Vitamin E Skin

When it comes to vitamins, most of them benefit our entire body. However, there are some which are considered hair, skin and nails vitamins… because they are said to be particularly helpful for those parts.

Let’s talk about some of the most popular vitamins which reportedly fall under this category. However please realize that I am by no means a doctor so this information is not meant to be medical advice. Also the information contained here has not been evaluated nor endorsed by the FDA. No vitamin should be used to treat, cure, or prevent a disease. Please understand that I am just summarizing the information I have read elsewhere and do not claim to be an expert myself.

Biotin
This is perhaps the most well known in the category. Also known as vitamin H or B7, this nutrient benefits cellular energy metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins. Fortunately our bodies (assuming their operating normally) produce biotin naturally through bacteria in the intestine. Therefore deficiencies are few and far between. Because we get enough naturally, supplementation is optional for most people. The reason it is used in hair, skin and nail vitamins though is because there have been many researchers who have discovered evidence which points to it benefiting them. Therefore many hair loss supplements contain this nutrient. Because our nails are very similar to hair, it is often promoted for them too.

Vitamin E
Most people know about the vitamin E skin benefits (i.e. moisturizing) but not everyone is familiar with the other benefits of this nutrient. Many claim that vitamin E promotes a healthy heart and supports the immune system. Because it is a potent antioxidant, it also helps our body neutralize free radicals which are dangerous to our skin and may contribute to signs of aging.

Vitamin C
This is perhaps the most popular vitamin out there so most of us our familiar with its health benefits. Like vitamin E, because it is an antioxidant it probably benefits us in many ways since it is said to help fight off free radicals in our body. This is why it’s included not only in hair, skin and nails vitamins, but also many other supplements. Nowadays deficiency of this nutrient is rare (at least in developed countries) since synthethic forms of it (ascorbic acid) are added as a supplement in a number of things we consume on a daily basis. However ascorbic acid is not vitamin C in its natural form; rather, it’s a synthetic form that is only a part of the natural vitamin C complex). Therefore, many people are opting for what is called whole food vitamin C (the complete natural form of it).

Alpha Lipoic Acid
This is a rather newly discovered antioxidant which is thought to benefit our bodies in a number of ways. As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic is said to benefit the skin by helping to fight free radicals and therefore promoting healthy skin. There is a lot of promising research and studies out there about this, but like all nutrients, more research needs to be done to conclude its full benefits. More and more hair vitamins and skin supplements are now including this nutrient.