Anyone can be affected by a skin problem regardless of age, sex, or skin type but, because many problems share the same symptoms, they can be difficult to diagnose. In many cases a trip to a dermatologist may initially be the best course of action.

 

There are, however, a variety of basic steps you can take to help your skin stay healthy. These include:

 

·        Eat less processed foods, sugars and fats

·        Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables – preferably raw

·        Stop smoking

·        Spend less unprotected time in the sun

·        Be aware that anti-histamines and diuretics can dry your skin

·        Wash less frequently & use unperfumed products

·        Be aware of, and avoid, causes of allergic reactions

·        Drink plenty of water to help eliminate waste product

Additionally, there are nutritional supplements readily available that can help relieve the symptoms and, in many cases, help control and encourage the healing process of many conditions and can positively influence the appearance of your skin.

Useful supplements:

Echinacea can be used both internally and externally to treat skin infections including acne, boils, abscesses and eczema Echinacea contains several elements that work to increase the production and activity of white blood cells. They also help increase the production of cells that play an important role in the body's defenses and of tissue that digests infectious agents that lead to suffering.

 

MSM helps the formation of collagen and elastin, essential to the regeneration of the skin. When taken in combination with vitamin C, these two supplements work synergistically to help the skin heal more quickly and to prevent new infections forming.

Omega 3, found in fish and flaxseed oils, reduces inflammation, and, according to recent research, helps to prevent wrinkles and can delay the ageing process of the skin. Scientists have also found that fish oils can limit damage to the skin produced by overexposure to the sun. Essential fatty acids are known to play a critical role in promoting healthy skin by helping to maintain the elasticity and suppleness in the skin and can prevent skin problems like eczema, dandruff and dry and flaking skin.

Omega 3 helps to inhibit the production of sebum in the hair follicle (an excess of which can lead to acne) and also helps to limit the high levels of inflammatory agents in the body that can lead to skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Selenium is an essential element in human nutrition. As an antioxidant, it is one of the substances that defend the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. These cell-damaging free radicals may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as skin cancer (amongst many others).

 

Researchers have found that skin cancer patients have significantly low levels of selenium and conclude that these precede, and may even contribute to the onset of, skin cancer.

 

Vitamin A is important to healthy skin because it shares the responsibility of controlling the damage that free radicals cause. It is this free radical damage that causes signs of ageing, wrinkles and fine lines due to lack of elasticity of the skin. It works synergistically with vitamins C and E and the mineral Selenium to help reverse the effects of over-exposure to the sun.

Even small deficiencies of vitamin A can affect skin health as, in addition to its anti-oxidant properties, vitamin A helps eliminate dryness and flakiness to the skin due to its necessity for the repair and maintenance if skin tissue.

Vitamin B complex helps to maintain the tone of skin, fights acne and improves circulation and metabolism – vital for healthy skin.

 

Many of the B vitamins are nutrients that form the basis of skin, hair and nails and even a small deficiency can cause dry, scaly skin. The role of some B vitamins is to hydrate the skin and retain moisture whilst others soothe dry and irritated skin. It is even thought that using a B complex can help reduce blotchy skin.