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10 Doctor-Approved Supplements for Dry Skin

     

    10 Doctor-Approved Supplements for Dry Skin

     

    Oftentimes, it’s hard to achieve hydrated and healthy-looking skin. Of course, using heavier creams and moisturizers might be helpful, but skincare should start from the inside. Your skin indicates your overall health, vitality, and nutritional status. However, there are many ways to fix this issue and get hydrated skin. One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy moisture levels internally is by taking the right kind of supplements. Let’s review 10 doctor-approved supplements that can help you:

    1. Collagen

    Collagen is the main structural element of your skin. However, aging and environmental exposures such as UV light make collagen levels decrease. Additionally, these factors make the structure of collagen weak and rigid. Therefore, collagen supplementation is a great option, which may help but only if you choose the right type. Since it is a large molecule, supplements with collagen typically are not effective as this protein is broken down by your gastrointestinal tract. But the latest generation of collagen supplements contains hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. This improves collagen absorption helping your skin stay hydrated. It’s wise to consult a dermatologist to choose the most appropriate collagen.  

    2. Zinc

    Zinc is a mineral that’s important for your overall health. Zinc has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. And since inflammation may be one of the reasons for skin dryness, zinc can be a good option for you. 

    3. Vitamin E

    Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that works to restore damaged cells, including skin cells. Vitamin E deficiency is often associated with dry skin. This vitamin also acts as an antioxidant, that kills free radicals known to damage cell membranes. Additionally, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and may soothe skin redness and irritation. According to one study, this vitamin has helped revitalize skin in people with eczema.

    4. Hyaluronic acid

    Your skin, eyes, and connective tissues contain hyaluronic acid. Your body produces it naturally to keep your tissues moist. As we age hyaluronic acid levels typically decrease, which is why supplements may be helpful.  

    5. Astaxanthin

    Astaxanthin is an antioxidant contained in seafood and acts like vitamin E. According to one 16-week study, women had more visible wrinkles and drier skin than those who took astaxanthin. As a result, the researchers came to the conclusion that regular doses of astaxanthin may help fight skin damage and dryness caused by environmental exposure. 

    6. Fish oil

    Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for producing healthy cell membranes. Scientists suggest that these fatty acids can help with dry skin. One research has found that rats who were given fish oil had maintained skin hydration especially after taking the supplements for two months. 

    7. Vitamin D

    Our body can’t produce vitamin D without being exposed to UV light and that’s why most people are deficient in vitamin D. Lack of this vitamin can lead to dry and flaky skin. Vitamin D supplements can be useful but should be taken with a meal rich in healthy fat (it improves absorption).

    8. Probiotics

    Our skin has its own microbiome, which includes good and bad bacteria. Your skin is healthy and protected until bad bacteria begin to dominate. Disruption of your skin microbiome can trigger inflammation that always results in premature skin aging including dryness. Probiotic supplements will help regulate skin microbiome, reduce inflammation, and maintain the skin barrier. 

    9. Vitamin C

    Many people think vitamin C is beneficial for the immune system. But in fact, it can help fight skin dryness as this vitamin can enhance the production of your skin’s natural fats. Actually, collagen is better absorbed with vitamin C. 

    10. Linoleic acid

    Linoleic acid or omega-6 plays a big role in skin synthesis. These fatty acids are not produced by your body that’s why you need to get them from the diet. Higher linoleic acid intake has been shown to help reduce skin dehydration.  

     

     

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