Whether you want to keep breakouts or flare-ups to a minimum or you are trying to avoid lines and wrinkles for as long as possible, you can’t underestimate the importance of proper skin care. However, a key area people often overlook involves vitamins and nutrients the skin needs to be its healthiest.
It’s easy to forget that skin is actually an organ. In fact, it’s the largest organ in the human body. And like the rest of your body, the right vitamins and nutrients can leave it looking, feeling, and functioning at its very best.
Juan-Carlos Caballero, MD, and our team of specalists at Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center in Warrenton, Virginia, take an integrative, whole-body approach to skincare. We combine innovative therapies and traditional medical techniques to treat a host of skin issues, from acne to eczema and for all varieties of skin cancer.
In this blog, Dr. Caballero discusses some vitamins you shouldn't overlook if you want to keep your skin in top condition.
Vitamin A plays a key role in growth and development, immune function, reproduction, and healthy vision. Furthermore, it also helps support skin and hair growth and can reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.
A variety of foods contain vitamin A, including:
You can also find it in manufactured forms known as retinoids, which often come in creams and serums you apply directly to your skin. These products work to increase cell turnover, improve skin tone and texture, fight acne, and slow the signs of aging.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can fight free radical-induced oxidative damage. More simply put, it can slow the appearance of aging and improve skin health.
You can find vitamin C in most vegetables, even broccoli, squash, and cauliflower. It’s also present in many citrus fruits. However, you can take it up a notch by applying vitamin C directly to your skin.
These serums can help stimulate collagen production, fight sun damage, and keep your skin looking brighter and younger. Vitamin C can also help improve the moisture content in skin.
Unlike other vitamins you get from your food, your body makes most of your vitamin D by absorbing sunlight through your skin. That also makes it a vitamin that people often fall short on.
Without adequate levels of vitamin D, you can experience a variety of skin issues, including a higher risk of developing psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Fortunately, you can increase your vitamin D intake by taking a supplement or eating fortified food products, such as tuna, salmon, and swordfish.
Dr. Caballero can also make recommendations for topical creams that contain vitamin D and other nutrients that can help with specific skin issues.
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that can help fight free radical-induced oxidative damage.
Another benefit is that vitamin E can absorb harmful UV light if it’s applied directly to the skin. This kind of protection can minimize sun damage and help prevent the development of wrinkles and dark spots.
In addition to using skincare products that contain vitamin E, it’s crucial to get this nutrient in your diet. In most cases, adults need approximately 15 milligrams each day. You can find vitamin E in seeds and nuts or take a supplement to ensure you get your daily dose.
These are just a few of the vitamins your skin needs. However, Dr. Caballero and our team can make personalized recommendations to help you keep your skin at its healthiest and most radiant.
If you have a skin issue that needs treatment, or if you’d like to learn more about how to take care of your skin, call 540-701-4656 or request an appointment online with Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center today.
