The Role Of Nutritional Supplements in Enhancing Skin Health and Aesthetic

Abstract

Background: The body's biggest organ is skin, which acts as a protective barrier against our environment and holds hydration and homeostasis in our bodies. Poor diet and increases in chemical and environmental burden can cause negative changes in skin structure and function. In increasing numbers of studies, it has been confirmed that micronutrients are of importance for skin health, and that they are being applied in both therapeutic treatments and cosmetic formulations. With the increasing concerns related to skin care, people have moved for invasive aesthetic methods and nutritional supplements to help with the problems, which nutritional supplements are considered as a brighter and more holistic approach.

Methodology: This was a prospective observational study carried out at Azeem Hospital and Skin Care Centre District Kasur. In total, 291 participants were studied and their use of nutritional supplements, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B, component, vitamin E, multivitamins, and glutathione, were recorded. Hydration, elasticity, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, redness, irritation, scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation were skin health outcomes assessed. Dietary nutrient intake associated with specific skin conditions was statistically analyzed for the improvements in skin conditions expressed in such parameters.

Results: In this study we analysed 291participants and used effects of several nutritional supplements like zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, multivitamins, glutathione. Hydration, elasticity, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, irritation, redness, scars, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation outcomes on skin health were assessed. We found 207 who used vitamin C which was the product most commonly used. One hundred ninety-nine patients had no breakouts while 139 patients had dramatic improvement in pigmentation. Another 121 participants reported marked improvement in skin texture and 117 in scars. Furthermore, 256 participants also agreed that vitamin C helped reduce oiliness. Vitamin C also had the highest mode of improvement for all skin concerns as well as a statistically significant higher mean improvement score as compared with other supplements. 18 of 21 participants using multivitamins experienced high improvement in pigmentation without any breakouts. Multivitamins were actually quite effective, though lower than vitamin C, with a moderate mean improvement score and always positive mode. Limited representation with variable or only modest effects were found for other supplements (zinc, vitamin E, glutathione, and vitamin B complex).

Conclusion: This study shows that taking vitamin C very beneficial for skin overall. Vitamin C was the most common used supplement with the highest improvement rates across a range of skin concerns such as reduced breakouts, improved pigmentation, texture and scar reduction. Moderately positive effects were also seen in multivitamins, but less so than with vitamin C. Limited or more variable impacts were found with other supplements, such as zinc, vitamin E, glutathione, and vitamin B complex. Our results emphasize the critical role of certain micronutrients, particularly vitamin C, in maintenance of healthy skin structure and function, and appearance. Vitamin C rich supplements should be taken as a part of the overall skin health regimen by healthcare provider and consumer.