There are oodles of skin care products on the internet, in the grocery stores and on the pharmacy shelves. You can find anything you want to put on your skin, but what are you feeding it?
Vitamin C offers protection from free radicals, which are damaging effects from the sun, smoke and pollution. Free radicals eat away at collagen and elastin, two major extracellular proteins that connect the tissue between cells, thereby supporting skin structure. You can supplement your diet with 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Vitamin E offers the same protection from free radicals as vitamin C. Supplement with no more than 400 IU per day to reduce sun damage and improve the texture of your skin.
Vitamin A is important for the support and restoration of skin tissue. Fortunately, fruits and vegetables are all loaded with vitamin A, so supplementing with more than what a basic multivitamin provides isn’t usually necessary.
Of the B vitamins, biotin (B7) is the one that is most important for the health of skin, nail and hair cells. A good multivitamin will include all the B vitamins; make sure you’re getting 50 to 100mg a day. B vitamins will turn you urine bright orange, so don’t be alarmed.
Most of us will get what minerals we need through food and a good quality multivitamin. Selenium can help prevent skin cancer, copper supports elastin, and zinc tames oil production in the glands which can help prevent or diminish acne.
Antioxidants work to reduce skin damage and retain moisture. They’re available as supplements or cream, in many foods, and also in green tea.
Drink that water! It’s hydrating your skin.
– Gail Stinson, RN is the Director of Health and Wellness for Harbor’s Edge. She will be contributing monthly with information about commonly used medications, and other helpful tips for living a healthy senior lifestyle.