If there’s one thing I don’t miss every morning, that I rely on for complete body balance, and that I never fail to pack while I’m traveling, it’s my vitamins! You may scoff, but I haven’t gotten so much as the sniffles in years, and I’ve seen things like skin irritation, hair thinning, acne, inflammation and wrinkles reversed on many others (and myself!) just by an increase in supplements like daily vitamins!
Eating well is important of course – a proper diet and exercise is unlike anything else to combat aging and to give you supple, glowing skin! Unfortunately, the body delivers only a certain percentage of vitamins to your skin, no matter how much you ingest. Plus, there’s no way to send them straight to your open pores or brown spots!
In doing this, you’re giving yourself a running head start, and ensuring that your body is getting itself on the right path to healthy, happy skin! Here are a few vitamins that you can start with:
Vitamin A ( for Curing Acne/Wrinkles )
Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and skin. It exists naturally in liver, butter and eggs; and its precursor, beta-carotene, is in colorful vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. In order for the skin to benefit from Vitamin A, the body converts it to retinoic acid. If your skin has been feeling scaly and dry, then there’s a possibility that you might be lacking in Vitamin A. Individuals who are suffering from acne are also encouraged to take plenty of Vitamin A.
Natural Sources: eggs, leafy greens, milk, carrots, pumpkins, liver and more.
Vitamin B Complex ( for added hydration/reduced redness )
B Vitamins should also be added to your diet if you wish to achieve healthy skin. Vitamin B1, for instance, boosts circulation in the body and gives your skin a certain glow. If you’re a woman taking birth control pills then you are at risk of Vitamin B1 deficiency. Egg yolks, nuts and raisins are great sources of Vitamin B1. Niacin of Vitamin B3 helps your skin receive plenty of oxygen, which prevents development of acne among other benefits.
Natural Sources: Niacin-rich foods include tomatoes, broccoli and carrots.
Vitamin C (For Spots/ Anti-Aging)
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage — free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage.
Natural Sources: guava, grapefruit, sweet red pepper, green pepper, strawberries, papaya, sweet potato, kale, mango, pineapple, cauliflower, tomato juice, kiwi
Vitamin E (for Moisture/UV/Defense)
One of my favorites! Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are caused by a number of factors such as smoking, pollution and sun exposure. Free radicals are one of the major causes of premature skin aging. As a result, Vitamin E can be an important anti-aging nutrient. Any time you see a wrinkle forming or lack some sunshine, pop some vitamin E!
Natural Sources: spinach, chard, turnip greens, mustard greens, cayenne pepper, almonds, asparagus, and bell peppers.
Vitamin K ( For Young, Bright Eyes)
If you have “tired eyes” you may be lacking in Vitamin K! Dark green leafy vegetables and fermented foods are high in Vitamin K. While you probably have enough vitamin K to provide for normal blood clotting, you most likely do not consume enough vitamin K to allow for optimum skin (or bone!) health. People apply vitamin K to the skin to remove spider veins, scars, or stretch marks, and taking it internally can also help these things! It is also used topically to treat rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pimples on the face. After surgery, Vitamin K is used to speed up skin healing and reduce bruising and swelling.
Natural Sources: Vitamin K is a vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, scallions, basil, sage, paprika, asparagus, and cabbage.
Happy Living!
Thank you very much.
Love & Light
