Supplements for Optimal Skin Health
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.
Natural Vitamin C 1000 Supplement
Natural Vitamin C 1000 Supplement contains 1,000 mg vitamin C (ascorbic acid), plus rose hips and bioflavonoids to support cells, immune health and healing.†
$18.89 Add to cartThis 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 Gummy Multivitamin contains 80 mg of vitamin C, while Basic One has 150 mg and Original has 500 mg. Dermatologic Health contains 350 mg of vitamin C. In addition, Natural Vitamin C Supplement contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, plus rose hips and bioflavonoids to support cells, immune health, and healing, while Vitamin C Gummy Supplement contains 250 mg of vitamin C.
Vitamin C Gummy Supplement 250 mg
Delicious orange citrus flavor Vitamin C Gummy Supplement.
$21.32 Add to cartVitamin 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 Dermatologic Health supplement contains 900 mcg (3,000 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.
Hair, Skin and Nails Supplement
Hair, Skin and Nails Supplement Dermatologic Health is physician formulated by board-certified dermatologists at renowned Cooper Clinic Dallas to support healthy beauty from the inside out.
$44.15 Add to cartThe 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
Good skin health is positively associated with eating fruits and vegetables which often include vitamins C and E. Cooper Clinic recommends a food-first philosophy and taking supplements to fill in the gaps.
While topical applications of these vitamins are available in various lotions, creams, and oils, they are proven to be most effective when taken through a healthy diet and supplements. Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health contains vitamins C, A, E, and 2 mg zeaxanthin. 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.