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Freshen Up Your Skin With These 4 Vitamins

Vitamins aren’t just for warding off the winter sniffles.

By definition, vitamins are the nutrients that your body needs to function, but is unable to produce on its own. As such, we obtain vitamins from food and oral supplements.

Of the 13 recognized vitamins, some can serve as all-natural allies on your path to a clearer complexion. Here are the vitamins you should incorporate into your daily skincare routine.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant is your ally in protecting against sun damage. When applied topically, vitamin E absorbs harmful UV light, preventing dark spots and wrinkles. This supplement is especially useful for those with dry skin, since vitamin E kickstarts the production of sebum, an oily substance emitted through the pores and the key to your skin’s hydration. While this powerhouse vitamin is included in many skincare products, you can up your daily dose by taking a multivitamin. Or, just stock up on trail mix — vitamin E is found in almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin D

In moderate doses, soaking up the rays can actually have benefits for your skin. Vitamin D is produced when sunlight is absorbed into the skin, and is transported throughout the body to create healthy cells — including skin cells. You can fulfill your daily dose of Vitamin D by getting ten minutes of sun exposure, or eating vitamin-rich foods like orange juice, yogurt, or salmon.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A facilitates the skin’s exfoliation process, helping to shed dead skin cells that build up within pores and cause acne. In addition, vitamin A’s antioxidant properties are an anti-inflammatory for the skin and can calm swollen, red breakouts. Given these benefits, it should come as no surprise that retinoids, the most powerful acne treatment products, are derived from vitamin A. Individuals suffering from inflammatory acne will especially benefit from eating foods high in vitamin A, like carrots and leafy greens, or supplementing their diet with tablets.

Vitamin C

Skincare’s anti-aging superstar, this antioxidant slows down the rate of free radicals, the unstable molecules that cause damage to collagen and result in wrinkles. As a result, vitamin C evens skin tone, revitalizes texture, improves hydration, and keeps you looking younger for longer. Another perk? Taking oral vitamin C supplements will increase the effectiveness of sunscreen, helping you in your fight against skin’s enemy number one: the sun. For more vitamin-rich foods, try strawberries, broccoli, and spinach, in addition to the vitamin C staple, orange juice.

Want to discuss the best natural treatments for your skin? Talk to a dermatologist to discover a personalized solution.