Christy Brissette, MSc, RD
Does winter leave your skin a little dry, red, and flaky? Using natural products and moisturizing regularly are helpful, but your skin care routine is only half the battle. When it comes to flaunting radiant, supple skin, it’s what’s inside that counts!
Here are the top five nutrients for healthy skin that will help you get a healthy glow in no time.
Nutrient |
Skin-soothing powers |
Fabulous food sources |
Supplement tips |
| Omega-3s | Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for healthy cell membranes, helping your skin remove waste and lock in moisture. They lower inflammation and may reduce signs of aging. |
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If you don’t like fish or have certain health conditions such as coronary heart disease, you may need a supplement. Choose capsules that have been verified to be low in mercury and PCBs. |
| Vitamin C | This powerful antioxidant produces collagen, which promotes skin elasticity and healing. |
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Have five servings of fruits and veggies daily and you’ll get more than double the amount of vitamin C most people need for good health! If you can’t meet this goal, ascorbic acid is the best form of supplemental vitamin C. |
| Vitamin E | Vitamin E protects skin from free-radical damage, slowing aging. It helps widen blood vessels to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin. |
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Vitamin E supplements often contain at least 100 IU, four times the amount most adults need each day. Stay below 200 IU a day for good health. |
| Zinc | Zinc helps regulate oil glands, an important way to keep skin clear and soft naturally. This nutrient may also help repair skin damage. |
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Zinc is found in most multivitamin/mineral supplements. It comes in different forms such as gluconate and acetate. |
| Selenium | Selenium is a mineral that may help protect skin cells from damage that can lead to skin cancer. |
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Selenium and vitamin E work together to prevent free-radical damage. |
Staying hydrated isn’t just for summer
Harsh winter winds do quite a number on your skin, causing dryness, rashes, and worse. Staying hydrated year-round helps flush toxins out of your system and gives skin the moisture it craves.
Don’t like the taste of water? Try DIY spa water!
Step 1: Add fruit such as apple, citrus, cranberries, frozen berries, or frozen peaches to a glass container.
Step 2: Add a sprig of fresh herbs. Need ideas? Try frozen strawberries and basil, lime and mint, or cranberries and rosemary.
Step 3: Top with water, store in the fridge, and enjoy.
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