Essential Skin Nutrients

When it comes to the skin, there are some nutrients that are quite simply essential for the health of the skin. In this article we will take a look at some of these essential nutrients that are required to keep the skin looking, and feeling healthy. This is the first in the series of three articles covering essential skin nutrients.

Amino Acids

Skin Perfecting Qualities

Amino acids are known as the building blocks of enzymes and the internal cell structures. For the skin to look and feel healthy, it needs a ample supply these nutrients.

Great Natural Sources

There are in fact eight essential amino acids that we must receive from the food we eat. There are another 12 that our bodies can make on their own. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy products all provide the essential amino acids. Beans, pulses and vegetables can be eaten together to get all of the necessary amino acids.

Vitamins

Vitamin A/Beta-carotene

Skin Perfecting Qualities

Vitamin A is a very powerful antioxidant and anti-ageing nutrient. It helps to keep the skin looking young and supple. Vitamin A can made from beta-carotene which is actually found in most green, yellow and orange fruits or vegetables. However, it is not advisable to overload on the vitamin A, as too much could actually cause toxicity. Therefore, it is best to increase beta-carotene in your diet to reap the benefits. Beta-carotene can actually work to protect the skin from the sun and from harmful free radicals.

On the Surface

Retinoic acid, which is a derivative of vitamin A is used to treat acne and problem skin. It is also very well known for helping to preserve the collagen in the skin for anti-ageing.

Best Natural Sources

The best sources of vitamin A are eggs, butter, cream, full fat milk, liver, kidney, herring and mackerel. The best sources of Beta-carotene are, carrots, spinach, cabbage, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, mangoes, apricots and cantaloupe melon.

Vitamin C

Skin Perfecting Qualities

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant nutrient and cleanser. Vitamin C is utilized by the fibrolasts in the dermis to make collagen, which helps maintain the skins elasticity. Vitamin C also reduces the risk of allergic reactions by reducing histamine and removing toxins from the tissues.

On the Surface

Vitamin C can be absorbed by the skin, it strengthens the small capillaries and reinforces collagen. It also decreases inflammation and reverses skin damage.

Best Natural Sources

The best natural sources for vitamin C are, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, limes, kiwi,rosehips,Brussels sprouts, peppers, watercress, spinach and tomatoes.