Your skin is the symbol of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including its nutritional needs. The skin is one of the most powerful indicators of health. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, acne, and inflammation all are signs of poor internal health.

To treat skin problems, most people turn to mainstream topical cosmetics, including lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams. The following nutrients are among the very best to consume for healthy, young-looking skin:

Silica is a mineral that strengthens the body’s connective tissues - muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone. Silica deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and can hamper the body’s ability to heal wounds.

Zinc is an important component of healthy skin. In fact, acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. Zinc is also required for proper immune system function, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Dry, inflamed skin or skin that suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads can benefit from supplementing with essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet.

Selenium is responsible for tissue elasticity. It also acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as it can protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light.
Vitamins C, E and A are highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Consumers are advised to get their vitamin C from a whole food source, and not to confuse synthetic vitamin C with the real thing from plants.

It’s best to consume vitamin A from natural food sources rather than supplementing it, as vitamin A can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts in supplement form (vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin). You may also wish to consider taking beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and has none of the overdose concerns of vitamin A.