"Nobody wants to have skin that is as dry as the Sahara Desert..."

 

Cracked Surface Sahara Desert Dry Skin

If your regular skin care regimen isn't cutting it, try experimenting with different vitamins for dry skin can help. Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, such as seasonal changes, dehydration, aging, allergies, or a lack of micronutrients.

Depending on the cause of your dry skin, various treatments, such as medicated ointments and moisturizers, may be used to increase skin hydration. Furthermore, lifestyle changes such as drinking more water and taking certain supplements may help with skin dryness. Taking care of your skin should be an essential part of your health regimen. It is, after all, your body’s largest organ.

The first thing most health professionals will tell you to do in order to keep your skin healthy is to limit your exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and wear protective sunscreen when you’re exposed to sunlight. But the sun isn’t all bad.

Just 10–15 minutes of daily exposure helps manufacture vitamin D throughout the skin. Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for your skin, along with vitamins C, E, and K.

Making sure you get enough vitamins can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. This could translate to a reduction in:

  • dark spots
  • redness
  • wrinkles
  • rough patches
  • excessive dryness

 

Complete Vitamin List for Fighting Dry Skin:


Essential skin vitamins are available in supplemental form, but they are also found in skin care products.


Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E promotes immune system function, cell function, and skin health. Because it is an antioxidant, it is effective in combating the effects of free radicals produced by food metabolism and toxins in the environment.

If you have particularly dry skin, vitamin E may be able to help compensate for a lack of sebum. Vitamin E is also beneficial in the treatment of skin inflammation. While vitamin E is found in many skin care products, any benefits may be diminished by sun exposure.

Vitamin E may be useful in reducing UV damage to the skin. Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant. Its main function in skin care is to protect against sun damage. Vitamin E absorbs the harmful UV light from the sun when applied to the skin. Photoprotection refers to the body’s ability to minimize the damage caused by UV rays. This can help prevent dark spots and wrinkles.

Normally, the body produces vitamin E through sebum, an oily substance emitted through the skin’s pores. In the right balance, sebum helps keep the skin conditioned and prevents dryness. If you have particularly dry skin, vitamin E can possibly help counteract a lack of sebum. Vitamin E also helps in the treatment of skin inflammation.

While vitamin E is available in many skin care products, the problem is that any effects could be minimized upon sun exposure. Getting enough vitamin E in your diet is preferable. Most adults need about 15 mg of vitamin E per day. You can increase your intake by:

  • eating more nuts and seeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds
  • taking a multivitamin or separate vitamin E supplement
  • using topical products that contain both vitamin E and vitamin C (this can be more effective in photoprotection than those that contain only one of the two)


Fish Oil

Fish oil is derived from a variety of fish. It is high in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (DHA). The omega-3 fatty acid content of fish oil appears to be responsible for its health benefits. Mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon are particularly high in these oils.

Omega-3 fats are well-known for their powerful health benefits, including the ability to fight depression, reduce inflammation, and lower heart disease markers. Furthermore, they may benefit your skin and hair, which is a lesser-known benefit.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to moisturize the skin and fight red, dry, or itchy skin caused by skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This is because omega-3 fatty acids appear to improve skin barrier function, keeping moisture in and irritants out.


Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is essential for skin protection and rejuvenation. Vitamin D, in its active form as calcitriol, aids in skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It boosts the skin's immune system and aids in the destruction of free radicals, which can cause premature aging. Vitamin D is essential for skin barrier function and cell growth, as well as the maintenance of the skin immune system, which serves as the first line of defense against harmful pathogens.


Some research has linked low vitamin D levels in the blood to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, both of which can cause dry skin. Furthermore, vitamin D supplements have been shown to significantly improve symptoms of skin disorders characterized by dry, itchy skin, such as eczema.


Zinc

Zinc, a mineral found throughout the body, aids in the functioning of your immune system and metabolism. Zinc is also necessary for wound healing as well as for your senses of taste and smell. Your body typically gets enough zinc from a varied diet. Chicken, red meat, and zinc-fortified breakfast cereals are all good sources of zinc.


Zinc is known to prevent and decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from skin. It also improves the barrier function of skin, and helps to keep it hydrated and moisturized. It is beneficial for clear skin and helps to reduce the effects of sunburn and premature aging on the skin, which is why it is useful for people with dry skin.



Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose is a North and South American native plant. It is also found in parts of Europe and Asia. It has yellow flowers that bloom at night and close during the day. The oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose is most commonly used to make medicine.


Evening primrose oil contains numerous properties that are beneficial to your skin's health. Evening primrose oil not only moisturizes and soothes, but it can also improve skin texture and elasticity, addressing dryness, irritation, roughness, and wrinkles.



Probiotics

Probiotics are found in a variety of foods and are easily available in pill or tablet form, but their nature distinguishes them from other supplements: probiotics are live, healthy bacteria. These so-called friendly microorganisms are in charge of restoring balance in our bodies by ensuring that bad bacteria are kept under control and do not cause illness.


Probiotics have the ability to improve skin conditions and appear to have the ability to prevent wrinkles and increase skin hydration, among other things.


Topical probiotics improve moisture absorption and help to delay the aging process. Lactic acid reduces the appearance of wrinkles, tightens pores, and has exfoliating properties that help with dry and dull skin. They also have nourishing properties that help to heal sunburned skin.



Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red pigment that belongs to the carotenoids group of chemicals. It is found in certain algae and is responsible for the pink-red color of salmon.

Astaxanthin is a type of antioxidant. This effect may protect cells from harm. Astaxanthin may also help the immune system function better.

