Doctors and dieticians know achieve healthy skin and hair from the inside out. The secret lies in vitamins. For generations, women have tried everything from honey compresses to drinking gelatin to strengthen their hair, skin and nails. Researchers have identified a few fundamental vitamins that support radiant beauty. All vitamins are best absorbed by the body through foods. Nuts and "good fats," bright fruits, dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale, beans and lean meats are all good sources of vitamins. Supplements and multivitamins help, but are second best to food.
The Basics
While hair is technically dead skin, what we refer to as our skin, the body's largest organ, is living and changing all the time. Both hair and skin continue to grow and shed in waves. This process leads to a lot of dryness, itching, reddening and aggravation associated with skin and hair damage. Nourishing the scalp, hair and skin with vitamins will lend you an overall glow now and protect you for the future.
A, B-Complex, C, D, E, F and K are the core vitamins for healthy skin and hair. Deficiencies in some of these vitamins can cause hair loss, wrinkles, bruising, pigment change and skin discoloration.
Vitamins A and E help the skin to retain moisture and elasticity. They are known to slow aging in the cells and to produce sebum. Vitamin E can also be used topically, as in wrinkle or sunburn creams, but should be applied sparingly to avoid overdose. Both vitamins A and E can be found in avocados and many kinds of nuts, both of which are common ingredients in skin and hair beauty masks.
Vitamin B-complex is often needed during periods of stress, because it has a balancing effect on our systems. Biotin is the actual complex that encourages hair growth. Vitamin C is known as a cancer-fighting vitamin because of its ability to combat free radicals. It promotes good circulation, collagen production and healthy plumpness in the skin and hair.
Vitamins F and K are associated with healing. You may notice that K is used in special burn treatment creams and medicines. It has an ability to regenerate and heal skin. Vitamin F is connected to healthy fatty acids which are responsible for shiny hair, hormonal balance, strong cells and immune systems.
Other Helpers
Zinc has been known to alleviate stretch marks and prevent skin sagging. Magnesium and copper help oxygen flow, which encourages growth and health, and helps the body to absorb other minerals. Calcium and magnesium, available in most dairy products and other foods, help to strengthen more than just your bones. Oils such as salmon, olive, flax and above all primrose oil are wonderful for moisturizing, toning and treating hair and skin.
In addition to vitamins, plenty of hydration, rest, sunscreen and stress management will keep your skin youthful and your hair shiny and strong. Most of the strain our skin and hair endure is the result of vitamin deficiency, sun damage, dehydration and emotional strain. Stay healthy and happy and you will see a transformation in your overall well-being and beauty.
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