Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper function of every organ in the body, especially your skin as it is the largest organ in your body. Experts agree that the best way to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals is to maintain a healthy diet but supplements are available as well. There are many vitamins and minerals that contribute something specific to healthy skin, but we will focus on some of the most important ones.

Vitamin A is absolutely essential for normal life cycle of skin cells. It has an antioxidant that neutralizes harmful elements in out skin aiding in prevention of wrinkles, resisting infection and keeping skin looking youthful. Vitamin A can be used topically or as a supplement to help prevent dry, flaky skin and reduces lines and wrinkles.    

A number of scientists believe Selenium plays a key role in skin cancer prevention due to the fact that, taken in supplement form or used in a cream, this mineral helps protect skin from sun damage. Selenium can be taken orally in daily supplements of 50 to 200 micrograms to preserve tissue elasticity, slow down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation and offer protection from the damaging rays of the sun.

Vitamin E is the most important antioxidant in the body that protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes. Vitamin E helps to re-hydrate the skin; prevent inflammation; protect from sun damage; reduce dry, rough skin; and greatly increases the healing rate. Supplementation with natural Vitamin E in 400 mg per day has been noted to reduce photodamage, wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Of all the antioxidants, Vitamin C is the most abundant one found naturally in the skin. It repairs free radicals and prevents them from turning into cancers and quickening aging. Used in topical form, vitamin C can prevent the results of extended sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer.

Vitamin B is responsible for maintaining great skin tone. Its presence reduces stress, which is often the main cause of acne and breakouts. There are a number of B vitamins that all do a job in creating healthy skin as well as improve your overall health. B vitamin supplements should always be taken together.

There are a couple more minerals you want to avoid being deficient in. Zinc helps to avoid acne as it reduces maintains normal activity of your oil glands. Chromium also helps with acne by reducing infections of the skin. Both are available in supplemental form.    

When you can’t always get vitamins in your diet, supplements can provide a healthy alternative.

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