3 Nutrients We Love for Skin Health

How incredible is our skin? It is the largest organ in the body and is the first line of defense, acting as a barrier against environmental toxins and bacteria. It plays a role in protecting against UV rays, temperature regulation, allows sensation of touch and produces vitamin D. 

The skin is made up of two layers: the outer layer (epidermis), which provides the barrier function, and the inner layer (dermis), which ensures strength, elasticity and provides nutritional support to the outer layer. So you see why this organ is so important and why we need to nourish it with the foods we eat. Here we touch on 3 nutrients we love when it comes to supporting our skin’s health from within!

Vitamin C

Our favourite antioxidant to reduce free radicals formed in the body, helps connective tissue production and formation and supports collagen formation! In addition to all of this, it supports wound healing and overall skin health. 

Zinc

An essential mineral that helps to relieve symptoms of acne, pimples and minor skin eruptions. Like vitamin C, it is also an antioxidant to help reduce free radicals formed in the body and reduce free radical damage to the body cells. Zinc deficiency has been reported in some inflammatory skin disorders like dermatitis.

Fish Oil

We love fish oil for its beneFISHial effects! It contains anti-inflammatory properties to relieve inflammation, relieves symptoms of milk eczema and dermatitis as well as supports skin health. You can find these quality fats in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as walnuts, eggs, chia seeds and flaxseeds.

References:

Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/

Ogawa Y, Kinoshita M, Shimada S, Kawamura T. Zinc and Skin Disorders. Nutrients. 2018;10(2):199. Published 2018 Feb 11.