4 Vitamins You Should Be Taking For Younger-Looking Skin, According To A Dermatologist

Your skin is more than just a reflection of every pricey cream or amazing drugstore cleanser you score. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can affect the state of your skin — and may even be responsible for premature signs of aging. It’s true that genetics and lifestyle choices like tanning and smoking cigarettes can create premature wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. But just as true is that there are certain vitamins that can go a long way toward protecting your skin from cell-damaging free radicals. A diet rich in these vitamins can heal damaged skin and even balance your skin’s natural oils so that you experience fewer acne breakouts.

Most doctors aren’t exactly vitamin and supplement pushers (in fact, you should always keep in mind that the best thing to do before starting any vitamin regimen is to get a full check-up and find out if you have any vitamin deficiencies). But these four vitamins that you should be taking for younger-looking skin are among the most recommended by doctors — because they aren’t trendy powders or pills. They really work — and the proof is in young-looking, more radiant and healthy skin.

We read an awful lot about biotin as a miracle supplement for skin, hair, and nails, and we also hear a great deal about topical creams designed to address aging. But one dermatologist who spoke at the American Academy of Dermatology said there are actually three vitamins that actively help prevent UV ray damage, which is one of the major causes of aging.

“Despite advertising claims, almost all available topical formulations contain very low concentrations of antioxidants that are not well absorbed by the skin,” says Karen E. Burke, MD, in her presentation. “There are 3 antioxidants that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and actually prevent further damage: selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin C.” Experts also list vitamin D as a skin-healthy vitamin for its nourishing properties.