Skin Nutrition: 6 Skin Care Ingredients from Food and Vitamins

Nature has provided us with everything we need to nourish our body, and scientists discover which nutrients are best for specific purposes.

We’ve done our research to find out exactly which nutrients have been researched and shown to work for common skin health concerns.

The good news is, there are ingredients found in skin care products that address exactly those concerns, and we’ve outlined them here for you. Common health goals for skin include skin hydration, suppleness, smoothness, even tone, and healthy cells.

Here are six ingredients that you will find in topical skin care products that are derived from food and vitamins and how they work.
 

#1 Oryza Rice Bran Ceramides

Ceramides are the major lipid constituents that provide the “barrier” property of the epidermis (the outer layer of cells on our skin). When ceramides from rice bran are applied topically, they form a barrier that helps the skin retain hydration! Nature is seriously amazing. Need additional support? Consider wheat-derived ceramide oils in a convenient oral supplement, which is designed to support dermal elasticity, proper hydration, and lasting comfort. P.S., you may see ceramides referred to as “phytoceramides”. The prefix “Phyto-“ just means that it is derived from a plant (such as rice or wheat).
 

#2 Beta-Glucan

You may have seen those videos on how to make your own face mask with oatmeal, right? Well the science behind the use of oats on the skin tells us that it is because of nutrients found in oats called beta-glucans. Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found commonly in the bran of cereal grains, the cell wall of baker’s yeast, oats and mushrooms. When applied topically, beta-glucans have been shown to lock in skin moisture. They stimulate fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) to produce procollagen and collagen by aiding in the release of certain transcription factors such as nuclear factor-1 (NF-1).
 

#3 Vitamin C

Most people commonly associate vitamin C with citrus and immune health. When applied topically, vitamin C has been shown to support skin hydration, smoothness, tone, and collagen production.
 

#4 Vitamin E

If you have ever gotten more than your recommended daily 15-30 minutes of sun exposure, chances are that your skin cells experienced some damage. This is where vitamin E comes in handy! When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to support a healthy cellular response to ultraviolet rays and safeguard from oxidation.
 

#5 Raspberry Extract

Raspberries talk to our genes? Who knew! Well, scientists know. Raspberry extract has been shown to support genes responsible for skin hydration such as hyaluronic acid synthase and aquaporin 3. Speaking of hyaluronic acid, this ingredient is another rock star to include in your skin care regimen.
 

#6 Green Tea

Green tea does wonders for brain health (and much more) internally, and it can do stellar work for our bodies when used topically. Green tea helps to maintain collagen levels and supports healthy skin immune function.