Astaxanthin protects the skin from oxidation, not only preventing but also potentially reversing the aging process. There are numerous obvious benefits to taking astaxanthin. While astaxanthin promotes skin smoothness and prevents inflammation, there are three significant benefits to consider when incorporating it into your skincare routine. First and foremost, astaxanthin reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Astaxanthin also aids in the lightening of dark spots. It provides effective protection against ultraviolet radiation, assisting the skin in protecting itself from sun damage. Simply put, it lightens age spots by preventing excessive melanin production. With our country's constant heat, an astaxanthin solution is the ideal complement to the SPF you use in your skincare routine.

Furthermore, because it protects the skin from the sun's damaging UV rays, it improves skin elasticity, keeping your skin smoother and moisturized.

It works on fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and everything in between to keep your skin looking young and fresh. More importantly, astaxanthin is completely safe to consume, with no toxicity or adverse effects associated with high dosage intake.

To promote healthy skin, astaxanthin can be applied topically. According to a study, combining topical and oral doses of astaxanthin can help smooth wrinkles, reduce age spots, and keep skin moisturized.



Collagen

Collagen is our body's most abundant protein. It is the primary component of connective tissues, which comprise many body parts such as tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles.

Collagen serves a variety of functions, including providing structure to your skin and strengthening your bones. It strengthens the skin and benefits its elasticity and hydration. Collagen fibers create the infrastructure for elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for skin's elasticity and hydration.



Vitamin C

Vitamin C is legendary in the world of skin care. This amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce the signs of aging.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Without enough moisture, the epidermis (top layer of skin) dries out, resulting in itchy, scaly skin and premature aging. Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Fortunately, vitamin C has been shown in studies to help skin retain water, keeping it plump and smooth and preventing it from becoming overly oily or dry. Individuals who received a vitamin C supplement showed significant and long-term improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness, according to the researchers.

Vitamin C is found at high levels in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) as well as the dermis (inner layer of skin). Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties, and its role in collagen production help keep your skin healthy. This is why vitamin C is one of the key ingredients found in many anti aging skin care products.

Taking vitamin C orally can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to your skin for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It does this by decreasing cell damage and helping the healing process of bodily wounds. Vitamin C can also help fend off the signs of aging because of its vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis. It helps to heal damaged skin and, in some cases, reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Adequate vitamin C intake can also help repair and prevent dry skin.

Due to the prevalence of vitamin C in over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, and foods we eat, deficiency of this nutrient is rare. The recommendation is 1,000 mg per day. If you find that you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you can:

  • eat for more citrus foods, such as oranges
  • eat other plant-based sources of vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, and spinach
  • drink orange juice
  • take supplements, as recommended by a doctor
  • look for anti aging skin treatments with vitamin C for treating dryness, redness, wrinkles, and age spots


Hyaluronic Acid

HA is the main component that gives your skin structure and gives it a plump and hydrated appearance. Hyaluronic acid is well known for its skin benefits, particularly its ability to relieve dry skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and accelerate wound healing.

Hyaluronic acid unclogs skin pores, which is one way to achieve clear and smooth skin. It has the ability to allow the skin to breathe and replenish scars. Hyaluronic acids natural hydration properties lock in moisture, making the skin radiant and supple. It retains moisture and deeply hydrates the skin. Incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine to boost hydration and provide the skin with even more valuable, rejuvenating moisture.


Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants with very similar structures. There are benefits to taking zeaxanthin and lutein for eyes, and these nutrients also help with health in other ways. Lutein, like zeaxanthin, is good for your skin. Furthermore, studies show that taking a lutein supplement may help you improve your cognition.

Lutein is both an antioxidant and a carotenoid, which is a type of vitamin. It has a connection to beta carotene and vitamin A. Zeaxanthin, like lutein, is an antioxidant and a carotenoid. Zeaxanthin is structurally similar to lutein. However, the arrangement of their atoms in these carotenoids differs slightly.

Zeaxanthin iis found in a wide variety of plant foods as well as some animal foods. Zeaxanthin can be found in orange and yellow fruits, as well as egg yolks. The yellow pigment zeaxanthin gives paprika and corn their distinct colors. Furthermore, dark-green vegetables like kale and spinach are high in zeaxanthin. Because green chlorophyll predominates in these vegetables, their color does not reflect zeaxanthin's yellow hue.

A 2003 animal study investigated the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on UV-induced inflammation. The study found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements orally reduced the effect of this radiation by reducing the acute inflammatory responses it elicited. In addition, a 2006 study looked at the effect of zeaxanthin and lutein supplements on overall skin tone; the trial included 46 people with skin ranging from mildly dry to moderately dry. Those who received 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin saw significant improvements in skin tone when compared to the control group.


Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential in aiding the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery. The basic functions of vitamin K are also thought to help certain skin conditions, such as:

  • stretch marks
  • spider veins
  • scars
  • dark spots
  • stubborn circles under your eyes

Vitamin K can be found in many different topical creams for the skin, and it can help treat a variety of skin conditions. Doctors frequently use creams that contain vitamin K on patients who have just undergone surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising. This may help speed up skin healing. However, research on vitamin K’s effects on the skin is more limited than that for vitamins E and C.

Adults need between 90 and 120 ug per day. You can increase your intake by eating:

  • kale
  • spinach
  • lettuce
  • cabbage
  • green beans

 

Vitamins are essential for Skin Health
As vitamins are essential to your health and body functions, vitamin deficiencies can cause adverse effects on the skin. Since vitamins C and E play such important roles in protecting your skin from the sun, deficiencies in either vitamin can increase the risk of skin damage, including skin cancer.


Talk to your Doctor
Vitamin supplements are easy to come by these days, so consult with your dermatologist or doctor to start a regimen for your health.

While vitamins are essential for skin health, you might already be getting enough of these vitamins through your daily diet. A blood test can help determine whether you have any vitamin deficiencies. You should only take vitamins with the guidance of a medical professional to prevent overdose.