Do they Really Make a Difference?

Take your vitamins, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen; could the secret to beautiful skin really be that simple? Almost. While these commonsense steps to skincare may not be the end-all solution to severely damaged skin, they do provide the foundation required to preserve and protect your bodys first line of defense - the skin.

The Miracle that is Skin

To understand how dietary supplements support the natural health of your skin it is important to learn a little about how this marvelous organ works. While most people don't normally associate the skin with an organ, it is in fact, the largest organ of the body and the first line of protection against the outside world. Temperature, humidity levels, radiation, chemicals and much more assault the skin on a constant basis. The selective permeability of the skin allows it to remain waterproof while retaining the ability to absorb everything from chemicals to UV rays. The unique properties and function of the skin take a toll; not only does the skin receive more than its fair share of abuse and bombardment from external influences, but internal chemistry and physiological functioning can also dramatically impact the skin. Everything from a chronic disease like Lupus, to short term allergies may irritate skin and leave it red, itchy and dry.

Building Blocks

Because skin is exposed to a great deal of damage on a regular and recurring basis, it is renewed more frequently than other organs in the body. In fact, the average person sheds dead skin daily while simultaneously renewing the underlying layers. This constant cycle of repair and replacement must be carefully coordinated to prevent scars, wrinkles and other signs of damage from taking place. Proper nutrition forms the building blocks required in the repair and restoration of the skin.

The numerous functions of skin also correlate to the types of dietary supplements used in the formation and regeneration of healthy skin. For example, in addition to providing a physical barrier against pathogens, the skin also helps regulate temperature by working closely with both the nervous system and glands. The nervous system benefits from items such as zinc and vitamin B while anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and other potent vitamins assist in neutralizing free-radical damage due to UV radiation or sun exposure.

Additionally, the skin itself actually performs a vital role in the synthesis of chemicals like vitamin D and melatonin. Vitamin D is instrumental to the overall health and well-being of the individual while Melatonin is known to play an important role in mental clarity, alertness and energy levels. Clearly, the skin is a critical component to the health of an individual and likewise, the health of the individual plays an important role in the vitality of the skin.

Shows on Your Face

Unfortunately, poor health, dietary deficiencies, long term sun exposure, toxins and other environmental assaults often result in long term skin damage that shows on your face. Hormonal changes and even circulatory issues may further impact skin tone, elasticity and the actual thickness of the skin itself resulting in wrinkles and other irregularities. Complicating the entire process is the tendency for the body to form scar tissue or heal more slowly in response to ongoing damage. The combination of poor nutrition, disease, environmental damage and the changes which take place in the body itself first begin to appear in the facial skin and eventually other sensitive areas including the throat, hands and remaining areas of the body.

The Healing Cycle

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to protect and preserve your skin as well as assist in the repair and regeneration of long term damage. The wisdom of the body has preserved its very own healing cycle designed to focus upon restoration and renewal each and every night. Often called the circadian rhythm, each and every person has their own unique sleep/wake cycle that allows them to function at their very best. For most people, the body begins to cool and slow down after the setting of the sun and immediately begins to produce important chemicals to help wake and revitalize you as the first rays of sunshine hit your eyelids every morning. In the interim, what may appear like a deep sleep is actually one of the most important times of renewal and restoration for both body and mind; as you sleep the body is able to re-direct energy from movement and put it toward making needed repairs and fighting disease, pathogens and other all important healing processes.

When it comes to beautiful skin, the ability to protect the skin during daylight hours and help the body in the healing process at night is critical to maintaining that youthful and healthy glow. Proper hydration, the regular use of sunscreen and vitamin supplements designed specifically with skin health in mind are not only the secret to a beautiful appearance but the results are more than skin deep; remember, what is good for the skin is good for the entire body. The ability to reduce inflammation, assist the body in removal of toxins and provide the basic building blocks the body requires to renew collagen levels and other important regenerative activities is enhanced by the use of the proper supplements such as the GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Detoxification Formula. Designed to cleanse the liver, digestive system, skin and kidney, GliSODin Advanced Detoxification Formula helps eliminate toxins that cause skin to appear dull and blemished while assisting your entire body in restoring its normal level of energy and proper function.

