Supplements for Optimal Skin Health (8 min.)

• Print Article

For decades, skincare lines have been advertising and selling expensive topical concoctions that promise younger-looking skin. Research has now proven you can achieve optimal skin health by simply increasing your intake of vitamins C, A, E, and zeaxanthin with supplements.

Skin aging is caused by two distinct processes—natural or “intrinsic” aging, caused simply by the passage of time, and environmental aging. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants increase the rate of environmental aging and can have a marked impact on the function and appearance of skin.

Exposure to chronic ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is also a major environmental factor that prematurely damages our skin. Consuming vitamins C, A, E, and zeaxanthin in your diet and/or through supplements promotes healthy skin and protects against damage.

Understanding Sun-Damaged Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the body and after years of sun exposure, the damage begins to show. When ultraviolet light hits the skin, it can damage your skin cells. When too much damage occurs, it can lead to cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma or the deadliest of all, melanoma.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns in their lifetime
• Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent

Cooper Clinic’s board-certified dermatologists recommend wearing daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.

Vitamin C Supplement For Improving Skin Elasticity

Vitamin C plays an important role in producing collagen which provides structure and elasticity in the skin. Transported into cells from the blood vessels in the dermal layer, vitamin C is the most plentiful antioxidant in human skin.

This potent antioxidant neutralizes and removes oxidants, such as those found in environmental pollutants and after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Research shows vitamin C levels are lower in aged or sun-damaged skin or even in skin that has been exposed excessively to pollutants and UV rays.

Vitamin C benefits include:

• Battles aging by stimulating the production of collagen, the protein responsible for making your skin supple
• Helps limit potential damage from UV rays
• Repairs damaged skin by increasing the production of fibroblasts and elastin
• Combats the appearance of wrinkles and roughness
• Helps wounds heal faster
• Decreases the risk of dryness, helping the skin retain water and hydration

Cooper Complete Basic One has 150 mg and Original has 500 mg.  In addition, Natural Vitamin C Supplement contains 850 mg of vitamin C, plus bioflavonoids to support cells, immune health, and healing,

Vitamin A Supplement To Reverse Signs Of Aging

Vitamin A works to speed up cell turnover, which occurs when new skin cells travel from the lowest layer of skin to the top, causing our dead skin to shed. It can also boost collagen and elastin while stimulating cellular repair, which in turn can give skin a healthy glow.

Vitamin A can be consumed through your diet and through supplementation. Cooper Complete Basic One contains 600 mcg (2,000 IU)   and Original has 900 mcg (3000 IU) of vitamin A.

Vitamin E Supplement To Counteract The Effects of UV Light Exposure

Yet another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E fights off free radicals or stressors from the environment such as unprotected sun exposure and air pollution that damage the skin. This fat-soluble, essential nutrient also has anti-inflammatory properties. UV light, sun exposure and the aging process reduce vitamin E levels in the skin. While available in both natural and synthetic supplement forms, natural vitamin E is more potent.

The amount of vitamin E needed is based on your age. According to the National Institutes of Health, teens, adults and pregnant women should consume approximately 15 milligrams per day. Most people in the United States where healthy food is available get enough vitamin E from food. Those with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or Crohn’s disease that affect their ability to digest or absorb fat may need more vitamin E. Talk to your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions, about your use of vitamin E supplements prior to taking them.

Vitamin E benefits include:

• Aids in moisturizing and healing
• Strengthens the skin’s barrier against the sun
• Serves as a natural anti-inflammatory that calms and soothes dry, irritated skin
• Helps widen blood vessels, reducing the risk of blood clots
• When combined with vitamin C, helps decrease inflammation brought on by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light

Zeaxanthin Supplement To Benefit Skin Tone and Texture

One of the most common carotenoids (antioxidants) found in food, zeaxanthin gives plants and foods their characteristic yellow and red colors. Many foods such as spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, pumpkin, winter squash, spirulina and egg yolks contain zeaxanthin. If your plate is colorful, chances are good you’re eating enough of this carotenoid to reap the health benefits.

Zeaxanthin benefits include:

• Improves overall skin tone and brightness
• Restores dry and dull skin to look and feel its best
• Serves as an active protector against the damaging effects of UV rays
• Works to reduce wrinkles

Collagen  To Benefit Skin Elasticity

Found in skin and connective tissues, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.  It is the primary protein required for firm, smooth, youthful skin. Adults lose approximately one percent of the collagen in their skin annually, contributing to thinning and wrinkling in aging skin. Wrinkles are signs the body may need additional collagen. Studies suggest collagen peptides may provide a modest improvement (7- to 20 percent) in wrinkles by increasing skin volume, hydration and elasticity. Cooper Complete Collagen Complex Supplement is a multi-peptide collagen powder supported by clinical research showing its effectiveness in promoting collagen production, natural healing, joint health and integrity, bone health, and skin elasticity.†

Remember, your doctor understands your health profile best, so it’s important to consult your health care provider about which supplements are best for you.

Shop Collagen

Cooper Complete April 26, 2022