Skin Nutrition Supplements

Nutritional supplements can help clear skin that is acne-prone and also revitalize aging skin so that it appears younger. Several types of nutritional supplements can aid in different skin problems. The following types are most often recommended to treat and prevent the most common problems associated with skin breakouts and natural aging.

Digestive Enzymes

• Digestive enzymes help break down the food we eat in order to gather the nutrients from them. These help skin by cutting down on oiliness and helping to absorb the nutrients we do eat so they can help keep cells from becoming inflamed. Look for digestive enzyme supplements containing protease, peptidase, lipase, amylase, glucomylase, alpha-galactosidase, cellulase, hemicellulase, invertase, malt diastase, lactase, pectinase or phytase. Digestive enzymes are also found in raw foods that we eat, so be sure to keep them in your diet, too.

Vitamins

• Different vitamins can help the skin by acting in different ways. Some that are often described as specifically good for the skin are vitamins A, C, E and D. Vitamin A can help acne-prone skin especially as it helps skin heal more quickly and can be taken to help prevent future breakouts. Vitamins C and E are often suggested because of their role as powerful antioxidants, and Vitamin D can also help heal skin and even strengthen it over time, making it good for aging skin as well as acne-prone skin. Vitamins B5 and B6 have also been linked to helping cure acne; however, studies use a huge amount that should only be attempted with the guidance of a physician.

Minerals

• One of the most popular minerals recommended for skin care is zinc. Zinc can help maintain hormone production and regulation in your body, keeping your skin safe from breakouts due to hormone imbalances. Zinc can also help regulate the production of oils in the skin. You should take copper supplements along with zinc as zinc can reduce copper levels if used for a long time.

Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help to keep skin moisturized and keep cells strong and able to absorb nutrients efficiently. You can get the essential fatty acids by taking cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil or evening primrose oil. They can also be consumed by eating oily fish such as salmon or tuna.

Antioxidants

• Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, as stated above, are highly effective in ridding the body of free radicals and protecting it against outside toxins and pollution. Other powerful antioxidants that are recommended to help clear or revitalize skin are Beta Carotene and CoEnzyme Q10. Antioxidants can also be found in extracts of green tea, pine bark, grape seed and bilberry.