Supplement While You Sleep & All Day Too

Given the importance of sleep in helping to maintain the full function of the body, mind and spirit it should come as no surprise that certain supplements are particularly beneficial during the night. For this reason DERMAdoctor offers convenient VitaMedica AM/PM vitamin packs specifically formulated for skin care and designed to work with the natural healing cycle of your body. For example, the PM formulary includes calcium and magnesium (both which support rest and relaxation as well as bone health) and flax seed oil (a superb source of Omega-3 essential fatty acid vital to cellular repair).

The AM formulation is equally beneficial to the needs of the body throughout the day. For example, Vitamins A, C, and E are powerful anti-oxidants to give the body a little extra support plus B-complex, biotin and pantotheniic acid. Broad spectrum antioxidants such as green tea and grape seed extract, gingko, alpha lipoic acid, lutein and cysteine are also included for a complete solution that revitalizes and energizes in perfect coordination with the bodys own natural healing cycle.

Special Needs

For those with long term sun related damage, acne, chronic inflammatory conditions or other special needs the use of supplements is able to dramatically assist the body in reducing or eliminating the visible signs of the disease or other long term damage. However, special precautions are often required due to age, allergies, interactions with other drugs or other potential problems often associated with traditional supplements. Fortunately, you no longer need to suffer the visible signs of skin damage. provides a complete line of carefully formulated supplements designed specifically for those with special needs in mind.

Psoriasis, Eczema or Acne: VitaMedica Healthy Skin Formula is an excellent solution for those suffering from acne or other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Safe for patients as young as 12 years of age, these easy to swallow tablets are an all natural alternative to potentially dangerous antibiotics, steroid creams and other topicals designed to reduce the inflammatory process.

Acne: The VitaMedica Clear Skin Formula Daily Packs daily packs provide the right blend of vitamins, minerals and hyaluronic acid for a complete solution that aides the body in repairing, cleaning and healing the skin from the inside out. Vitamin A helps reduce sebum production while Zinc promotes healing and reduces inflammation. Detoxification herbs help reduce impurities within the skin that may result in inflammation and redness while Bromelain and selenium further reduce inflammation and speed healing.

Pigmentation Problems: An irregular, blotchy or hyper-pigmented skin tone can give the impression of advanced age or even illness. Fortunately, the GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Skin Brightening Formula promotes an even skin tone while protecting the skin against the effects of further sun damage. Best of all, it complements the effects of facial skin resurfacing treatments for a smooth complexion in just weeks.

Pre-Mature Aging: Hormonal changes, harsh UV exposure and a nearly constant assault of chemicals and environmental toxins results in pre-mature aging among more adults than ever. The body is simply not equipped to handle the full range of exogenous and endogenous stressors presented by modern day living. GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Daily Formula is one of the first orally effective SOD (superoxide dismutase) skin nutrients able to combat the effects of pre-mature aging. In addition to rejuvenating and hydrating the skin, it promotes a natural skin tone and protects the skin from harmful environmental factors to help diminish the impact of aging.

More Than Skin Deep

So, just to recapYes, supplements certainly do make a difference when it comes to your skin. They play a vital role in maintaining and repairing the health and appearance of your face, hands and even neck. Beautiful skin is more than skin deep - and so are the changes that take place within the body itself. Remember, the visible signs of skin damage are merely examples of the bodys inability to fully repair the damage or injury taking place each and every day. Inflammation, redness, chaffing skin and other visible inconsistencies demonstrate the bodys need for rest, hydration and proper nutrition required to successfully defend itself against pathogens, radiations and chemicals.

Allow the natural wisdom of the body to work its own magic by providing it with the key ingredients and natural building blocks it requires to successfully restore and renew your own healing rhythm each and every day; not only will you look and feel better but the results will certainly show on your face!

Shannon Perez
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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