Written by Chantel – Resident Naturopath at Choice Pharmacy
What are the top 5 nutrients for skin health?
We all know beauty comes from within. Everything we eat forms the building blocks of our cells, which make up our skin and every other organ in our body. It is therefore important that what we are eating and the supplements we are taking are going to benefit our overall health. When we eat the right foods, have good digestion and take the right nutrients, it is only a natural result that we will have glowing skin. Glowing skin means good internal health. In this post, we will be focusing on the best nutrients to assist with better skin health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient, that helps to protect against free radical damage in the body, especially in the skin. It is needed for the production of collagen and helps to keep it stable. This is why Vitamin C is protective against the effects of aging. High concentrations are found within the skin, but this actually declines with age, so we need to ensure we replace it.
Grapeseed Extract
Grapeseed’s are extremely high in antioxidants, particularly an antioxidant known as Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which is found in the skin and seeds of grapes. Some of the roles that OCPs play include:
- Decreasing spider veins and bruising
- Support healthy collagen in the skin and connective tissue (tendons and cartilage)
- They block the enzymes that breakdown connective tissue
- They protect the skin from sun damage
Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, and they are able to reduce the damage caused by free radicals to the skin. Free radicals are chemical compounds that occur in our bodies as a result of exposure to chemicals in our environment and natural bodily processes.
Zinc
Did you know that skin has the third highest amount of zinc out of all the organs in the body? Zinc is needed to produce our DNA and for promoting a strong and healthy immune response (even in the skin), which makes it an important nutrient for wound healing. It has been shown that patients with different skin conditions have lower levels of zinc found within the skin, even if the levels in their blood are normal. So, one of the signs of zinc deficiency is rough and dry skin.
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential nutrients for optimal skin health. They hydrate the skin, making it beneficial in people who have dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. EPA (a compound found in fish oils) and fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory effects. This is helpful in those who have dry skin conditions, as well as acne, as it can really help in settling down that inflammation in the skin. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Biotin
Studies show that biotin increases the strength of fingernails, so it can be beneficial in improving brittle nails. Signs of biotin deficiency include scaly skin and hair loss. You can take biotin as a standalone supplement or in a formulation.
If you would like any more information about skin health, come and have a chat with our in-store naturopath, or make an appointment for a free consultation.
You can book our naturopath for in-store consultation online or e-mail to naturopath@choicepharmacy.com.au to organise a zoom consultation.