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Vitamins for Skin Repair

Skin damage occurs because of factors like smoking, poor nutrition, dehydration, improper or harsh skin care products, and environmental factors like sun exposure, pollutants and toxins. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, acne and inflammation are visible manifestations of skin damage. You can reverse these conditions by consuming vitamins for skin repair through supplementation or dietary changes.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Your body needs the antioxidant vitamin C for tissue growth and repair, and to facilitate the formation of collagen, the protein that makes skin and heals wounds. The U.S. National Library of Medicine website says that you need vitamin C to prevent damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C repairs skin by increasing skin elasticity and protecting skin from sun damage. Consume between 500 and 1,000mg of the vitamin by eating green peppers, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, cantaloupes and mangoes.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E, along with fellow antioxidant vitamin C, promotes skin repair by reducing the effects of free radicals caused by sun exposure. This vitamin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, making skin look smooth. According to Acne Resource Center website, vitamin E reduces acne scars and prevents oxidation that causes acne breakouts. The U.S. National Library of Medicine website says to get 15mg of vitamin E a day from a diet that includes wheat germ, nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil, spinach and leafy greens, asparagus, corn, sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oils. Use absorbent topical skin creams and lotions that contain vitamin E to smooth dry skin.

    Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A is part of the family of antioxidants that includes vitamins C and E, vitamins that protect the skin from tissue damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants. Natural News editor Mike Adams says symptoms of vitamin A deficiencies include dry, flaky skin. Vitamin A repairs skin problems like acne, sun damage and psoriasis. Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, eggs, milk chili peppers, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and dandelions. Skin care products that contain vitamin A treats acne and soothe itching caused by psoriasis. Adult males need 900 micrograms of vitamin A, and women need 700 micrograms.

    Vitamin K

    • Your body needs vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, to facilitate blood clotting. According to the American Nutraceutical Association website, dermatologists find that vitamin K treats facial bruising and diminishes the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Get the Daily Recommend Allowance of 90 micrograms of vitamin K from cabbage, cauliflower, leafy green vegetables, soybeans and cereals.

    Selenium

    • Selenium, a trace mineral, works with the antioxidant vitamins to promote tissue elasticity and prevent damage caused by free radicals by reflecting ultraviolet light. The U.S. National Library of Medicine website says adult females need 55 micrograms of selenium, and adult males need 70 micrograms. Foods that contain selenium include nuts and seeds, shellfish, fresh and saltwater fish, liver, eggs, wheat germ, raisins, onions, shiitake mushrooms, radishes, alfalfa, brown rice and raspberry leaf.

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