By Shannon L. Brophy

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, although often overlooked as such and merely considered a covering or shell. Along with hair, nails and glands, skin makes up the integumentary system of the human body and serves to function as protection for all other systems and organs, as well as regulating temperature, insulating, sensing, excreting waste and performing other tasks.

Proper nutrition is absolutely vital for the health and condition of one’s skin for both the short and long terms, just as it is vital to the heart and other organs of the body for efficient functioning. No matter how many creams, serums, or treatments a person may try, none of it will make much lasting difference if essential nutrients are lacking. While genes, environmental surroundings and the like have a bearing on the conditions of a person’s skin, good nutrition is critical for the health of the entire body, including the skin.

Quench your skin’s thirst

Hydration is crucial for healthy skin. The body requires large amounts of daily water intake and the average person’s body is 60-70% water. It’s no surprise then that a major factor affecting one’s skin is how well hydrated or dehydrated he or she may be. Without water, skin cells (along with all the other cells of the body) are unable to operate at full capacity. Skin cells require water for regenerating new cells, transferring and metabolizing nutrients and detoxification. Over time as skin ages, decreased sebum production, the accumulation of free radicals and such allows cell regeneration to slow resulting in noticeable lines, wrinkles and other skin problems. However, adequate hydration provides ample opportunity for skin cells to perform at their best even as time goes by.

Vitamins help your skin too

Sufficient amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals also help optimize skin health. Numerous studies agree that vitamins C and E have been shown to offset the damaging effects of the sun. Researchers encourage people to consume these vitamins and use them topically for skin health, although L-ascorbic acid is the only penetrable form of vitamin C able to accomplish the task topically. Foods such as citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, while foods like nuts, seeds and other vegetable oils are great sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin A, found in many fruits and vegetables as beta-carotene, is terrific for repairing skin as it speeds up cell regeneration. It is also applied to problem skin topically and is helpful for lines, wrinkles, acne and other skin texture issues. Some common vitamin A topical solutions include retinol creams and prescription strength Retin-A.

Vitamin B complex is equally important for great skin. Biotin is a form of vitamin B and also a major component of hair, skin and nails. It can be found in foods like bananas, eggs and oats. Topical B vitamins such as Niacin can help hydrate the skin and keep it that way, aiding in the diminishment of lines and the reduction of visible aging.

Minerals of all kinds are wonderful for total skin health and the majority of people get enough minerals in their diet without even trying, especially those who take a daily multivitamin or drink spring water regularly. Minerals are important for helping keep the skin hydrated and for overall proper functioning.

Proper diet pays off from the inside out

Eating and drinking well is the cornerstone for beautiful skin. While other factors do play significant roles in a person’s overall skin health, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is fundamental for the skin organ to operate as it should; although I’ve highlighted just a few critical points above concerning proper nutrition, every effort should be made to live a consistently healthy lifestyle. This must be the first priority in a healthful skin regiment. When good nutrition is the focus, the addition of products and treatments enhance the skin and beautify what is already there.

As it has been said before, “True beauty comes from within.”

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