Some Top Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants for Skin

Our lifestyles have plenty to do with our appearances. Skin that ages prematurely is often an indication of poor health choices. Signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, sun spots, skin toughness, and sagging, are affected by type and quantity of exercise, overexposure to the sun and harsh elements, and of course dietary nutrition. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients are necessary for maximizing the body’s functions. The body’s functions, when properly regulated and nourished, are what keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Many people will see the telltale signs of premature aging creeping onto their faces long after they first took hidden root. Sun damage and poor health have long-term effects. Symptoms never pop up overnight. In the same way that those fine lines and blemishes appeared after continuous habits, it also takes a change in habits to revitalize your appearance. Most people seek out topical solutions as their only reprieve, but while topical solutions go to work at the surface level of your skin, skin-impacting lifestyle choices work internally eventually manifesting outwardly. The best skincare management therefore comprises a change in behavior in addition to topical applications, and diet probably provides the biggest potential for change. There are several kinds of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that are particularly good for repairing and maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

VITAMINS

 

Vitamin C

Function: reduces damage from free radicals caused by sunlight, smoke and pollution, protects skin from sun overexposure

Sources: citrus fruits, red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower

Vitamin E

Function: protects skin from sun overexposure, skin cancer preventative, reduce appearance of wrinkles, softens dry and rough skin (when applied topically).

Sources: sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, wheat germ oil, almonds, spinach, prunes, peaches, tomatoes, asparagus, cabbage, and avocados, olives

Vitamin C and E together combine to form a formidable force against wrinkles, photodamage, and poor skin texture

Vitamin A

Function: skin repair and maintenance

Sources: chili peppers, liver, dandelion, carrots, collard greens, apricots, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe

Topical Vitamin A has been shown to reverse lines and wrinkles, and give relief to acne and psoriasis

Vitamin B Biotin

Functions: forms basis of skin, nail, and hair cells

Sources: bananas, eggs, oatmeal, rich, and produced by your body

Vitamin B Niacin

When applied topically: retains moisture, anti-inflammatory, lightening agent for blotchy skin color

 

MINERALS

 

Silica

Function: strengthens muscles, tendons, hair, nails, cartilage, ligaments, and bone, skin elasticity, heals wounds

Sources: strawberries, cucumber, mango, rhubarb, asparagus, garbanzo beans, leeks

Zinc

Function: controls skin production of oil, immune system function, vision, taste, and smell

Sources: eggs, oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, poultry, lean meat

Copper

Applied topically, helps develop elastin, which is the very fiber that makes up skin

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Function: skin repair, moisture, elasticity

Sources: salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, safflower oil

SELENIUM

Function: antioxidant preventing free radical damage, elasticity, protect skin from sun damage

Sources: Tuna, salmon, garlic, eggs, brown rice, Brazil nuts, wheat germ

Obagi skin products contain some of these notable ingredients. Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Products contain zinc and copper, blueberry extract antioxidant, Vitamin E, and squalane derived from olives.

The Obagi-C Rx Systems and Obagi Professional C Serum contain potent doses of Vitamin C in a form absorbable by the skin.

Check out other Obagi products to find topical solutions that combine great vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with innovative therapy and scientific study to help your skin repair, maintain, and rejuvenate itself. In combination with other healthy preventative and proactive habits, these topical applications will help give you the vibrant skin you desire.