Good food, great skin!
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Effective in combating the attacks that can damage skin, and thus helping skin to increase its anti-radical defences, these anti-oxidant multivitamins protect cellular membranes and increase the skin’s tolerance to the sun.
Selenium: This oligo-element is found in meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese and all protein-rich foods. Selenium protects against sunburn, helps tanning and slows down the skin aging process by acting against free radicals. You need to eat a lot for it to be really effective (the equivalent of 200g of green vegetables a day). Most adults lack selenium, particularly smokers, as nicotine activates cells which need more selenium to function.
Beta-carotene: Carotenoids are natural pigments found in fruit and vegetables. In the form of melanin and anti-free radical stimulants, carotenoids boost immunity and contribute to cell renewal. Beta-carotene works against the formation of collagen disease, an enzyme which destroys skin structures. It is also a precursor of vitamin A (retinol). Carrots, spinach, apricots and grapefruits are rich in beta-carotene.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is absorbed by lipids (fat cells) and is therefore liposoluble. It prevents skin cancers, promotes healing and helps skin cell renewal. Vitamin A is found in animal tissues in the form of retinol. Sweet potatoes, cabbage, pumpkin and spinach are rich in Vitamin A.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is beneficial in the preventative treatment of skin aging. Mainly found in fruit and vegetables, Vitamin C is found in large quantities in spinach, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tomatoes and peaches.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E prevents cell aging by improving skin’s tolerance to the sun. It plays a complete anti-aging role combined with selenium and Vitamin C to prevent deterioration of essential fatty acids. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, cereal seeds, green vegetables, egg yolk and butter.
Saphia Richou
More information:
Free radicals: the body’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
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