6 Essential Skin Nutrients
The skin is the largest organ of the body and if there is an imbalance internally, it can show on the skin.
Topical skincare is important but true skin transformation is only possible when we work from the inside alongside it.
Here are 6 essential skin nutrients and their benefits:
WATER
B COMPLEX VITAMINS
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
VITAMIN A
VITAMIN C
ZINC
WATER
We have an enzyme in our skin that is responsible for breaking down the glue that holds our dead skin cells together so that they can shed one by one. This enzymes relies on water to work.
Drinking more water is essential for flushing the body of toxins! Less toxins leads to a better uptake of nutrients to our cells.
B COMPLEX VITAMINS
This group of vitamins has a plethora of roles that contribute to skin health.
Here is a fraction of their benefits:
B1/Thiamin - Deficiency can lead to hypersensitivity.
B2/Riboflavin - Helps to maintain the mucus secretion of the skin to prevent acne breakouts and dry skin.
B3/Niacin - Assists with the production of ceramides and fatty acids in the skin AKA the skins barrier.
B5/Pantothenic Acid - Functions as a humectant - attracting and retaining water.
B6/Pyridoxine - Assists with the growth and repair of the cells.
B7/Biotin - Essential for the healthy growth and repair of cells and synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids within the body.
B9/Folic Acid - Helps to detox the body.
B12 - Helps to regulate the production of pigment in the skin.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS AKA OMEGA 3
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) deficiency is one of the most common causes of skin problems. Because EFA’s are responsible for oil regulation, a deficiency can present as either oily or dry skin and will contribute to premature ageing.
Taking EFA’s will help with healthy hormone production, brain function, the permeability of our cell walls and lead to healthy/balanced skin.
VITAMIN A
Not only does it squelch free radicals that break down collagen (your skin’s support structure) and contribute to fine lines and saggy skin, it also lessen skin’s sensitivity to the sun, providing some natural protection against sun-induced redness and pigmentation.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C plays a major part in production of collagen. It is also an important anti-oxidant that can accelerate wound healing and the strengthening of capillary walls. Oral supplementation with Vitamin C effectively increases Vitamin C levels in the skin.
ZINC
Zinc is essential for skin healing! Six times more of the mineral is found in the top layer of skin than is found in the lower layers. Supplementation has been shown to significantly increase the level of Vitamin A in the blood, indicating an interaction between the two nutrients that may explain its positive effect on acne.