From the Inside Out: Nutritional Supplements for Skin Care


For both men and women, the secret behind radiant, smooth and youthful looking skin is nourishing our bodies on a cellular level. The most effective method is through the addition of vital minerals, vitamins and other nutrients directly from our diet. Nutritional supplements have become the most convenient method to supplying the body with everything it needs for healthy skin, since not everyone has the time, inclination or knowledge to eat right.

Even if we were to eat the right foods each day, more than likely we would still be missing some of the vital molecules our body requires due to the poor health of the nutrient depleted soil that our vegetables and fruits are grown in.

If you look in the mirror and see wrinkles, dark circles under your eyes, crow’s feet, puffiness and sagging, chances are you aren’t getting everything you need from your diet. Most people need nutritional supplements - that’s the collective advice from physicians and health care professionals throughout the nation.

There are supplements on the market that target healthy skin cells. Some focus only on certain issues such as diminishing fine lines and wrinkles or boosting collagen levels.

Wrinkles appear because of issues with the hydration in the cells. Too little moisture and low levels of nutrients cause the cells to lose their structural integrity and become weak. Supplying those cells with essential oils, hydrating components and nourishing molecules ensures that they remain vibrant, healthy and firm. This can be accomplished with a plethora of essential fatty acids from flaxseed oil, fish oil and borage oil.

Additionally, glucosamine sulfate, aloe vera and antioxidants from grape seed extract and quercetin will supply added protection and healing power to the cells of the skin causing those worrisome wrinkles to smooth out and disappear over time.

Acne

Since 60-80% of them have it, acne [http://www.medicinenet.com] is mostly associated with teenagers. But acne can strike at any age, and many adults find themselves engaged in the battle of the blemish.

Nutrient deficiencies have been linked to acne and in one study, patients showed marked results when they took .2 mg of selenium and 10 mg of tocopheryl succinate (vitamin E) for 6 to 12 weeks. In another study, patients showed success when the took 50,000 iu twice daily of water-soluble vitamin A before meals; 400 iu of Vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopheryl acetate or succinate, twice daily before meals (with a reduced dosage for diabetics), 50 mg once or twice a day of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Plus patients ate a well-balanced diet, low in fat and sugars and used benzoyl peroxide 5% gel at night, after gently washing affected areas with a non-medicated soap.

In addition, the researchers asked the patients to avoid substances that inactivate or antagonize vitamin E such as inorganic iron (including that found in cereals and breads), birth control pills, extra iodine (including iodized salt), kelp and commercial soft drinks. They also recommended avoiding excessive milk, which contains acne-aggravating hormones, and to avoid large quantities of vitamin B-12, because studies have indicated this vitamin can trigger or aggravate acne.

After the acne cleared, the researchers found that patients could gradually reduce the vitamin A and E dosage to a maintenance level, but could continue the treatment safely over a period of several years if necessary.

Other nutrients shown to help acne include zinc (levels have been lower in acne patients than in controls) and berberine, an alkaloid found in goldenseal and Oregon grape root. Topical application of the antibacterial colloidal silver may also induce an improvement. In addition, grapefruit seed extract, orally and used topically diluted with water, has benefited acne patients.

Psoriasis

For more than 30 years, fumaric acid has been used as a psoriasis treatment in Germany and the Netherlands. Fumaric acid is important in the citric acid cycle, which plays a pivotal role in cellular energy production to produce fumaric acid. Fumaric acid is found naturally in the human body and is used as a food additive.

Extensive research has confirmed fumaric acid's benefits. In one study of 70 psoriasis patients, fumaric acid-supplemented patients showed an overall 80% decrease in the amount and severity of psoriasis after four months.

In clinical studies of fumaric acid treatment, researchers obtained the best results when patients consumed the proper diet. Psoriasis patients should avoid pepper, cloves, nutmeg, mustard, caraway seeds, licorice, cinnamon, paprika, pre-spiced dishes such as lunch meats, salami and bullion cubes, mayonnaise, orange syrup, lemon flavoring or extract, all nuts (except almonds and coconut), citrus fruit skins, artificial or canned citrus fruit juice, wine, brandy, champagne, sherry, port and orange liqueur.

Healthy skin reflects a healthy body.

Therefore, it's not surprising that oral supplementation with vitamins A and E, carotenoids, selenium, DHEA, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and a host of other supplements can offer a number of epidermal advantages. Research suggests that proper supplementation, with nutrients essential for healthy skin, should become an important part of any skin care regimen.

References:

[www.dermatologists.com]

[www.buzzle.com]

[www.myhealthonline.com]