Besides the usual multivitamin and mineral supplements, there are a large number of dry skin supplements available in the market. These supplements often come in edible oils, tablets and capsules that offer beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and sulfur. These are substances that aid the skin differently from vitamins, but in equally beneficial ways.
The following products are popular examples of such dry skin supplements.
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1. Evening primrose oil is the oil taken from the evening primrose flower. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that must be taken from the diet. Evening primrose oil has been used since the early 20th century to treat eczema and dry skin, and has many other benefits for the rest of the body as well. It comes in capsules, and the recommended daily dose is two 500-mg capsules, three times daily. Most people can take evening primrose oil capsules without any side effects, but some may experience slight headaches and some gastrointestinal upset.
2. Higher Nature Essential Balance(TM) is an example of an edible oil supplement for dry skin. It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the forms of unrefined flaxseed oil, unrefined pumpkin seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and extra virgin olive oil. These essential fatty acids have been found to improve the skin's resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Scientific tests have also proven that regular intake of these fatty acids also improves the healing process of people afflicted with psoriasis and acne.
Besides the positive effects on the skin, these fatty acids also have wide-ranging benefits for the rest of the body. High Nature Essential Balance(TM) has been suggested to be used in food preparation, such as salad dressing, or even taken directly as a liquid supplement. It is not suggested, however, to use the product for cooking and baking, as it is best used cold.
3. Solgar Advanced Antioxidant Formula is a vegetable capsule that serves as a dry skin supplement by increasing the body's antioxidant intake. Antioxidants are molecules that hinder the development of free radicals, which are byproducts produced by the body's processing of oxygen. These free radicals damage and weaken the skin by stripping it of its protein and leaving waste products and molecules. Pollution, smoking, alcohol, stress, and excessive sun exposure are all causes of the formation of free radicals on the skin. Solgar Advanced Antioxidant Formula attempts to control the spread of free radicals and consequently prevent much damage to the skin. The daily dose for Solgar Advanced Antioxidant Formula is two (2) vegetable capsules a day, preferably after a meal.
While most supplements for dry skin are safe for consumption, some aren't, and it helps to pay attention to a product's nutrition information and what it claims to do. For instance, Vitamin A is essential for keeping the skin healthy by locking in moisture and preventing dryness and flaking. However, some dry skin supplements may contain excessive amounts of Vitamin A, and therefore should be avoided by individuals sensitive to it. The same goes for pregnant women and people with kidney stones or a history of such.
Other things to watch out in dry skin supplements:
1. Vitamin B1 should not be taken in doses larger than 75mg by people with diabetes, unless otherwise prescribed by the physician.
2. Vitamin B3 can harm people with glaucoma, stomach ulcers, and diabetes if taken in doses larger than 100mg. What's worse, doses of over one (1) gram can harm liver function in some people.
3. Vitamin B6 should not be taken in doses larger than 20-30mg by pregnant women, unless under a professional's supervision.
4. Pregnant women and children under twelve should avoid milligram (mg) doses of vitamin B12.
5. Excessive intake of vitamin C can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea, cramps, and gas pains. It may also aggravate stomach ulcers in high doses.
6. People with a history of high blood pressure and heart disease should avoid large intakes of Vitamin E. The same goes for women with breast, ovarian, or other hormonally-dependent tumors.
7. Individuals with kidney problems should avoid potassium ascorbate.
Always check with your health care provider and do a little research yourself when unsure about a particular dry skin supplement. Sometimes, it is healthier and friendlier on your budget to opt for a change in diet in lieu of dietary supplements. More fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and organic proteins will give you a measure of what most dry skin supplements offer, and at safer, much more manageable doses.
Supplements For Dry Skin
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