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It’s no secret that what you put in your body is just as important (and probably more important) than the creams and serums you apply to see smooth-skin results. If you are overhauling your diet and incorporating more good-for-your-skin nutrients, don’t neglect supplements that can take your regimen to the next level. Young looking skin starts with genetics and has a lot to do with staying out of the sun (and wearing sunscreen), not smoking, avoiding stress, and getting plenty of sleep. When you’re ready to give supplements a chance, this is the one supplement doctors say you need to be taking over 40 for younger-looking skin.
Vitamin A
As both a supplement and topical treatment, vitamin A scores a gold star, especially as we age and become more concerned with keeping our skin lax and resistant to lines and wrinkles.
“Vitamin A supplements are worth using for women over 40 to have healthy younger-looking skin,” says Clara Lawson, RDN. “Retinoids are one of the most active compounds found in vitamin A that effectively slow down the aging process by stimulating more collagen and diminishing wrinkles. They also treat acne and other skin-related problems including psoriasis.”
Retinols and prescription Retin-A are an effective topical ingredient that dermatologists readily recommend for clearer skin that is more resistant to lines and signs of aging.
“Vitamin A is a great antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals that generally cause skin degeneration,” Lawson says. “Apart from supplements, topical creams infused with vitamin A work as exfoliators that deal with skin aging signs and sun damage effects. Research has already confirmed that applying vitamin A is effective for improving the natural skin aging signs such as wrinkles and promoting younger-looking skin.”
The best way to get nutrients is via a balanced diet, though supplements are a great way to bridge gaps in your diet. Some of the best foods that contain vitamin A are spinach, leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, liver, and dairy products.
If you sense you aren’t getting enough vitamin A in your diet, it’s worth talking to your doctor about taking a supplement. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 900 micrograms for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women. One important thing to keep in mind that is taking too much vitamin A can have side effects that include nausea, vomiting, vertigo, joint pain, headaches, and other physical ailments. Always check with a doctor first before starting any new supplement regimen.
