Who doesn’t want healthy-looking skin! Our skin requires a good balance of nutrients to perform its functions well. While external factors like pollution and UV rays can damage the skin, the nutrients we consume actually plays a significant role in our skin’s health. To keep our skin healthy, and skin barrier functioning, we will have to look after it internally and externally. In this article, we will be discussing why is it important to keep our skin healthy and the top 7 nutrients for healthier skin.
Having healthy skin is very important, and this goes beyond just aesthetics. Making sure that your skin is healthy means that keeping your skin barrier function and health efficient and effective at doing its job. You might ask what is the skin barrier and why is it so important? Well, the skin barrier function refers to the skin’s ability to protect the body from external stressors and also from water loss. The outermost layer of the skin is called the stratum corneum. It plays a crucial role in maintaining this barrier function. The stratum corneum is made up of layers dead skin cells that is being held together by a mixture of lipids and protein in order to form a protective barrier.
1. Protection
The skin barrier acts as a literal barrier, protecting the body from harmful elements like UV radiation and bacteria. It also protects our body from harmful external stressors such as pollution, allergens, and microorganisms.
2. Moisture Retention
The skin barrier also helps to prevent water loss from the skin. This allows the skin to stay hydrated and healthy.
3. Faster Healing
Healthy skin can heal faster form injuries, cuts, and any other forms of damage.
4. Absorption
The skin barrier regulates the absorption of substances into the skin. It allows some beneficial substances to penetrate while preventing the harmful ones from entering.
Convinced how important your skin barrier health is now? Let’s explore the top 7 nutrients for healthier skin.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the essential compounds that helps our collagen hold its shape. It also supports collagen production, which is key for maintaining skin elasticity. Vitamin C also helps our skin and wounds heal faster. It is also a potent antioxidant that protects us from free radicals and lowers our risk of getting skin cancer. Insufficient intake of vitamin C can lead to easy bruising, bleeding gums, and even slower healing.
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also absorb the harmful energy from UV rays, allowing it to decrease UV damage to the skin, preventing wrinkles, sagging, and the risk of skin cancer. Vitamin E works best when used in combination with vitamin C.
3. Healthy Fatty Acids
These healthy fats help the skin to maintain its moisture barrier. This will help to reduce the risk of dryness and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids work to nourish the skin and is important to help maintain the skin’s radiance and softness. Omega-6 fatty acids on the other hand are building blocks of cell membranes. It is essential for maintaining skin health and hydration.
4. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. It helps to regulate cell production and supports the skin’s immune system. The outer epidermal layer of our skin has 5 times more zinc than the dermal layer, and for important reasons. Zinc helps our skin to heal from an injury, and also plays an important role in the lifespan of our cells. It also important in helping to keep our cell walls stable.
5. Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral that helps has some anti-oxidative properties that can help protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV rays.
6. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to skin health. Both the upper epidermal and lower dermal layers of the skin requires vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents sun damage by interrupting the process that breaks down collagen. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant that provides the skin with protection.
7. Protein
Dietary protein is broken down by our digestive systems into building blocks called amino acids. These building blocks are then being reused in our bodies to create proteins such as keratin, collagen, and elastin. These proteins are what forms the structure of our skin. Certain amino acids also have anti-oxidative properties which can help to protect our skin from UV rays and free radicals.
Maintaining healthy-looking and functioning skin is not just about your skincare products, but also what you put in your body. By ensuring that your body is receiving the appropriate and essential nutrients is crucial in maintaining healthy skin. A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help protect the skin from damage, maintain its moisture barrier, and support collagen production. Good luck in your skin journey!
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