The Four Best Vitamins for Skin
Taking good care of the skin is an important part of overall health. Because the skin is the body’s largest organ. The first thing health professionals say about it is to limit the time the skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun to keep the skin healthy, and to apply protective sun oil when exposed to sunlight. But the sun’s rays are not completely harmful. Just 10-15 minutes of daily exposure helps the skin produce vitamin D. Along with vitamins C, E and K, vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for the skin.
Getting enough vitamins for the skin makes it look healthy and young. As a result, dark spots, redness, wrinkles and dryness on the skin are reduced. Essential skin vitamins are available in supplement form, but can also be found as skin care products.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized when the skin absorbs sunlight. In the presence of sunlight, vitamin D precursors in the body are converted into vitamin D. After this stage, the vitamin comes to the liver and kidneys and spreads throughout the body. The skin is also involved in this spread and vitamin D plays an important role in the structure of the skin. It can even treat psoriasis.
Calcitriol is a naturally produced and man-made derivative of vitamin D. Calcitriol is a topical cream that is effective in treating people with psoriasis. According to a 2009 study, the use of calcitriol in people with psoriasis reduced inflammation in the skin.
You can increase your intake of vitamin D by getting at least 10 minutes of sunlight a day, fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, yogurt and orange juice, and naturally containing vitamin D foods such as salmon, tuna and cod.
C vitamin
A high percentage of vitamin C is found in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) as well as the dermis (the innermost layer of the skin). Its cancer-fighting antioxidant properties and role in collagen production help keep the skin healthy. Therefore, one of the key ingredients in many anti-aging skin care products is vitamin C.
Taking vitamin C orally increases the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to the skin against the harmful rays of the sun. It does this by helping the healing process of wounds in the body and reducing cell damage. In addition, vitamin C helps to eliminate the signs of aging. Because it has a vital importance in the body’s natural collagen synthesis. It helps heal damaged skin and in some cases reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Adequate vitamin C intake also prevents the skin from drying out.
Due to the availability of over-the-counter vitamin C supplements and the presence of this vitamin in the food we eat, deficiency is rare. It is recommended to take 1000 mg a day. You can increase your vitamin C levels by consuming more citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli and spinach, and by taking supplements recommended by doctors.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant just like vitamin C. Its main function in skin care; to protect the skin against sun damage. When vitamin E is applied to the skin, it absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun. Thus, it helps prevent dark spots and wrinkles.
Normally, the body uses vitamin E; It produces through sebum, an oily residue that spreads through the skin’s pores. In balanced conditions, sebum prevents the skin from drying out. In the presence of dry skin, vitamin E can compensate for sebum deficiency. In addition, vitamin E can help treat skin inflammations.
Most adults need about 15 mg of vitamin E per day. The need for vitamins can be met by consuming hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and taking vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K promotes blood clotting in case of injury. In addition, the main functions of this vitamin are to reduce scars, dark spots and under-eye circles.
Vitamin K is found in many topical creams produced for the skin. Doctors use creams containing vitamin K to reduce swelling and bruising in patients who have just had surgery.
Thus, the healing of the skin is accelerated. However, studies on the effect of vitamin K on the skin are less than vitamin C and E. Consuming spinach, kale, green beans, and lettuce increases vitamin K levels in the body.
Vitamin intake is essential for the healthy performance of body functions, while its deficiency causes various diseases. Because vitamins C and E protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, their deficiency can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. A blood test is performed to determine whether any vitamins are deficient in the body. Vitamin supplements should be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as taking too much vitamin in excess has harmful effects.