retinoic acid is a topical medication used to treat acne, sun-related skin damage, and razor bumps, and numerous other types of skin blemishes. In spite of its great benefits, the supplement may have some side effects, which is why it can only be administered with a prescription. Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivate available in gel form, cream, and liquid. It should be used daily, yet only a dermatologist can provide you with an appropriate treatment plan.

Vitamin E

One of the most well-known vitamins for healthy skin is vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that fights free radical damage and protects the complexion from external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and smoking. Free radicals are the main cause of premature aging; vitamin E acts as an efficient anti-aging nutrient and it deals with stretch marks, wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. Some foods rich in vitamin E are peanuts, olives, wheat germs, almonds, and leafy greens.

Although we can’t put an end to the aging process, we can postpone it by taking care of our skin. Men and women alike should adhere to a healthy lifestyle in order to preserve the healthy, all-natural aspect of their complexion. Yet, sometimes the vitamins and minerals we take from foods are not enough and we are bound to turn to supplementation. While they can have amazing results for our skin, they should always be taken under the strict supervision of a nutritionist or physician to prevent further side effects. As long as dietary supplements are ingested in the right amounts, they can work miracles for our complexion.