Clive Anderson - AT THE DERMATOLOGIST HEALTHY EATING habits are necessary not only for general good health but also for healthy skin. All the nutrients play a role in maintaining healthy skin.
Vitamin C helps to build collagen and ground substance, which form the scaffolding between tissues. As we get older, skin that is sun damaged loses this scaffolding, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. A vitamin C deficiency can result in easy bruising of the skin and loss of elasticity.
A severe deficiency called scurvy is usually only a problem where there is lack of access to fruits and vegetables. The initial sign of scurvy is a rough rash on the upper arms back, buttocks and lower extremities with coiled hairs. Later haemorrhaging occurs to gums and skin.
Vitamin B complex is a group of B vitamins of great significance to the skin. Deficiency in certain B vitamins in this group may lead to fissures at the side of the mouth, sore lips and tongue. The tongue becomes red and smooth. A scaly dermatitis may develop around the nose, eyes ears and genitalia. Other deficiencies may cause hyperpigmentation especially pronounced in the skin flexures and pigmented streaks in the nails.
Pellagra is a condition that is rarely seen. It is a deficiency of vitamin B3 or Niacin. The classic triad of pellagra is dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia. Redness and scaling develops on areas exposed to sunlight. The changes in the skin resemble sunburn. Folic acid is present in liver, meat, green leafy vegetables and milk.
Skin manifestations of a folic acid deficiency are dry, cracked lips and sores in the mouth. Vitamin A maintains the epithelial tissues affecting the growth and differentiation of skin cells. Vitamin A deficiency is rarely seen except in persons who consume large amounts of alcohol. The classical manifestation of a Vitamin A deficiency is extremely dry skin.
A high intake of foods or supplements containing carotene (Vitamin A) may induce carotenoderma due to excess carotenes in the sweat, leading to orange discolouration of the skin on the palms and soles.
Biotin deficiency may present with hair loss and eczema around the nose and mouth. Biotin supplements may be helpful in strengthening the nails and preventing splitting. Zinc plays a role in the healing of injury to the skin and there are reports of some benefit in the treatment of acne.
APPLYING VITAMINS
Are there any benefits from applying the vitamins directly to the skin? Research shows that only some vitamins may be absorbed through the skin. Among these are:
Vitamin A: Related compounds called retinoids are popular for their anti-ageing effect and when applied topically improve wrinkling, brown spots and even pre-cancerous growths.
Vitamin C: Acts to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The cream is also good for reducing the irritation of sunburn. Vitamin C is known for its anti-oxidant potential and the topical cream has been shown to improve photo-damaged skin.
Vitamin E: When applied topically may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin improving moisturisation and smoothness.
Panthenol: A form of Vitamin B5 commonly used in hair products to increase elasticity. It works by increasing the water content of the hair
Niacinamide: A derivative of Vitamin B niacin formulated as 4 percent niacinamide has shown benefit in treatment of acne.
A good diet for the skin then will be one that includes lots of brightly-coloured fruits and leafy vegetables and plenty of water. Some experts feel that our fruits and vegetables picked as they often are before ripening and stored for long periods may lose their vitamins and minerals and hence we all should take a multi-vitamin supplement daily to ensure that our bodies and our skin receive the nutrients they need to remain healthy.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a
Dermatologist.
