Skin health is a very clear signal of internal bodily health in general. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, inflammation, and acne can all indicate poor internal bodily health. Consuming unhealthy foods and staying away from healthy nutrients that are good for the skin commonly bring about skin problems that many people treat with mainstream topical cosmetics, such as lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams. While these products can be helpful for some skin problems, treating external blemishes with beauty products that are heavy in chemicals does not address the core internal problems that can lead to unhealthy skin: exposure to toxins in dietary and personal care products and poor nutrition.

Research has shown that skin reacts particularly well to certain minerals and vitamins, and especially well to antioxidants that nourish the skin, allowing for a youthful and healthy appearance. Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissue, and is vital for healthy skin. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, hair, nails, bone, and cartilage all benefit from silica supplementation. Silica deficiency can potentially lead to the skin losing elasticity and can negatively affect the body’s ability to heal from wounds.

Zinc is a mineral that is essential in dealing with acne, and research has shown that acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc can control some of the hormones that create acne by controlling the production of oil in the skin. Zinc is also an essential substance in proper immune system function, and can help in the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell.

For a variety of health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are an important source of supplementation, particularly in combating dry, inflamed skin, or skin that suffers from regular appearances of whiteheads and blackheads. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3, are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility. Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced in the body and must therefore be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that is responsible for tissue elasticity and acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals. Recognized for its reduction in breast cancer risk, selenium can play an important role in preventing skin cancer and other serious diseases, as well as in protecting the skin from excessive ultraviolet damage.

Vitamins are perhaps the most important source of supplementation, as with all part of life. Vitamin C is very effective in reducing damage from free radicals, like those caused by overexposure to the sun and pollution. Collagen and elastin, the two fibres that support skin structure, are consumed by free radicals, potentially causing wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that significantly reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin. In combination with vitamin A, vitamin E is very effective in combating certain skin cancers. Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and soothes dry or rough skin. Vitamin A has been shown to be the maintenance vitamin, in that it promotes skin rejuvenation and repair. Vitamin A deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion.