by Melissa Chichester
However, there are certain vitamins that can be absorbed through the skin for their benefits and at the same time improve the integrity, health, and appearance of the skin. And if taking care of your skin isn’t already part of your health and wellness routine, it should be! After all, it’s your body’s largest organ and the immune system’s first line of defense.
Living a healthy lifestyle, safe sun practices, hydration, and getting the right nutrients to your skin all play a role in skin health. Plus, when your skin gets the right nutrients, it can maintain its healthy and radiant appearance for years to come. Here are 10 surprising skin supplements that can be applied topically to support your glowing skin.
You probably think of heart health when you think about Co-Q10.* But did you know that the cells in your skin contain CoQ-10? In the skin, CoQ-10 acts as an antioxidant and promotes skin health.* In addition, topical CoQ-10 cream can be absorbed into the outer layers of the skin to help maintain a smooth and supple texture.
MSM – also known as methylsulfonylmethane – is a natural source of sulfur. Sulfur is a building block of glycosaminoglycans – key structural components in cartilage that help maintain joint cartilage. * As a topical cream, MSM helps skin look smoother, including on rough areas like the elbows and knees.*
Vitamin A is a general name for substances that include retinol and is essential for healthy skin.* Topical retinol cream and body soap deliver the nourishing benefits of Vitamin A to the skin to keep it soft, smooth, and youthful. This includes antioxidant support.*
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Vitamin E is one of the most well-known vitamins used for skincare. With its rich and thick texture, Vitamin E oil is highly moisturizing and softening. The antioxidants in Vitamin E nourish the surface of the skin to improve its appearance.* Vitamin E oil can be used all over the body because it is so gentle. You can also use a Vitamin E stick to smooth out rough lips.
Vitamin K is sometimes referred to as “the forgotten vitamin.” However, in the world of skincare, it is a popular nutrient used in creams for everything from body care to facial moisturizers. That’s because Vitamin K cream may help improve the appearance of dark spots and red skin that occurs from irritation or broken capillaries.*
Vitamin C is an important component of skin health.* It not only encourages collagen production, but it also supports skin health as an antioxidant.* The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that topical application is effective in delivering Vitamin C to the skin. Vitamin C is also a common ingredient in facial moisturizers to promote an even skin tone and brightness.
DMAE – or dimethylethanolamine – is an organic compound commonly used in skincare products. DMAE is used in skin creams to deeply hydrate skin and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.*
Collagen acts as the “scaffolding” of your skin, holding it up and making it look strong and youthful. Collagen not only supports healthy skin, but it also supports joints.* As a structural protein, it is found everywhere in your body but mainly in the skin. In addition to collagen supplements and collagen powders, you can also use collagen skin creams to support skin health.*
Magnesium is an essential mineral present in every cell in your body. It is known for its ability to support nerve and muscle health. Topical magnesium creams and oils help support magnesium levels in the skin and also have calming benefits.
Hyaluronic acid is a nutrient found in the deep layers of the skin and naturally made by the body. Although hyaluronic acid is a popular nutritional supplement, it is perhaps better known for its use in skin creams. Hyaluronic acid in skin cream helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin hydration.*
