The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature, and even aids in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of us are interested in learning how to keep skin looking healthy rather than really keeping it healthy.
The best way to keep skin looking healthy – young, fair, radiant, supple, soft, and wrinkle-free – is to keep out of the sun.
How to improve skin health
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun bring about a healthy-looking tan but damage the skin in pigmentation, sunburn, and loss of elasticity. These can lead to premature aging in wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dark skin, uneven skin tone, loss of transparency, enlarged pores, and dryness. Even the best genetics, topical skin lightening treatments, and oral skin supplements would be of little use if one tan mercilessly and regularly.
Keeping out of the sun in the afternoon helps, but you will have to ensure that you use sunscreen if you cannot avoid it. It is especially crucial if sun exposure is for an extended period.
Assuming that one is already sensible about sun exposure, how can we further improve our skin condition? We know that certain oral supplements are effective for good skin health, but which are these supplements and how effective are they?
Supplement From Within
The first group would be vitamins and minerals, essential for the proper functioning of every organ.
The vitamins and minerals that can affect skin health include the B-complex, especially B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Overt deficiencies of vitamins B1 and B2 cause particular forms of dermatitis (a kind of skin inflammation). B12 deficiency is particularly detrimental to neurons and rapidly dividing cells, including skin cells.
Besides the B vitamins, deficiency of vitamin C, iron, and copper also affect skin health. All three are essential for synthesizing collagen, a key structural protein in the skin, filling the skin and giving it tone.
Vitamin A is critical for the normal life cycle of skin cells. Vitamin A deficiency causes the skin to become dry, fragile, and prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, excessive Vitamin A intake may cause severe toxicity, and we should avoid it.
Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene have been touted as anti-oxidants that reduce free radicals. (Free radicals result in skin degeneration and aging.) However, while free radicals and the role of anti-oxidants are beyond doubt, clinical results have not conclusively proved if supplementary vitamins and other micronutrients improve the skin quality and defy the aging process.
Excessive doses can be just as harmful as deficiencies, so it is best to abide by the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Topical Help
Oral supplements should go hand-in-hand with topical applications – sunscreen of at least SPF 30, creams (preferably with skin whitening agents), and moisturizer (preferably with skin lightening agents). Compared with topical applications, the effects of oral supplements are slower and more subtle. Consumers have to be realistic about their expectations because results will not be seen in 7 days or two weeks.
We recommend a holistic approach to skin health, comprising:
- A healthy balanced diet comprising all food groups as well as vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
- Keep a happy, positive mood. According to research, some skin conditions – such as acne and eczema – are more prevalent among the stressed.
- If you smoke, quit smoking. Smoke causes free radicals, damages the skin’s microcirculation, and causes staining of teeth and other discoloration.
- Minimize sun exposure and use a good sunscreen daily.
- Practice regular Yoga(the sun-salutation) to get flawless skin.
- Never rely on Beauty Parlours for skin problems because they will make money from you without results.
Disclaimer
This blog is only for your knowledge. Always consult your doctor first before following from the blog.