Skin is the largest organ in the body. Like the rest of the organs, it also needs essential nutrients for proper functioning and staying healthy. These nutrients can be consumed through Organic food, as well as through Organic supplements. Read on to find out all about these essential nutrients for the skin.
Essential Nutrients for the Skin
Scroll down to see the essential nutrients for the skin:
1. Vitamin A
2. Beta Carotene
3. Vitamin C
4. Vitamin D
5. Vitamin E
6. Vitamin K
7. Omega 3 Fatty AcidsK
8. Other Antioxidants
- Vitamin A (Retinoids) – Vitamin A is one of the essential nutrients needed by our body for proper working. It supports immune function, reproductive health, skin health, and eye health. There are two main types of Vitamin A; Retinoids and Carotenoids. Both are converted into Vitamin A by the liver. Retinoids are pre-formed Vitamin A. Our skin is responsive to retinoids, meaning that it is designed to readily absorb Vitamin A when applied to the skin topically. Retinol stimulates the production of new skin cells and increases cell turnover. Without an ample amount of Vitamin A in the skin, it can become dry and prone to cracks and dullness. Retinoids are also helpful in promoting the production of collagen in the skin, as well as in reducing wrinkles and fine lines when applied on the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps slow down aging, prevent cell damage, and protect from oxidative damage.
- Beta Carotene (Carotenoids) – The name Beta Carotene comes from the Greek word beta and Latin word Carota, meaning Carrot. It is a Carotenoid, which is a pro-formed version of Vitamin A and is a rich orange pigment naturally found in fruits and vegetables, giving them their bright color. The human body converts Beta Carotene to Vitamin A, also known as Retinol. It is essential for good eye health, vision, healthy skin, and immune system. Like all Carotenoids, Beta carotene is also an antioxidant. It protects the body, including our skin, from oxidation and free radical damage. Due to this reason, it is essential for healthy and glowing skin since it protects the skin, delaying the visible onset of aging, and protects against sun exposure.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that isn’t naturally produced by the body. It is required by the body for the enzymatic production of transmitters inside the body and also aids in tissue repair. Vitamin C is often touted as a miracle cure for all skin-related problems. Most importantly, it promotes collagen production in the skin. This is essential for skin health, as it thickens the dermis layer, making the skin look firmer and more youthful. Moreover, it also helps overcome and delay the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, etc. It also helps to slow down the production of Melanin in the skin, lighting any dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Thus, vitamin C evens out the skin tone and enhances the natural glow and radiance of the skin. It also helps repair any damage caused to the skin from skin exposure, promotes healthy cell turnover and regeneration.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D, famously called the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ is an essential nutrient for the body. It plays an integral role in the body, especially for the skin. In its active form ‘Calcitriol,’ it contributes to the growth and repair of skin cells, resulting in radiant and bright skin. Moreover, it also enhances the immune properties of the skin, making it stronger. Vitamin D also fights against oxidative damage and free radicals, preventing premature aging, dark spots, etc. It is also seen that Vitamin D can even help treat conditions such as dry skin, Eczema, and Psoriasis. Conversely, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a higher risk of Psoriasis and Dermatitis.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an essential nutrient, with an antioxidant nature. It has anti-inflammatory properties, supports cell function and skin health, and boosts the immune system. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is effective at fighting off free radicals and oxidative damage. It is also beneficial in reducing the damage done to the skin through UV exposure. Moreover, Vitamin E is also known for reducing the symptom of skin conditions such as Dermatitis. Exposure to UV rays and sun decreases the levels of Vitamin E in the skin, and it also decreases with age. Therefore, it needs to be continuously replenished for healthy skin.
- Vitamin K – Vitamin K, also known as Phytonadione, is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally produced by our lover. It is an essential nutrient and plays an important part in numerous body functions. These include bone health, blood calcium regulation, blood clotting, etc. This is also where it got its name, Vitamin K; since it comes from the German word ‘coagulation,’ also called coagulation in English. When it comes to the skin, Vitamin K promotes wound healing by increasing the formation of collagen and blood vessels. The increased collagen also keeps the skin firm and youthful. It also fights off any oxidative damage and free radical damage caused by UV exposure due to its antioxidant properties. Moreover, it is also shown to brighten the under-eye area and fade dark circles. This is due to its blood clotting properties.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – – Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are needed by the body for growth, development, and maintaining good health. They are known to regulate the production of oil in the skin. Omega 3 fatty acids improve and balance hydration in the skin. When oil production is regulated, it ensures fewer breakouts and acne. Moreover, the hydration factor minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as other signs of aging. They also help to soften the skin, soothe irritation and inflammation, and improve dry skin. Lastly, they also boost the immunity of the skin, and protect against UV damage and lower the chances of skin cancer.
- Other Antioxidants – There are a few other antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. Niacinamide, also called ‘Vitamin B3’ is one such antioxidant. It is known to improve the texture and tone of the skin. It also reduces hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines. Niacinamide is also anti-inflammatory, helping soothe breakouts, reduce redness, and help conditions such as Rosacea and acne. Polyphenols are another group of antioxidants; the most famous is ‘Resveratrol,’ also called the longevity molecule. They feature amazing anti-aging abilities, along with being anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps strengthen the natural barriers of the skin and fight against oxidative damage, aging, and repairs DNA damage. The last one is called Coenzyme Q10, also known as ‘Ubiquinone.’ We start out with an abundant supply of Coenzyme Q10, but it slowly dwindles with age. This makes the skin more vulnerable to wrinkles and other signs of aging. It stimulates collagen production and is known to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin.
