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How Do I Choose the Best Supplements for Dry Skin?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

Choosing the best supplements for dry skin depends upon the severity of the condition. If dryness is mild, supplements may provide relief on their own. The best vitamins to take in order to increase moisture in the skin are A and B vitamins. There are also several mineral and oil supplements which can combat dryness. More serious dry skin can require additional products and moisturizers or prescription creams.

Some of the best supplements for dry skin are basic vitamins. A vitamin A supplement that also contains mixed carotenoids may help to increase the durability of the skin, which can further help to prevent dryness. Supplements with vitamin B can boost levels of elements such as pantothenic acid, thiamine, and riboflavin that help to strengthen and moisturize the skin. Getting sufficient vitamin C can help boost the production of collagen, which helps to plump skin cells, thus allowing for better circulation and hydration. Vitamin E provides healing properties which can help to fight dry, flaky skin.

People with dry skin may notice an improvement if they take vitamins A and B.
People with dry skin may notice an improvement if they take vitamins A and B.

Mineral supplements for dry skin can also be effective. When combined with vitamin E, selenium can fight against drying sun damage and preserve the elasticity of the skin. Zinc can help promote the healthy management of glands that deliver oil to the skin. The high sulfur content in l-cysteine can also help skin to regenerate and thus avoid retaining dry, older layers of cells.

Increasing water intake helps alleviate dry skin.
Increasing water intake helps alleviate dry skin.

There are several ways to increase the effectiveness of supplements for dry skin. Fish oil, which can be purchased in capsules, provides omega-3 fatty acids which can help to generate moisture. Drinking a sufficient amount of water also plays a vital role. A diet rich in foods with beta carotene, such as is found in carrots, can also be beneficial.

Factors that can lead to dry skin include environment, diet, and skin care regimen. Extreme weather conditions, such as strong wind, high humidity, and excessive heat and cold can contribute to dryness. An environment that stresses the body can also lead to dry skin, as overall health can be compromised. In addition to eating a balanced diet and getting proper nutrients, reducing the intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages can help prevent dry skin.

Over-washing or using soaps that are too harsh may also cause dry skin. Using a gentle, soap-free cleanser can help, as can using a rich moisturizer that does not contain cetyl alcohol. Washing skin less frequently may also help to combat dryness.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

I think fish oil or omega-3 supplements are really the best ones you could use. Not only will they make your skin better, they have also been shown to make all kinds of improvements in your health, as well as your brain. They can help decrease depression and increase concentration. Basically, they are close to a miracle pill.

It's unfortunate that everyone seems to know that now, because the price of them seems to have increased a lot lately. But I still try to take them regularly.

umbra21

@browncoat - I would argue it worth having a vitamin supplement in order to make sure you are getting all the right amounts.

Don't go overboard with them, but no matter how varied your diet, you are rarely going to match what people used to eat in ancient times, which is the ideal if you really want to keep your vitamins up.

So I think almost everyone could use a little bit extra of something. Especially since some vitamins block the absorption of others. Calcium can block iron absorption, for example.

And people rarely get enough vitamin E as it is present in oils like sunflower oil, that not everyone uses in their everyday lives. Vitamin E seems to be quite a good cure for dry skin, so it might be worth a try if you suffer from that.

browncoat

Instead of taking A or B vitamin supplements you might want to try just including more of them in your diet. Vitamin A in particular is quite easy to get, since it's in most kinds of fruit and vegetables, particularly colored ones like carrots and tomatoes. You can also get it in cheese, eggs and liver.

B vitamins is actually a group of different kinds of vitamins, many of which are water soluble which means you lose them every time you go to the restroom. But, if you eat a wide range of foods you should be getting enough each day to keep your skin healthy.

By all means, try a vitamin supplement and see if it makes any difference, but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on it if you are having a healthy diet (which is the best dry skin treatment!).

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    • People with dry skin may notice an improvement if they take vitamins A and B.
      By: Konstantin Kulikov
      People with dry skin may notice an improvement if they take vitamins A and B.
    • Increasing water intake helps alleviate dry skin.
      By: anyaivanova
      Increasing water intake helps alleviate dry skin.
    • Vitamin B supplements can help treat dry skin.
      By: milosducati
      Vitamin B supplements can help treat dry skin.