Your skin is the largest organ of your body, which means it can be especially vulnerable to minor ailments and blemishes. Here we take a brief look at the basics of healthy skin, and then discuss four supplements with sweeping and time-tested benefits for your skin.

A Word on Skin Health

Skin health is important, and not just for cosmetic reasons. Many people are conscientious about the appearance of their skin, and this should not be disregarded. However, skin health is important even more so because skin is the body’s natural barrier against invasion from bacteria and other foreign agents that could damage the body. Human skin contains a microbiome of bacteria, some of which support the immune system.

The health of skin matters for other reasons, too. For example, too much UV light exposure can damage skin, and potentially cause other health complications as well. Skin that is unhealthy can also affect a person’s comfort and appearance, such as when skin becomes too dry.

For all of these reasons and more, it is worth it to take steps to preserve the health of your skin. Lifestyle factors affect the skin, too. Avoidance of smoking and excessive exposure to environmental elements such as UV light is paramount. Food-wise, a diet that is rich in a multiplicity of vitamins is recommended, as well as sufficient consumption of proteins and healthy fats.

Four Natural Supplements for Protecting Skin Health

Here is a look at four of the most beneficial supplements for skin. These are supported by both scientific evidence and anecdotal evidence. All of these have properties that support skin health, and serve as a great supplement to healthy lifestyle choices (and not a replacement for them).

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help the skin, as a result of their ability to reduce inflammatory compounds, as well as insulin-related compounds which damage the skin. By reducing these compounds, omega-3s support collagen and other proteins which are essential for the structural integrity of skin. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids could be of help against skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and more. They can also generally assist in slowing the effects of aging on the skin.

Vitamin E is a crucial vitamin for skin health, and it comes in different forms. Alpha tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that is recommended for skin health. Vitamin E protects skin from something called lipid peroxidation, a process which results in oxidative damage on the surface of the skin. Less oxidative damage over time means a lesser chance of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. Evidence also suggests that vitamin E can support the skin barrier, and protect it against UV damage. Alpha tocopherol is present in both oral and topical skin products.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is of primary importance for the growth and maintenance of skin because it supports the production of keratin. Keratin is a major natural component of skin. Biotin can also help reduce inflammation, and might also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has so many benefits that they are hard to count. When it comes to skin, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can be of huge benefit. Research shows that taking curcumin can be helpful against just about any inflammatory skin disease, including psoriasis. Curcumin can also support the healing of skin wounds. Curcumin is one of the most recommended herbal supplements for supporting skin health by reducing inflammation.

If you or a loved one are concerned about the health and longevity of your skin, consider how these four researched and highly recommended supplements could be of help. It’s recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.