Complexion protection

[Teff 0]

Did you know that great skin starts from the inside? It's true: The right combination of vitamins and other nutrients can give you a youthful glow and help maintain healthy skin.

As skin ages, it naturally becomes thinner and more fragile, and your body takes longer to replace and repair old cells. The result can be a duller, drier complexion. While there's nothing you can do to slow the passage of time, the right nutrients can help keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

The following nutrients play a role in skin cell health. And unlike using beauty products that work only on the skin's surface, taking in the right nutrients every day gives your body the materials it needs to achieve a youthful glow from the inside out.

VITAMIN A (BETA-CAROTENE)

What it does: This powerful vitamin is essential for growth and cell division. In terms of beauty, this means that the nutrient helps your body replace old skin cells with new, healthy ones. Its antioxidant properties also help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that damage or destroy healthy cells.

Health bonus: Some studies indicate that people who eat lots of foods rich in beta-carotene have fewer or reduced health risks.

VITAMIN C

What it does: Like Vitamin A, this antioxidant protects against free radical damage, thereby helping to prevent cell damage. It also helps skin maintain a healthy makeup and fosters wound healing.

Health bonus: This nutrient has long been thought to boost immunity. Emerging science suggests that Vitamin C supplements (along with certain other antioxidants) may also reduce the risk of age-related macular issues.

Your daily needs: 60 mg

VITAMIN E

What it does: This powerful antioxidant helps boost the immune system and neutralizes free radical damage that is naturally created in our bodies every day.

Health bonus: Recent studies suggest an association with Vitamin E supplements (along with beta carotene, zinc, Vitamin C and copper) and a reduced risk of age-related macular issues.

Your daily needs: 30 IU

PHOSPHORUS

What it does: While phosphorus mostly works toward the formation of healthy teeth and bones, it also plays an important part in the body's ability to grow, maintain, and repair cells and other tissues.

Health bonus: In combination with calcium, phosphorus helps create the hard latticework that makes up the foundation of strong bones and teeth.

Interesting fact: Eighty-five percent of adult phosphorus is in bone.

Your daily needs: 1,000 mg

ZINC

What it does: This mineral helps your body produce new cells. It's also essential for wounds healing.

Health bonus: Zinc plays vital roles in vision, metabolism, and your sense of taste.

Interesting fact: The following groups are at increased risk for zinc deficiency: senior citizens, vegetarians or other people who eat very little red meat, and pregnant and lactating women.

Your daily needs: 15 mg

Edited November 21, 2008 by Teff

[`cherish 0]

This is very informative! Thanks for sharing

[Teff 0]

Anytime, cherish

[cookiez 0]

You forgot to mention that high level of Vitamin A may increase the risk of birth defect.

[Teff 0]

You forgot to mention that high level of Vitamin A may increase the risk of birth defect.

Thanks for the further input cookiez!