Are you getting all your vitamins?

[skincare_expert]

We've all heard that a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle are essential for great skin. But what about nourishing our skin from the outside in?

Most experts believe that applying antioxidants topically is the best way for skin to benefit. Here's a comprehensive guide to ingredients in skin care formulas that you can add to your arsenal.


Vitamins

• Vitamin A. Research shows that vitamin A improves the appearance of aging - or acenic - skin and can even reduce brown spots. When incorporating vitamin A into your skin care routine, look for retinol, a pure derivative that’s known for its potent age-fighting power, visibly reducing wrinkles and lines. You can also talk to your dermatologist about another more powerful vitamin A derivative: prescription-strength retinoids.

• Vitamin B. Vitamin B is shown to improve the signs of aging - especially when it comes to fine lines. It also helps the skin naturally retain moisture, making it an ideal ingredient for dry or aging skin.

To add vitamin B to your skin care routine, look for formulas that contain niacinamide or nicotinamide - alternate names for this nourishing ingredient.

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that stimulates collagen production, fights free radicals and prevents sun damage. Experts recommend picking a product that contains at least 5 to 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C that’s better absorbed by the skin.

• Vitamin E. Research shows that vitamin E can shield skin from sun damage, providing protection from UV rays. And that’s not all - vitamin E also helps skin maintain hydration, promoting soft and smooth texture from head to toe.

• Vitamin K. When it comes to essential vitamins, we rarely think of vitamin K. But Leslie Baumann, M.D., tells Natural Health that vitamin K can support healthy skin by helping bruises heal faster. Plus, this vitamin can also reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Minerals

• Selenium. Skin cancer is on the rise, so it’s important to arm your skin with protection. In addition to using sunscreen every day, consider incorporating selenium into your skin care routine for added defense. Some experts believe that selenium may help prevent skin cancer when applied topically - and taken in supplement form.

• Zinc. Another great mineral to infuse into your skin care routine is zinc - especially if you suffer from acne. Zinc effectively slows the production of acne-causing oil to reduce the formation of new blemishes while improving the appearance of existing lesions.

• Copper. For anti-aging benefits, look for products that include copper. This mineral aids in the formation of elastin - essential fibers that keep skin firm. In addition, research at the University of Pennsylvania found that topical application of copper peptides can quickly improve skin texture, lines, wrinkles and discoloration from the sun.

Other skin-nourishing ingredients

• Lycopene. This age-fighting antioxidant improves cellular function to ward off wrinkles. In addition, research also shows that lycopene protects skin from environmental damage and improves overall texture. While lycopene is often linked to a diet rich in red fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of products that offer an intense dose in topical form.

• Alpha-lipoic acid. Unlike most antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid can penetrate both oil and water, improving cellular function from the outer layer of cells to the inside of the body. Plus, it defuses skin damage caused by free radicals.

It’s important to stock your skin care supply the same way you stock your pantry: Look for high-quality products with key ingredients that promote the health of your skin. Whether you’re concerned with acne, aging or environmental damage, remember - skin that’s well nourished naturally looks and feels better.