Vitamins for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common skin condition that affects many people. Some have this problem since birth, while for some it is a result of certain nutrient deficiency or allergies. In many cases, the problem of dry skin aggravates during winter months and causes a lot of discomfort.

Vitamins Good for Dry Skin

Dry skin and vitamin deficiency has got to have some connection! Although there are several causes of dry skin, vitamin deficiency can be one of the main cause of the skin condition. Vitamins play an important role in maintaining skin health. Dry skin is a condition characterized by lack of moisture, resulting in dry, rough or chapped skin. It loses its suppleness and softness and becomes dry and rough. A more severe condition can cause redness, cracks, peeling, pain or a burning sensation. Lesions could also appear on the skin or it could begin scaling. Understanding which vitamins are necessary for healthy skin can help to keep the skin soft and supple.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the body, including the skin health. It has antioxidant properties and contributes to proper cell growth and repair, particularly of the skin cells. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin A, is between 300 to 1300 micro-grams, depending on the age and other health factors. A deficiency in vitamin A reduces the health and integrity of the epithelial tissue of the skin and can lead to dry skin. It is therefore, important to consume vitamin A daily, in required amounts.

Sources of Vitamin A:

• Carrots
• Green vegetables
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Apricots
• Milk
• Egg
• Cheese
• Liver

Vitamin B - Complex
Vitamin B - complex is extremely important for healthy skin and hair. Deficiency of these vitamins can lead to dry, scaly, cracked or chapped skin. This is the reason why many cosmetic manufacturers add vitamin B to their products. Niacinamide, one of the vitamin B group vitamins, is known to have positive effects on patients suffering from rosacea, a skin condition characterized by redness and dryness.

Sources of Vitamin B:

• Fresh fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk
• Meat
• Brewer's yeast

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed by the body for growth and repair of tissues. It helps the body to make collagen, an important protein that is used for making new skin cells. Moreover, vitamin C has antioxidant properties and helps in improving blood circulation. Hence, it is one of the essential vitamins for dry skin. Symptoms of deficiency of vitamin C include rough, dry and scaly skin.

Sources of Vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits
• Green and red peppers
• Pineapples
• Kiwis
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and can serve as a good moisturizer for dry skin as well as dry hair. As vitamin E has antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from the harmful effects and damage caused by free radicals. Applying vitamin E oil prevents breakouts and lubricates dry skin as well. It also helps in reducing the scars on the skin.

Sources of Vitamin E:

• Beans
• Raw seeds and nuts
• Leafy green vegetables
• Wheat germ oil

A balance of vitamins and other nutrients is necessary for good skin health. Now that you know which vitamins to take for dry skin, make sure you include all of them in your daily diet!