Vitamins and Minerals, And Other Resources, For Skin Health
By Donovan Baldwin

Vitamins and minerals are important for healthy skin, but, there are other things you can do as well, to help insure skin health.


The largest, and, in some ways, the most important organ in the body is our skin. It also is often the most visible manifestation of our health and beauty, yet, often the most neglected portions of the body.

However, our skin is not just our visible outer surface; it actually has several important functions.

In addition to being our first line of defense against the stares of others, our skin also protects us from diseases and infections. It regulates body temperature, and even participates in the production of necessary vitamins, such as Vitamins D and K. It also is possibly a passive participant in the production of Melatonin, the sleep hormone, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle so necessary for health.

AVOID SUNLIGHT FOR SKIN HEALTH

Until a few years ago, it was assumed that one way to insure healthy skin was to get plenty of sunlight. However, research has shown us that healthy, as well as healthy-appearing, skin is best protected from sunlight.

This is because of the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin.

While UV light may produce what appears to be a "healthy" tan, it actually damages the skin, producing over time a loss of skin tone and elasticity and premature aging, manifested by wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, uneven skin tone, dry skin and even skin cancers.

Fortunately, using sunscreen and learning to live without the tan can go a long way to maintaining younger looking, and healthier, skin. Even if you do expose your skin to too much Sun, compromising skin health, there are vitamins and minerals which can help maintain healthy skin.

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR SKIN HEALTH

Unfortunately, in the Sun or out of it, time marches on. As we age, and even as we go about our daily lives, things happen to deprive us of healthy skin.

Our first choice for preserving and protecting healthy skin will be the use of vitamins and minerals, which are going to be of benefit to almost every part of the body anyway.

Among the most effective vitamins for skin health, and appearance, are those which comprise the B-complex of vitamins.

The B-vitamins primarily of interest for healthy skin are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cyancobalamine). While vitamin deficiencies of B1 and B2 can directly affect the health of the skin, a B12 deficiency can affect a wide range of cells in the body, including those of the skin.

Deficiencies of Vitamin C, and the minerals, iron and copper, also directly affect skin health as all are important players in the production of collagen, a protein which helps keep the skin toned and healthy looking.

A deficiency in Vitamin A, which is important in the normal growth and replenishment of healthy skin cells, can cause the skin to become wrinkled, dry, and fragile. However, be aware that Vitamin A is one of the few vitamins which can be toxic if taken in large doses.

Vitamin C, mentioned already, vitamin E, and beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, are also potent antioxidants which can help prevent aging in the skin, and other parts of the body, by defending it against free radicals.

While there is a tendency to believe that if a little is good, more must be better. However, when it comes to skin health, or body health, for that matter, there is usually no need to resort to extreme procedures or take supplements in mega doses. A good daily multivitamin will generally supply the extra vitamins and minerals you will need for skin health.

KEEP CALM AND DE-STRESS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

As with so many things in our society today, unhealthy skin, and unhealthy appearing skin, can be caused directly or indirectly by stress.

Anything you can do to relieve stress is probably going to positively affect skin health, mental health, and the overall health of your body.

Common resources for managing stress are meditation, yoga, regular exercise, prayer, and active participation in life. Being around a bunch of friends who are having a good time can do more for skin health than many pills and potions.

Web Page Copyright 2023 by Donovan Baldwin
Vitamins and Minerals, And Other Resources, For Skin Health
Page Updated 1:13 PM Monday November 27, 2023