The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature, and even aids in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of us are interested in knowing how to keep skin looking healthy rather than really keeping it healthy.
To keep skin looking healthy - young, fair, radiant, supple, soft, and wrinkle-free - keep it out of the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun bring about a healthy-looking tan but do much damage to the skin in terms of pigmentation, sunburn, and loss of elasticity. These can lead to premature aging in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dark skin, uneven skin tone, loss of translucency, enlarged pores, and dryness. Even with the best of genetics, topical skin lightening treatments and oral skin supplements would be of little use if one tans mercilessly and regularly.
Keeping out of the sun helps, but if you cannot avoid it, you will have to ensure that you use sunscreen. This is especially crucial if sun exposure is for an extended period of time.
Assuming that one is already sensible about sun exposure, how can we then further improve our skin condition? We know that certain oral supplements are effective for good skin health, but which are these supplements and how effective are they?
The first group would be vitamins and minerals, essential for the proper functioning of every organ.
The B-complex vitamins and minerals, particularly B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B12, can have an impact on skin health (cyancobalamine). Vitamin B1 and B2 deficits are known to induce specific types of dermatitis (a kind of skin inflammation). Lack of B12 is especially harmful to neurons and quickly dividing cells, such as skin cells.
In addition to the B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, and copper deficiencies can have an impact on skin health. The manufacture of collagen, a crucial structural protein in the skin that gives the skin volume and tone, depends on all three.
For skin cells to develop normally, vitamin A is essential. Skin that lacks vitamin A becomes dry, brittle, and prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, consuming too much vitamin A can be hazardous and should be avoided.
The anti-oxidants beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and are said to lower free radicals. (Free radicals contribute to skin aging and degeneration.) Free radicals and the importance of antioxidants are undeniable facts, but clinical evidence has not yet convincingly demonstrated if additional vitamins and other micronutrients improve skin quality and slow down the aging process.
Excessive doses can be just as harmful as deficiencies, so it is best to abide by the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Current Support
Oral supplements should be used in conjunction with topical treatments like moisturizer, lotions (ideally containing skin-whitening ingredients), and sunscreen with at least SPF 30. (preferably with skin lightening agents). The effects of dietary supplements are delayed and more modest than those of topical treatments. Because results almost probably won't be visible in a week or two, consumers need to be reasonable in their expectations.
We advise taking a wholistic strategy to skin health, which includes:
* A nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes foods from all the food groups as well as vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
* Keep a cheerful, upbeat attitude. It is commonly known that people who are under stress tend to have more skin disorders including acne and eczema.
* If you smoke, give it up. Smoking destroys skin's microcirculation, creates free radicals, stains teeth, and causes various discolouration.
* Limit your time in the sun and slather on the sunscreen every day.