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The skin is the largest organ of the body and does the important work of keeping toxins out and nutrition in. The skin maintains the temperature of the body, creates the important D vitamin from sunlight, and retains the internal fluids that keep the body alive.
The skin requires certain nutrients to maintain its integrity. Poor nutrition can lead to skin problems such as dryness, psoriasis, eczema, sores, and rashes.
How to Combat Skin Damage
The skin can become damaged over time by unstable and highly reactive molecules in the body known as free radicals. Although free radicals are naturally present in the body, too many of them can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Free radical damage to the skin can be prevented by the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods including tomatoes, kale, blueberries, peppers, grapefruit, kale, broccoli, and other brightly colored or dark green fruits or vegetables. Other antioxidants include beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, D, and E.
How to Restore and Rejuvenate Healthy Skin
Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their ability to restore a youthful appearance to aging skin, to decrease skin inflammation, and to restore a shine to dull scaly skin, are an essential supplement for healthy skin. They can also help relieve depression, ease joint pain, decrease the risk of heart attack, and improve memory function. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include seafood, eggs, broccoli, beans, cauliflower, and walnuts. An adequate daily amount of omega-3 fatty acids will ensure healthy, intact skin that will keep external toxins and other harmful substances from entering the body.
Is Medical-grade skincare worth the investment?
Generally, yes. If you are shopping for a mainstream product, your cleansers, serums, creams, and lotions may contain the same ingredients but aren’t as strong as they could be. Clinical-strength products also contain more stabilized ingredients that last longer and aren’t breaking down on the store shelf, before you even bring the purchase home — Vitamin C serums are a great example of this.
Medical-grade products usually absorb more effectively and more deeply into the skin, for better results. They tend to contain fewer additives, which is great for sensitive skin types.
Here are some of our favorites, which are always available at your local Quintessa:
- Quintessa Skin Brightening Kit – prescription strength for treating pigment
- Skinmedica’s TNS Advanced + Serum – all in one anti-aging treatment
- Allergan’s Latisse – prescription-strength lash growth treatment
- Quintessa cleansers – Enzyme Cleanser or Revitalizing Cleanser
- Skinmedica’s TNS Eye Repair – Eye Cream
- ColoreScience Sunforgettables Brush – SPF 50
Do Supplements and Daily Vitamins Help Skin and Hair?
There is some controversy over whether or not supplements are actually effective. Some say that the optimal way to maintain the body’s health would be to eat a balanced diet since all the nutrients necessary to live a healthy life are found in the plants and animals of the world. Others say that the foods we eat today are not as nutritious as they once were and that vitamins are needed to provide the nutrition that the body needs. While it may be true that a balanced diet can provide all the nutrition necessary for a healthy life, the busy American lifestyle can leave little time to spare for cooking healthy meals. Vitamin and mineral supplements can help combat the nutrient deficiencies that lead to unhealthy skin. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals include B vitamins, zinc, sulfur, copper, selenium, and vitamin K2.
- B vitamins – B vitamins assist the digestion process, making it easier for the body to assimilate nutrients. Biotin is especially helpful as it is the base for the formation of hair, skin, and nail cells.
- Zinc – Zinc aids in the healing of skin injuries and wounds. Zinc also helps regulate the oil production of the skin and is useful for those who are suffering from acne.
- Sulfur – Sulfur aids in the production of collagen, a protein substance that maintains the integrity of skin and bones.
- Copper – Copper enhances the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for smooth, supple skin.
- Selenium – Selenium is an antioxidant that aids in skin repair.
A good multivitamin will contain all of these supplements and more to help repair and maintain the skin.
What is the most important skincare rule?
Using sunscreen will also help prevent unhealthy skin. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for maximum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours during extended periods of sun exposure. Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 and two, as the rays of the sun are the most intense at this time.
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