The skin is the body’s largest organ and makes up about 16 percent of overall body mass. The epidermis, the outermost layer, serves as a protective barrier against environmental threats, such as infectious pathogens, chemicals, and ultraviolet (UV)exposure. It makes sense to take care of our skin so it can take care of us.
Various health authorities recommend reducing our exposure to UV light due to the potential risk of skin cancer. However, 32 percent of Americans suffer from vitamin D deficiency that may be caused by inadequate sun exposure. Insufficient sun exposure has been linked to an increased risk for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, and more.
To help maintain adequate levels of vitamin D, non-burning sun exposure is recommended. Healthy sun exposure is difficult to determine because it varies based on skin pigmentation, latitude, time of day, and time of year. As a health care professional, I can guide you toward guidelines for an appropriate amount of sun.
For overall skin healthy any time, it’s important to get proper nutrition. Fruit, vegetables, and other sources of antioxidants, such as green tea, dark chocolate, and nuts, are a basic foundation for healthy skin. Vitamins A, C, D, and E help the body protect itself against damaging free radicals. Some good sources of these vitamins include:
- Vitamin A: beef liver, shrimp, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach
- Vitamin C: bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, oranges
- Vitamin D: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, cod, etc.), cow’s milk (fortified), eggs, mushrooms
- Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, avocados, Swiss chard
Quality Supplements for Skin Health
If you struggle maintaining a nutritious diet every day then we can help. To fill nutritional gaps, Standard Process and Mediherb offer supplements that support skin health.
Cataplex F tablets promote healthy skin and hair while supporting the body’s inflammatory response function as it relates to periodic challenges like strenuous activity.
Calcium Lactate supports the absorption of calcium and magnesium as well as the maintenance and function of cell membranes. Calcium is a key component in facilitating the protective barrier of the epidermis.
MediHerb’s Gotu Kola Complex is a synergistic combination of gotu kola leaf and concentrated extracts of grape seed and ginkgo leaf to promote healthy skin and help promote, maintain, and support connective tissue and the body’s natural repair process.
Source: SP News Dr. Besuden
