Vitamins for Healthy Skin & Nails

Free radicals weaken nails and destroy healthy skin. Free radicals are like vampires--they hunt relatively healthy cells and turn them into free radicals until the body is overrun by them. The proper mix of nutrients can reverse this trend.

Multivitamin

• A simple multivitamin can help brighten skin tone and strengthen nails. The supplement should have a combination of vitamin A, B complex, vitamins C, D and E, with the minerals boron, copper, magnesium and zinc.

Benefits

• Extra vitamin C promotes skin healing. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) produces new skin. Flaxseed oil and water replenish skin moisture. B complex vitamins grow nails and fight infections.

Misconceptions

• Gelatin is not a good cure for weak nails. The nails need protein, but gelatin is missing two essential amino acids that are necessary in order to form complete proteins in your body once the gelatin is ingested.

Warning

• Avoid cigarettes, sodas and alcohol, as these promote rampant free radical manifestation.

Expert Insight

• Wear rubber gloves when completing housework. If you want to absorb moisture, coat the inside of the gloves with unscented talcum powder.