Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused by a variety of conditions. It may be because of the oil glands not secreting enough oil on the skin. It could also be attributed to environmental conditions, like cold winter weather or hot sun, cosmetics or excessive bathing. Whatever the reason may be, dry skin effects all of us at one time or another. Thankfully, it can be remedied with the addition of certain vitamins and minerals, all of which can be added to your diet or applied directly to the skin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes in two forms--retinol and beta carotene--and is the most essential vitamin for keeping skin healthy and moisturized, though only one of the handful that you need. The daily dosage should be between 300- and 1,300-micrograms based on age and other factors that may effect your health, like pregnancy. Vitamin A can be found in numerous moisturizers which can be bought at pharmacies, grocery stores and beauty boutiques. It can also be added to your diet through healthy foods like peas, apricots, eggs, spinach and oranges.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and can be taken in both through food and through sunlight exposure. It gives the skin strength and elasticity, which is necessary, when combined with other vitamins, to grow and renew itself.
Different people need to be in the sun for different amounts of time to absorb the proper amount of vitamin D for their body and skin type. People with a fair complexion only need to be in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, while people with a darker complexion need to be in the sun for up to three hours, as their bodies cannot process vitamin D as quickly their lighter counterparts. You can also attain vitamin D from fortified milk and cereals if you don't get enough exposure to the sun.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps preserve skin moisture and also stimulates the renewal and growth of cells on the skin. It also is an antioxidant that helps to keep the skin and body young. Good sources for vitamin E include sunflower seeds, asparagus, seafood and beef. Taken regularly with other vitamins--or just included in the general diet--vitamin E can make the skin appear softer and smoother to the touch.
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