If you are a Millennial, Gen Xer, or Baby Boomer, more than likely your skin care routine is also a top priority. But did you know that the skin is our body’s largest organ? So, what exactly is the main function of our skin? In this blog, we will address several key questions as a guide to maintaining skin health at any age.
Your Skin’s Purpose
To protect internal organs, our skin functions as a protective barrier from environmental factors:
- Pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi)
- Toxins (allergens, chemicals)
- Injury (cuts, scrapes, bruises)
- Dehydration (prevent water loss)
Additional Functions:
- Regulates body temperature
- Supports Immune System
- Sensory (touch, hot, cold)
- Metabolic (ex. Vitamin D production)
- Self-Regulatory (Heart, Digestion, Blood Pressure)
Our skin is more important to our health than we may realize!
Q: What vitamins are recommended for the skin?
A: There are multiple vitamins suggested by dermatologists; A, B-complex, C, D, E, K, Biotin, Minerals: chromium, selenium, zinc, and iron. Each of these vitamins serves a specific purpose. Vitamin A operates as a topical retinoid, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, removes damaged skin cells, and promotes cell turnover. Vitamin A can also unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Vitamin A also helps regulate sebum production which keeps the skin hydrated and balanced.
Vitamin B-Complex promotes cell renewal, collagen maintenance, improves wound healing, and B12 (Cobalamin) promotes skin cell reproduction, helping to heal skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema and acne more rapidly. B7 Biotin is essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier layer, supporting skin structure and overall skin health. Vitamin B3 Nicotinamide has been shown to reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals thereby protecting the skin from oxidative stress, enhances collagen production, skin brightening, by reducing hyperpigmentation, improves skin texture and since it is an antioxidant, can also help calm irritated skin.
Vitamin D has been proven to play a crucial role in maintaining skin health by reducing inflammation, improving skin conditions, and protecting against premature skin aging. This is because Vitamin D has shown to inhibit DNA damage, by inducing DNA repair.
Ultimate Beauty Health is focused on providing multi-functional, nutricosmetic supplements that include Vitamin C, E, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, B-6, B-9 (Folate), B12, Biotin, Amino acids, (the building blocks of collagen), Grape seed extract, and many other nutrients. All these natural ingredients work together synergistically to provide support for your skin.
How Circulation Improves Skin Health
In addition to vitamins, healthy blood flow circulation is also a key component to maintaining a strong skin barrier. (source: ChatGPT)
- Nutrient Delivery: Blood transports essential nutrients and oxygen to skin cells. Proper circulation ensures that these cells receive the nutrients they need to function optimally, which can improve skin texture and appearance.
- Waste Removal: Blood flow helps remove metabolic waste products from skin cells. Efficient circulation aids in flushing out toxins and byproducts of cellular processes, which helps prevent issues like acne and dullness.
- Cell Regeneration: Good blood flow supports the regeneration of skin cells and tissues. This is important for healing wounds and maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
- Collagen Production: Adequate blood flow is essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Healthy circulation supports the production and maintenance of collagen, contributing to youthful, resilient skin.
- Hydration: Blood vessels play a role in regulating skin hydration by distributing fluids throughout the body. Healthy circulation helps ensure that the skin remains properly hydrated, which can reduce dryness and flakiness.
- Immune Function: Blood flow supports the immune system by transporting white blood cells and other immune components to areas where they are needed. This helps the skin fight infections and inflammation, contributing to overall skin health.
- Temperature Regulation: Good circulation helps regulate body temperature by distributing heat. This prevents overheating and can help maintain a balanced environment for the skin.
In summary, healthy circulation and blood flow are vital for nourishing the skin, removing waste products, supporting cell regeneration, and maintaining overall skin function. If circulation is compromised, it can lead to various skin issues, so keeping your cardiovascular system in good shape is key to glowing, healthy skin.
And lastly, omega 3’s and magnesium for combined anti-inflammatory benefits, cellular function, skin barrier support, skin tone and texture.
Our top 5 recommendations for Skin Supplements:
- Multi Vitamin that incorporates the key nutrients for skin health
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
- Resveratrol
- Omega 3
- Magnesium
We also want to recognize the importance of nutrient dense food choices, (stay away from processed and “junk” foods.) exercise, fresh air, and not smoking helps tremendously.
Guest article from ultimatebeautyhealth.com