Thursday 9 August, 2007

the vitamin noise

Anti-ageing stories are what is doing the rounds these days. Skin care has never been more acutely evaluated and assessed. While we know now that the right vitamins and minerals are part of our skin care regimen, what are the essential ones that we need to look into.
Vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex can all help improve skin health.
Lets take a look at how and why such a noise is being made about them...

Vitamins C and E.
Among the most important new dermatologic discoveries is the power of vitamins to counter the effects of sun exposure.
‘Vitamin C can prevent the consequences of prolonged sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer,’ say experts.
‘Supplementation with natural Vitamin E in 400 mg per day has been noted to reduce photo damage, wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Researchers saw a reduction of factors linked to DNA damage within skin cells, leading them to conclude that antioxidant vitamins help protect against DNA damage.

Vitamin C and E help by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals reduce collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of ageing. When these two vitamins are combined in a lotion, they can be highly protective against sun damage, says the American Academy of Dermatology.
Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) But you may be able to help your skin stay healthier and supple by making sure you get enough of these antioxidant vitamins.

To make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin C, eat citrus fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens. These foods can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day,
You can find vitamin E in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus. But it's difficult to get a lot from food, so many people take a supplement but stay with 400 international units per day only.

Sudden dull flaky skin-
That's because vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. Without it, you'll notice the difference. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A.

Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and some psoriasis relief, all from using creams containing this nutrient.
doctors found that foods high in beta-cartotene—a form of vitamin A—appeared to reduce the risk of psoriasis.

The prescription treatment for acne called Retin-A is derived from vitamin A.
Vitamin B Complex. When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss
t's found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus your body also makes some biotin on its own.
Vitamin K. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles.

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