An Inside Out Approach to Skin Health

Having issues with your skin that even the best skin care can’t seem to solve? Consider having your vitamin levels tested for an inside out approach to skin health!

Here a few key vitamins to look at:

Magnesium

Magnesium is great for reducing inflammation, which often accompanies (or can be caused by) skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. In one study on over 3000 post-menopausal women, increased magnesium intake was responsible for reducing three separate biomarkers for inflammation: CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL6 (interleukin-6).  In fact, bathing in magnesium has long been considered a treatment for inflammation related skin problems such as eczema. Magnesium also helps regulate vitamin D, which is essential for the health of the skin.

Vitamin D

You may experience red, dry and itchy skin due to vitamin D deficiency. Intake of vitamin D can help you treat such skin problems. It can also reduce skin rashes.

 Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body inside and out. It can even help maintain the health of your largest organ: your skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, zinc is especially beneficial for inflammatory acne and related scarring.

 Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production, a protein that is abundant in connective tissues like skin, hair, joints, bones and blood vessels. When vitamin C levels are low, a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris can develop. In this condition, bumpy “chicken skin” forms on the back of the upper arms, thighs or buttocks due to a buildup of keratin protein inside the pores.

Keratosis pilaris caused by vitamin C deficiency typically appears after three to five months of inadequate intake and resolves with supplementation.

Biotin

Skin inflammation is one of the common symptoms of biotin deficiency. The common form of dermatitis that is found in people who are suffering from biotin deficiency is seborrhoeic dermatitis. This disease causes flaking and itching on the scalp that may lead to balding.