Our skin is the biggest organ in our body and is our first line of defense from our environment. It has 3 major functions which are protection, regulation and sensation. It protects us from impact, changing temperatures, chemicals and microorganisms. With so many different functions, we should take extra effort in protecting our skin and keeping it healthy. Having clear, smooth and glowing skin does not only contribute to how beautiful we look but is also a good indication of how healthy we are. With that said, let’s check out the different vitamins that can make our skin healthier and great looking.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is made when our skin absorbs sunlight. This is used by our body to create healthy new cells. It is recommended that we have a daily vitamin D intake of 600 IU (International Units) per day. The best thing about vitamin D is it is free. 10 minutes of sun exposure per day is enough to give you your recommended daily intake. For food, tuna, cod and salmon are your best sources for this nutrient.
Vitamin A
Though the sun gives us a free source of vitamin D, it can also potentially damage our skin. To be more specific, exposure to the sun can break down the collagen in our skin which is the protein responsible for keeping our skin hydrated. This is why you also need vitamin A in your diet to prevent the collagen in your skin from breaking down. Cod liver oil, spinach and broccoli are just some of the foods rich in vitamin A.
Vitamin C
It is most famous for being an antioxidant but it also has an important role when it comes to skincare. While vitamin A is responsible for preventing collagen from breaking down, vitamin C is the one that helps in producing it. Your body cannot store vitamin C, so you need a fresh supply of it everyday. Fortunately, vitamin C is present in almost anything that we eat on a daily basis. If on the rare occasion you are vitamin C deficient, adding citrus, spinach and strawberries in your diet is highly recommended.
