Skin Care Tips, Notes & More

Eating a sensible diet will help to maintain good health, help you to cope better with the pressures, pace and pollutants of modern day life it will enhance your daily performance, help you look and feel better too.

There is an important relationship between nutritional intake and skin health. It is well known that Vitamins have beneficial effects on the appearance of the skin and for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of “free radicals” that cause cell and tissue damage and are the most likely cause of the onset of premature aging skin. Studies show that the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex all help improve skin health and appearance and can improve overall health too.

Vitamin C.
Vitamin C protects against those free-radicals that can damage the cell formations that make up the structure of our body and our skin, damage caused by sunlight, smoke, and air pollution.
Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, berries, kiwi fruits and green leafy vegetables works as an antioxidant to neutralise the affects of free radical damage protecting both collagen and elastin that support the skin’s structure making it plump and flexible.

Vitamin E. Just like Vitamin C, this potent antioxidant helps reduce the harmful effects of the sun on the skin and can also help reduce wrinkles to make your skin look and feel smoother. (Be aware, though, that some recent research warns that large doses of vitamin E can be harmful). Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin. Those foods that are naturally rich in vitamin E include nuts, such as almonds, vegetable oils, seeds, wheat germ, spinach and other dark, green leafy vegetables. Another bonus with Vitamin E is that it's good for your hair too.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin tissue, the average diet will provide sufficient amounts of vitamin A, but if levels drop even a little below par, you'll probably see some skin-related symptoms, including a dry, flaky complexion.
Alcohol and coffee can deplete your vitamin A levels.
Skin care companies have been turning to vitamin A derived ingredients called retinol or retinyls for use in anti aging skin care products. The prescription treatment is called Retin-A, and it's used primarily as a treatment for acne. The good news is that vitamin A can be found in carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes, spinach, dried milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. NB Pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before using products that contain Retin-A.

Vitamin B. Biotin found within the vitamin B is a nutrient often recommended for strengthening hair and nails. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. However, deficiency is extremely rare.
When you are becoming stressed at any time and stress does affect your skin, your body will need extra amounts of vitamin B as they are necessary for the smooth running of the nervous system. Good sources of vitamin B are liver, fish, bananas, milk, eggs, oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain cereals and soybeans.
Creams containing B vitamins can give skin an almost instant healthy glow whilst hydrating cells and increasing overall tone at the same time. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin.
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Vitamin K. Helps improve blood flow and lack of this vitamin found in turnip, greens broccoli, cabbage cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, liver and Soya can be the cause of dark circles under the eyes.
Eye creams containing the vitamin K such as Eyederma can help effectively diminish dark circles under the eyes and minimize the appearance of broken capillaries or "spider veins" by strengthening the blood vessels beneath the thin skin around the eyes and preventing further leakage.

Antioxidants are probably the most effectual remedy you can invest in not only to offset the effects of premature aging skin but your health and wellbeing too.