Wondering how some people have a very bright skin? It is just very simple, you too can own it if you consume a balanced diet rich in all nutrients. Most of them consider that minerals do not play a great role in maintaining skin health. Fact is that, minerals play a great role in preventing skin cancer, a deadly disease. Following is the list of minerals, the effect they have on the skin and the food sources rich in particular minerals.

Selenium: If you spend long hours in the sun, then you are at high risk for skin cancer. You can just overcome it by daily intake of selenium. Foods rich in selenium include whole grains, cereals, garlic and eggs.

Copper: Copper along with vitamin-c and zinc contributes to the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Skin loses its firmness with age. You can regain it to some extent by regular application of copper rich creams on skin surface. Copper deficiency is very rarely observed.

Zinc: This should be the mineral of choice for people suffering with acne. Daily intake of zinc supplements or superficial application of zinc rich creams will help to clear acne very easily. Acne sometimes manifests as a result of zinc deficiency.

Apart from the well known vitamins and minerals there are many great compounds that offer protection to skin. Let’s have a look at some of those compounds.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A potent antioxidant that acts to protect the skin both externally and internally. Any compound can either act on oily external skin surface or the non oily internal surface, but alpha-lipoic acid because of its ability to dissolve in both oil and water offers overall skin protection. Its anti-oxidant property breakdowns the free radicals thereby, offering protection against skin cancer. Studies show that alpha-lipoic acid is capable of repairing any damage caused to skin DNA, a potent reason for skin cancer.

DMAE: It is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin membranes from damage caused by harsh sun rays and cigarette smoke. Owing to the antioxidant property, it damages the free radicals and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that DMAE plays role in delaying the formation of age spots by preventing the formation of lipofuscin, a brown pigment responsible for age spots.

Alpha-lipoic acid and DMAE are available either as supplements or as topical applications.

Hyaluronic Acid: Another important compound that plays great role in maintaining the skin moisture and firmness. It is known fact that skin remains firm, if all of its cells adhere to each other. Hyaluronic acid provides the necessary glue action that is needed for the cells to be intact. In addition to gluing action, hyaluronic acid is also known for retaining great amounts of water, and this plays great role in maintaining the moisture content of the skin.

Essential Fatty Acids: These play a crucial role in sebum production. Deficiency of EFA results in skin problems like white and black heads that make your skin rough and in worst cases unpleasant. The situation can be improved by taking foods rich in essential fatty acids like safflower oil, sardines and fish oil. By consumption of these foods in recommended quantities you can own a smooth, young looking skin.

Mark Perry

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