CosBeauty Magazine #76

Feature
If you aren’t getting adequate amounts of the all-important vitamins and
minerals in your diet, beauty may very well only be a supplement away. The
question is: With the hundreds of vitamin tablets, capsules, special apothecary
mixtures and herbs lining the shelves of doctors’ clinics, pharmacies and
retailers, how on earth are we meant to know which ones are the best for
beautiful hair, nails and skin?
While many people have been taking vitamin supplements for years to help
maintain a balanced diet, fewer people are aware of the benefi ts vitamins can
provide in the maintenance and improvement of the skin.
Experts have known for some time that vitamins affect the skin. A lack of
vitamins, for example, can make the skin appear lifeless, dry, blotchy or oily.
As a result, skincare companies invest millions of dollars on research and
development to incorporate vitamins into their products.
There are a few no-brainers for more healthy skin when looking into
the vitamins and supplements arena. These include Vitamins A, E and C,
antioxidants, selenium and the B vitamins, especially B3 and B5. If your skin
has a tendency to break out before or after your period, zinc is effective for
wound healing, tissue regeneration and hormone regulation. Vitamin B6 can
also be helpful for balancing hormones.
Essential fatty oils, such as fi sh oil, fl axseed oil, linseed oil and those found in
avocado, nuts and seeds, are also excellent for keeping your skin looking fresh
and radiant. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, supplement your diet with
fi sh-oil capsules.
These oils have anti-infl ammatory properties, which are good for the skin.
Some people think oil will worsen their skin condition, however this is not
the case. These ‘good oils’ have a lot of benefi cial properties, including
regulating the skin’s natural oil barrier (critical in keeping skin clear and
hydrated), as well as having anti-infl ammatory properties for problematic skin.
For stronger nails and hair, look to silica and biotin. It’s widely known for
its ability to improve weak or damaged hair and nails. As an added bonus, silica
is also great for your skin as it helps promote new collagen to form.
While adequate sleep, a balanced diet and nutritional supplements will
greatly benefi t your complexion, just as important is ensuring your topical
skincare is vitamin-enriched. Be sure to look out for the anti-ageing and
skin-regulating essentials: Vitamin A, B, C and E.
www.cosbeauty.com.au 67