Which vitamins are good for the skin?

Which Vitamins Are Good For The Skin? There are around 8 million people in the UK living with a skin condition. What factors affect skin health? Skin can become damaged by oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals are created in the body when it reacts with oxygen to produce energy. water The production of free radicals can also be triggered by external influences, such as smoking, pollution and excess sunlight. Vitamins that can help. Vitamin B Vitamin C B vitamins are good for the skin. They can help to repair broken skin cells and tissue, as well as forming and strengthening new skin cells. B vitamins may also play a role in eliminating for skin to maintain firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C the symptoms of skin conditions such as acne. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and the healthy function of the skin. Collagen is vital also helps to maintain the health of blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. The skin regenerates itself approximately every 27 days, so B vitamins are important for producing new skin cells on a regular basis. 25% of UK men and 16% of women are deficient in vitamin C. Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals within the body. Vitamin E also prevents water loss so that the skin retains moisture, and therefore may help to reduce the signs of premature ageing. Vitamin D has been used to fight certain skin conditions such as eczema. Vitamin D can help to produce the skin compound cathelicidin, which people with atopic dermatitis are unable to produce. 25% of the UK is vitamin D deficient. UK men are recommended to consume at least 4mg of vitamin E per day, and women 3mg. Ways to protect your skin. O Eat a healthy diet: A diet low in saturated fats and high in vegetable & fruit can improve skin health. Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3, found in oily fish, can also help to maintain skin by keeping it hydrated. Try to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg per day, and 3 portions of oily fish each week. O Be careful in the sun: Although catching some rays can replenish levels of vitamin D, which is good for the skin, too much exposure to the sun can also have an adverse effect on skin health by accelerating the effects of aging. Experts recommend using sun cream with a high SPF, and staying out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day (11am-3pm), particularly in sunny climates. O Stop smoking: Smoking can cause the skin to wrinkle, giving the appearance of aging, and can also lead to an unattractive yellowing of the skin. O Drink plenty of water: When the skin is dehydrated, it can appear dry, thin, and wrinkled. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. O Supplements: If you don't get enough of the necessary vitamins through your diet, supplements can be taken to boost levels. Sources: http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-skin/guide/beauty-skin-care-vitamins-antioxidants | http://www.livestrong.co m/article/284107-vitamins-that-are-good-for-skin-repair/| http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nutrition/facts/oxidative_stress/ oxidativestress.htm | http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/Skinlnformation/AtoZofSkinDisease.aspx | http://www.livestrong .com/article/436902-vitamin-d-and-skin-health/| http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/05/vitamin-d-deficiency-sunlig ht-health | http://www.webmd.boots.com/vitamins-and-minerals/supplement-guide-vitamin-e SimplySupplements www.simplysupplements.co.uk Healthy living. made simpler!